Best time to travel to Utah

The Maze, Canyonlands National Park in Utah

Most remote and difficult trail can become a true adventure for hikers

Best time: April–May | October–November

The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park

This area covers the least accessible section of Canyonlands National Park. Travelling to the Maze is really challenging due to dangerous roads and trails. There is no food, no water and no gasoline along the road. You will need high clearance four-wheel-drive to reach the Maze. Be ready for a long drive as a vehicle won't be able to move faster than 5 km per hour.

Most of the hiking trails start from the road. You can also get to the area on a jet boat from Moab. Visitors usually spend from three days to a week hiking and camping in this area. Primitive remote trails lead into canyons and various spectacular viewpoints.

Some of the most popular spots include the Doll House, Maze Overlook, Land of Standing Rocks, Golden Stairs, Orange Cliffs. You will also find lots of unmarked routes, and many canyons look quite similar and hard to identify so a topographic map will be handy during this hike.

Every hiker on this trail should have basic climbing skills. Those who have the fear of height will find themselves uncomfortable along the way. Whoever wants to hike for more than a day will need a special permit. Spring and fall are the most popular months, during which the demand usually exceeds the available number of permits. If you plan a visit in one of these seasons, be sure to book your permit in advance.

Most weekends in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) rangers in The Maze run guided hikes in Horseshoe Canyon, so it's another reason to pick this time period for a visit.

Practical info

When should visitors plan to visit the Maze in Canyonlands National Park?

The best time to visit the Maze is during either spring or fall. During these months, the park offers guided hikes in Horseshoe Canyon most weekends, but visitors should note that demand usually exceeds the permit availability, and advance booking is therefore essential. Show more

How can tourists access a topographic map of the Maze?

To purchase a detailed topographic map of the Maze, tourists can obtain one from either the Moab-based Canyonlands Natural History Association or the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. These maps contain details about the remote trails, viewpoints, and canyons, and are essential to have during a hike in the Maze. Maps can be procured in advance or on-site. Show more

What are some of the most popular hiking trails in the Maze?

Doll House, Maze Overlook, Land of Standing Rocks, Golden Stairs, and Orange Cliffs are among the Maze's most sought-after hiking trails. Visitors should keep in mind that many unmarked routes can be challenging to navigate and that hikers are required to be comfortable with heights and possess basic climbing skills. Those who lack proper hiking equipment or experience are not advised to tackle the trails. Show more

What type of vehicle is essential to access the Maze and why?

High clearance four-wheel drives are required to access the Maze due to the treacherous road and trail conditions. Visitors should note that there are no services such as food, water, or gasoline along the way, and the speed limit cannot exceed 5 km per hour. Weather conditions during summer can also be extreme. Visitors should avoid traveling during winter or after heavy rainfall. Show more

How would a visitor go about obtaining a permit for multi-day hiking in the Maze?

To hike in the Maze for over a day, visitors require a special permit, which can be procured in advance of the visit from Canyonlands National Park. Due to popularity, the number of permits available is often outnumbered by the demand, especially in spring and fall. Visitors should obtain the permit through mail, online platforms or via phone booking, well in advance. A permit is mandatory to camp in Canyonlands National Park. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin