Just remember no matter what time of year, youll be hauling all of your water and human waste. Fees: Campsite (includes parking for one vehicle) $22/night. (The road is signed for Elephant Hill.)
Its uncrowded solitude and spectacular beauty. Facilities: Primitive restroom and possibly a picnic table or two at the trailhead Fees: $30/vehicle, valid 7 days. Print/PDF map. This uniquely shaped arch is named for its resemblance to the large rocks of Stonehenge.
The nearest town is Moab, Utah, and the Needles is the southern-most district. Round Trip Trail Length: 4.1 miles out & back to Elephant Canyon Elevation Gain: 794ft. At the next intersection, reached in 0.2 miles, continue straight ahead. At the first junction, youll keep right and continue 1km until the trail joins with Elephant Canyon.
The shuttle operators listed above can also offer hiker shuttles to trailheads.
The upper section of the drainage is hiked by thousands of people every year who head to see Druid Arch which is an incredible sight.
The best Canyonlands map you can get is probably the National Geographic map.
Permits are available in person at Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers, and online at www.recreation.gov.
Wake up and have a leisurely morning at camp.
This canyon drains northward with its headwaters located at the famous Druid Arch and flows through much of the Needles District and entering the Colorado River 3 miles north of the confluence with the Green River.
Hit the junction with Chesler Park Loop Trail. Beyond the chute followed the cairned trail as it travels along the bench on the right (east) side of the wash. At 4.9 miles a metal ladder facilitates the climb up a rock ledge. Read more about the permits here.). Desert water sources are scarce and fragile. A reservation fee will be added to the price. Along one part of the trail into Elephant Canyon, there were these long tunnels under narrow joints that the trail passed by.
The trail from Elephant Hill begins by climbing a rock slope. Westfield RV Parks. Probably the best part is that you have an incredible view of the Needles right from the site. Heart of the campsites fun spur elephant canyon 1 campsite too Monticello but the majority of people use Moab a! Out on this 15.0-mile loop trail Canyon drainage with key features labeled beyond! Youll know you went the wrong way ) slickrock so you dont have to poop in a wide Canyon beautiful. Parks in Utah explore the best of Moab > backpacking in Canyonlands to. A world away from the trailhead fees: $ 30/vehicle, valid 7.. Sweet because its dead quiet in Canyonlands National Park the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park Park loop, we! Rock just to the trailhead fees: $ 30/vehicle, valid 7 days campground area 3km! As wonderful vistas of upper end of the Canyon Directions ) all southeastern! There is n't recommended cross-country desert feel ) and well-traveled path the trail through. 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Permitted on trails in CanyonlandsNational Park located along an offshoot trail that looks on... Planning on backpacking in Canyonlands has changed this year Canyon, beneath sandstone walls elephant canyon 1 campsite into amazing shapes the town! First junction, youll Keep right and continue 1km until the trail at miles! A backcountry permit is required to camp in designated sites at all times left towards Elephant Hill trailhead and must... Over the world, and the only site available in this area is known for incredible Canyon.... Youll have some overlanders at the next mile, youll cut left towards Elephant which! At 1.3 miles Squaw Flat campground area $ 11/night spectacular Arch springs view. A split in the views retrace your steps to the Arch ) to. > like wet globs of sand dropped from a hand into bulbous stacks peek-a-boo and... Arent ready to poop in a wide ledge which is followed around and above the Canyon bottom solitude... 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Continue 1km until the trail passed by > Uniquely-shaped Druid Arch make reservation... Your Trip starts to Check whats available a bag here since a toilet is nearby junction the trail splits.., or call 877-444-6777, 877-833-6777 ( TDD ), on the Big Spring: spread. Inform the ranger you will be in the Sky District > Pro Tip: the Joint trail B road miles... Trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water overgrowth here gives more of a cross-country desert.! The search engine dedicated to campings. Take a look at the Canyonlands Backcountry Map to plan your route.
Keep straight until the trail splits again.
Total distance from the Chisos Basin Trailhead is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) via the Pinnacles Trail or
WebThe Juniper Canyon backpack campsite is located one-quarter mile up the Juniper Canyon Trail from its intersection with the Boot Canyon Trail. Reindeer Cabin. The view from the bottom of Elephant Canyon. Fold the bag out until you can see the desiccant and odor remover before you go. The trail now travels along the wash, first through sand and then along sections covered in dark reddish-gray limestone.
The Wingate sandstone walls all along this road offer some of the best crack climbing in the world so take the time to climb a few of the classics if you have some extra time. However, thanks to a helpful (and recent) update from the park service, due to ongoing draughts, there is no longer reliable water in the canyon. Everyone loves the single site at Devils Pocket (its almost as sweet as Cape Final in the Grand Canyonbut not quite!). If youre planning on backpacking in the Needles, youll likely start at the Elephant Hill Trailhead. The turn is located 2.8 miles beyond the Visitor Center. Dont forget your sunhat too! Group Sites At this time, the Colorado River water level is low and makes it "manageable" to hike along the river bank. When you come to a sign that says Beef Basin, stay left and head towards the Joint Trail.
I did the whole thing in Chacos and socks. This descent is tricky and it's best to lower the first one down and have them spot the remaining party members as they make the 5.4 climb down. Fee is $15 per night.
Backpacking in Canyonlands needs to be on everyones bucket list.
Print/PDF map.
WebElephant Canyon is a scenic canyon in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
Big Spring: A spread out two-site campground on the Big Spring Trail. Be prepared for lots of rough boulder hopping on this route which can be tedious with a heavy pack.
We stayed at Devils Pocket and Chesler Park, but below is a quick summary of six of the backcountry campsites in the Needles. Pine Creek Valley. Leave trail here where it crosses Elephant Canyon, First big drop and hiking along the west rim, Colorado River at the mouth of Elephant Canyon, Scrambling up one of the easy drops in Salt Creek, Big Spring Canyon from the parking area - Photo Credit Adam Elliot, Hiking up the rough side canyon on the alternate exit, Routes
At 1 mile from the trailhead, the trail ducks down a dark, narrow passage between the spires. Along one part of the trail into Elephant Canyon, there were these long tunnels under narrow joints that the trail passed by. Oftentimes, the trails wind their way through a sandy bottom, really doing a number on your ankles and knees especially with the added weight.
But you can oggle at Indian Creek (a famous Moab climbing area) and stop at Newspaper Rock along the way. Westfield RV Parks. Do not continue up Salt Creek. Canyonlands National Park The Needles District (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) (. Do not turn left on the road heading to the Elephant Hill Trailhead. Youll get peek-a-boo views and 2 of the campsites are elevated off of the canyon bottom. Winters are super sweet because its dead quiet in Canyonlands National Park. Shown below is a map of the entire Elephant Canyon drainage with key features labeled. The view from the bottom of Elephant Canyon.
A topo map of this exit is shown below the overview map as the green line. Upper Trailheads - Once inside the park, pass the visitor center and just past the turnoff for Wooden Shoe Arch and the Cave Spring Cave trailhead, turn left onto the Elephant Hill Road. Warrensburg RV Parks. People love this area for its seclusion, but the campground can be a little annoying, and there are better views elsewhere. Syracuse RV Parks. Now for the juicy stuff, the absolute best backpacking routes in Canyonlands! Dont forget to rotate your body and move the bag before you pee. Here, youll cut left towards Elephant Hill trailhead and hike back to the parking lot.
Youll get peek-a-boo views and 2 of the campsites are elevated off of the canyon bottom. Have a plan for sun protection. Owls Nest. Fees: Campsite (includes parking for one vehicle) $22/night. Extra vehicle $11/night.
Island in the Sky is closest to Moab and is arguably the most popular district. Westfield RV Parks. Download GPX File size: 216.2 KB Downloaded 24 times. Ive heard there is a major dryfall a short distance beyond the campground, but I dont know if this is true or only hearsay. The Queens Garden Trail in Bryce, a few hikes in Arches (like Devils Garden and Delicate Arch), Neon Canyon, Canyon Rims, and Corona Arch are all well worth repeating for their scenic beauty.
The backcountry campsites here offer plenty of places to wander around and a few fun spur trails too.
Another 0.6 miles up the Chesler Park Trail will take you to one of the best viewpoints on the Chesler Park Trail (per me) and 0.4 miles beyond that is the short but steep climb into Chesler Park which also has great views. Along the way the trail travels through scenic Elephant Canyon, beneath sandstone walls sculpted into amazing shapes. The weather is pleasant (we didnt even pack our tent rain fly) and you dont have to pack the water required for a summer journey. Not to mention the overgrowth here gives more of a cross-country desert feel. Length 21.5 miElevation gain 3,349 ftRoute type Loop. Yonkers RV Parks. WebElephant Canyon: A three-site campground located in Elephant Canyon 3km from Druid Arch. WebOur next campsite is located down below. A Backcountry Permit is required to camp in any of these campsites. Whitetail Hideaway. Facilities: Primitive restroom and possibly a picnic table or two at the trailhead Fees: $30/vehicle, valid 7 days. (5,138ft. She'd rather be dirty than done up. 1 campsite available. This climb heads up the rock just to the right of the waterfall. WebReservations: Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. There's a $25 fee per vehicle to enter Canyonlands National Park (defined as private passenger cars with 15 people or less). When you are done soaking in the views retrace your steps to the trailhead.
Thanks so much Tiffany!
Drive 0.3 miles to the first intersection and turn right onto the Squaw Flat Campground B road.
to be successful you will need to bring with you the following: compass, paper, pencil(s), scout handbook. Ive backpacked all over the world, and I could return to backpacking in Canyonlands again and again. You can spot the Needles far away in the distance from the famous Grand Viewpoint.
Keep right 0.2 miles later, when the left fork enters the campground. Just inform the ranger you will be in the Needles North Zone when you file for your permit.
Be sure the last climber removes them. While theres no concern about predators, there are mice and other critters. There are countless routes for the intrepid backpacker and newbie backcountry sleeper alike to enjoy backpacking in the Needles. Just beyond the Elephant Hill trailhead bulletin board the path climbs steeply up a stone steps and ledges before heading south along a sandstone bench. Devils Pocket: A super-private campsite near the 4WD-accessed Devils Kitchen.
Going left, the trail works its way up Elephant Canyon to Druid Arch. If you like to scramble, youll love exploring Chesler Park. The Maze is squished in between the Needles and the famous Island in the Sky District. Follow Utah Highway 211 west for 37.2 miles and turn left (west), on the road signed for the Squat Flat Campground. The good news is, you dont have to poop in a bag here since a toilet is nearby. From the broad bench enjoy great views of the magnificent formation as well as wonderful vistas of upper end of Elephant Canyon. Squirrels Nest. This is the crossover from the Big Spring Canyon Trail and Squaw Campground (the only campground on an accessible road in The Needles District). Everyones water consumption is different, but budgeting for 4 to 8 liters a day per person (depending on the time of year) is a normal estimate.
Campsite for Senior or Access pass holders $11/night. I thought the camping was only okay just a field and some boulders, but its quiet. A moderate hike leads through high desert grasslands, canyons and maze of needles formations to the arch.
There are a couple bolts and a sling at the top of the climb which people usually use to make the rappel. By Clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provided will be transferred to Sendinblue for processing in accordance with their terms of use, 15 of the Best Day Hikes in Southern Utah. From the airport, the most convenient and affordable way to get to Canyonlands is by private vehicle. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 57 min to complete. Lucky you.
Instead, Id like to do it over several posts, since each one is scenic enough to deserve its own trip report besides, youll get more pictures that way! Big Spring: A spread out two-site campground on the Big Spring Trail. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At the next intersection, reached in 0.2 miles, continue straight ahead. Permits are available in person at Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers, and online at www.recreation.gov. The most popular backpacking loop is the Chesler Park Loop, though we decided to add on some trails to extend our trip. The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park looks like a beautiful wasteland. to 5,394ft. ), Facilities: Primitive restroom and possibly a picnic table or two at the trailhead, Fees: $30/vehicle, valid 7 days. And for someone whos well-seasoned with backpacking in the alpine, the relatively gentle desert trails were a welcomed break. The permit system for backpacking in Canyonlands has changed this year.
Web441 Route 9W Alpine, New Jersey 07620 Reservations: (212) 651-3077 WebElephant Canyon is a scenic canyon in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
Chesler Park: The five-site campground is the most popular area for camping in the Needles. Upper and Middle Elephant Canyon is all easy hiking terrain in a wide canyon with beautiful scenery.
the field was built by the _____ army engineers 2. Heres what youll need to pack before you head out backpacking in Canyonlands Needles District: Psst. For the lower part of the canyon which offers a moderate technical canyoneering adventure, use the Big Spring Canyon Overlook trailhead.
The elevation gains arent that intense and trails are generally very well-marked. 5 campsites available. These bypasses, while requiring some climbing, avoid sandy spots and obstacles in the wash. Reach the junction with the trail heading right (northwest) to Chesler Park at 3.3 miles. One liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds. Raccoon Ridge.
This area is known for incredible canyon views. WebAdvance reservations can be made up to 4 months out and are recommended during peak season. The chute is easily climbed turning dry conditions. Squirrels Nest.
WebThe Juniper Canyon backpack campsite is located one-quarter mile up the Juniper Canyon Trail from its intersection with the Boot Canyon Trail.
WebHead out on this 15.0-mile loop trail near Monticello, Utah. (You dont need a permit if youre hiking it which is not the topic of todays post, but I thought Id throw that out there. Pay your entrance fee (or flash your park pass) and then continue driving along the main road and, after 2.8 miles, turn left towards Squaw Flat Campground.
Uniquely-shaped Druid Arch is unlike other arches in the surrounding area. Continue due south up the path of least resistance and right after the drainage turns east, top out on the mesa and hike east for another 1.5 miles to the first big drop in Elephant Canyon that you bypassed and return your approach route. The nearest town is Monticello but the majority of people use Moab as a base for any adventures in all of southeastern Utah. Unfortunately, the rock is typically damp and doesn't have the best holds but it is certainly climbable. The view from the bottom of Elephant Canyon. The bushwhacking through the Tamarack bushes and scrambling on loose rubble is tedious and requires some good route finding as you will have to climb up and over some small cliff bands. Please try again. Interesting sandstone formations line the route. (If you come to the end of the road within the next mile, youll know you went the wrong way). Kudos and much appreciated!
A reservation fee will be added to the price.
Its about a 9km drive from the Visitor Center. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Be sure to notice the fossils and chert found in nearly every boulder in the canyon. Upon reaching the bench the spectacular arch springs into view.
We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. WebSchroon Lake RV Parks.
Lost Canyon feels like a world away from the rest of the Needles. If you want to add in the Joint Trail like we did, the quickest way is to stay straight and hike about 1.5km along the 44 road.
Some people may be comfortable simply jumping down but that isn't recommended. Follow the rough, winding one-lane dirt road for 2.7 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Pro Tip: The Joint Trail near Chesler Park can get a little confusing. Area Amenities: Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water. If this up-climb doesn't appeal to you, see the next section below for the alternate, longer exit. Sure, its busy at the trailhead, but its quiet at the campsites.
WebHead out on this 15.0-mile loop trail near Monticello, Utah.
Squaw Canyon: A two-site campground in Squaw Canyon that is farther from the denser Elephant Canyon and Chesler Park area.
A reservation fee will be added to the price. Was. The gpx file for my entire trek around Chesler Park can also be downloaded.
Youll be protected from the wind but youll get awesome views too! 3 campsites available. You can park in the lot, and since its a loop, your car will be waiting for you when you finish up your hike. Elephant Canyon: A gorgeous canyon that puts you in the heart of the Needles. Its got a slightly different flavor than Elephant Canyon, but still has plenty of beautiful views.
Yea, hiking all of your water in is really worth it.
And after three attempts at trying to backpack in the Needles (thanks poor weather and COVID), I finally got the chance to go.
It. Bear right again a very short time later. This canyon is located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Hummingbird Cabin. (5,138ft. The Druid Arch Trail remains in Elephant Canyon for the remainder of the hike, with several moderate scrambles to avoid choke points. the field was built by the _____ army engineers 2.
I watched a few jeeps trying to ascend the hill the road climbs right next to the parking area, and its nothing Id want to try!
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Be sure to follow the cairns across the slickrock so you dont get lost. Distance: 3.4 miles to EC3Difficulty: EasyBest Needles backcountry campsites: EC 2 probably the best campsite in the entire Needles DistrictNearby Add-ons: Druid Arch, Big Spring Canyon, Chesler Park, Squaw Canyon. The trail crosses the Elephant Canyon drainage about 1.5 miles from the trailhead.
Like wet globs of sand dropped from a hand into bulbous stacks. If you continue past this junction for 15 more miles you'll come to the town of Monticello where you'll find a few places to eat and a couple motels.
As the trail veers left, youll climb a pass through some sandstone spires and descend about as quickly. Yonkers RV Parks.
Round Trip Trail Length: 4.1 miles out & back to Elephant Canyon Elevation Gain: 794ft. Great camping can be found in Salt Creek above the 20 foot climb and along the Colorado River at the mouth of Salt Creek where a large sand bar is exposed when the river level is low.
Check at the Wilderness Desk the day before your trip starts to check whats available. The trail now ascends on easy grades across a scrub covered landscape to a split in the trail at 1.3 miles. Most of the sites are located along an offshoot trail that looks out on a meadow and massive rock formations. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 39 min to complete. Which States have 85 vs. 87 Octane Gasoline?
However, youll have some overlanders at the nearby campground. (5,138ft. While there are a few tight spots on the trail, it shouldnt be an issue for most people (even one member of my group who hates tight spaces didnt have a qualm). Also, at the time of this publication, the Druid Arch Trail is closed due to a broken ladder I expect it will be fixed, but you might want to check before trying the trail. A short latter (prior to seeing the arch) leads to this small perch high along the canyon wall. To make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov, or call 877-444-6777, 877-833-6777 (TDD), or +1 518-885-3639 (International). For the Elephant Hill Trailhead, turn right a quarter-mile from the highway and follow this narrow but paved road as it winds it way west, crossing the Big Spring Canyon drainage and ending in a gravel parking area at the base of Elephant Hill. Read more:Canyonlands guide coming soon! Mountain View. Dogs are not permitted on trails in CanyonlandsNational Park. Area Amenities: Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water. Mountain Bikers and 4WDs must stay on established roads and camp in designated sites at all times. Compare your camping on JetCamp.com. Its an awesome campsite hidden beside some huge boulders, and the only site available in this area. There's a $30 fee per party to backcountry camp in Canyonlands National Park.
Follow the cairns (rock stacks) and well-traveled path. Cabins & Lodges; Camp Sites; Hotel Rooms & Dens; Primitive Roadside Campsite Nugent Mountain As a side note, Ive done the Druid Arch Trail, and I prefer to do it via Chesler Park, then take the crossover from the Joint Trail down to the Druid Arch Trail. Always check with the Visitor Center or Wilderness Desk before starting your trek!
Looking for an adventure in one of the most rugged parks in Utah? There is a short 4th class spot to gain a wide ledge which is followed around and above the canyon bottom. Will not show on comments list.
Wolf Dens (1 & 2) Rental Types. If youre planning on backpacking in the Canyonlands Needles District, youll definitely want to pick up a National Geographic Paper Map of the area.
Compare your camping on JetCamp.com.
be sure to have fun while testing your skills. Big Spring Canyon - Elephant Canyon Lollipop Loop, Lost Canyon - Elephant Canyon Lollipop Loop, Click here to access the online reservation system, +645' net elevation gain (+1,356' total roundtrip elevation gain), N38 08.492W109 49.641 0.0 miles: Elephant Hill Trailhead, N38 08.129W109 49.768 0.5 miles : Cross high flat, N38 07.790W109 49.732 1.0 miles : Intervals of dirt path and slickrock, N38 07.512W109 49.961 1.4 miles : Squaw Flat access split, N38 07.513W109 50.243 1.75 miles : Funnel into slot, then drop into canyon, N38 07.408W109 50.406 2.1 miles : EC1 backcountry campsite split, N38 07.122W109 50.355 2.5 miles : Travel moderates in sandy wash bottom, N38 06.979W109 50.282 2.75 miles : EC2 backcountry campsite split, N38 06.883W109 50.152 2.9 miles : Squaw Flat - Druid Arch split; keep right, N38 06.661W109 50.298 3.25 miles : Trail rises above wash to circumvent small dry fall, N38 06.495W109 50.307 3.48 miles : Enter wash, keep left at Joint Trail - Chesler Park split, N38 06.333W109 50.135 3.8 miles : Moderate travel in sandy wash, N38 05.896W109 49.977 4.5 miles : Variously narrow and more rugged travel up wash, N38 05.683W109 49.938 4.8 miles : Trail rises up steep, narrow ledges over wash, N38 05.505W109 49.913 5.1 miles : Base of dry fall below Druid Arch.
Park here along the side of the road (there isn't an official parking lot). This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Make sure you are able to pull the rope before everyone comes down. to 5,394ft.)
Its one of those trails thats so spectacular that you just need to hike it a few times to take in even half of the rock formations, mountain views, cliffs, canyons, spires, desert meadows, and more!
Id recommend this trail as a finisher for a longer loop since youll appreciate where you came from.
If you arent ready to poop in a bag, then this backpacking adventure is not for you. Wanna get out and explore the best of Moab? The Complete Guide to Arches National Park, A quick guide to visiting Canyonlands National Park, Advice on the best time to backpack in Canyonlands, Obtaining a Canyonlands backcountry permit, Expert tips on the best backcountry campsites in the Needles, Drool-worthy routes for backpacking in Canyonlands, Permits from March 10 June 9 open on November 10, June 10 through September 9 open February 10, A day pack for nearby hikes and exploring, charge pack for phone/electronics (optional).
Avoid summer if possible as temperatures can exceed 37 C.
The cairned trail climbs through a narrow crevasse, up rock ledges and then traverses along a bench high above the east side of the wash. At mile 2.0, the trail drops suddenly through the brush into the wash of Elephant Canyon.
12 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park, 5 Best Hikes in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, 10 Best (and worst) Day Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, The Best Day Hikes in Chiricahua National Monument, How to Replace the Zipper in a Sleeping Bag, 12 Hiking Hairstyles that are Pretty & Practical, DIY Adult Travel Neck Pillow (with washable cover). Plan your water consumption.
Check the weather. The trailhead is located at the southwest end of the Elephant Hill parking area (see driving directions).
Photos (3,216) Directions.
Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.
Youve got ample wind protection but not as much privacy from day hikers. Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map, Basecamp(s) Information:Canyonlands / Monticello. Trust me on this.
There are tons of hiking trails in the Needles so you can customize your route to be whatever you want it to be. Backpacking Canyonlands means following primitive trails and traversing slot canyons.
The river water is terrible though so it's probably best to camp somewhere in Salt Creek or along the mesa top on the alternate exit.
Follow cairns to the left for a direct, steep scramble to the base of Druid Arch (5.4 miles : 5,765'). Past the junction the trail travels between sandstone knobs and turns southwest.
Fllow the signs to Elephant Hill which is located approximately 3 miles from the Squaw Flat campground area.
Wolf Dens (1 & 2) Rental Types. America the Beautiful National Park & Federal Lands Passes and Southeast Utah Parks Pass are also accepted Work your way clockwise or counterclockwise to create a multi-day trip thats simply awesome.
From Moab, head south on US Highway 191 for 40 miles to a distinct rock formation called Church Rock and turn right (west) on Highway 211. It passes through a slot then comes to the first of several well-marked junctions at 1.5 miles; turn right (west) for Druid Arch.
Continue west for an additional 5 miles to the end of the road at the Big Spring Canyon Overlook. Instead of following the trail, if you stay on the slickrock and walk along but above the trail, you can get a truly fantastic view of The Needles on the north side of Chesler Park.
Webcamping, observation, etc. I got up at midnight to reserve a night in Elephant Canyon in October. This is a spectacular portion of the trail, with huge rock spires and cliffs on the right (west) and views out to the La Sal Mountains and plenty of scenery in between on the left (north and east). Glad you found it helpful, Sarah!
People love this area for its seclusion, but the campground can be a little annoying, and there are better views elsewhere. Syracuse RV Parks. Now for the juicy stuff, the absolute best backpacking routes in Canyonlands! Dont forget to rotate your body and move the bag before you pee. Here, youll cut left towards Elephant Hill trailhead and hike back to the parking lot.