Animals & Plants of Canyonlands National Park
The 2 animals, plants, and fungi you can find at Canyonlands National Park, with sizes, diets, and whether you should worry. See the full park guide at Canyonlands National Park.
Anything here that bites?
Don't touch or eat
- Claret cup cactus: This cactus is covered in stiff spines, so the rule is look, do not touch.
Bites if handled
- Common collared lizard: This lizard is not dangerous.
Everything else on this page is harmless. What each group means.
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Plant Claret cup cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
A low, mounding desert cactus that bursts into bright red, cup-shaped flowers each spring at Arches, Canyonlands, and Big Bend.
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Reptile Common collared lizard
Crotaphytus collaris
A bright, big-headed lizard with two black neck bands that can sprint on its back legs like a tiny dinosaur across the slickrock at Arches and Canyonlands.