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Utah
530 ft
Gain
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Big Spring Canyon Overlook and Trailhead
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<h4>Overlook</h4> <p>Big Spring rests at the end of the Needles Park Road. From the overlook, unique rock spires and multi-colored sandstone benches line the bend in the canyon. The presence of the spring allows trees and plants to flourish in the spring and summer months.</p> <h4>Trailhead</h4> <p>From the overlook, follow marked cairns down to the canyon to begin the Big Spring to Elephant Hill loop, a challenging hike which spans 10.8 miles (17 km). This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. There are excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations. You will have to climb two ladders in the pass between the canyons, making this a particularly strenuous hike.</p> <h4>Accessibility</h4> <p>Portions of the canyon are visible from the paved parking area. The trail into and along the rim of the overlook include slopes and rocky, uneven surfaces.</p> <h4>Parking</h4> <p>The Trailhead and overlook are located at the end of the Needles park road, approximately 6.5 mi (10.5 km) past the Needles Visitor Center. Several parking spaces at the roundabout and alongside the last section of the park road are available.</p>
Slickrock Trail
~0 min drive
<p paraeid="{d14d2d0d-a4b0-4790-be11-fb663f41d6ff}{113}" paraid="137460281">Slickrock, a general term for any bare rock surface, dominates much of the landscape in Canyonlands. For millions of years, natural forces have interacted to create the sweeping vistas and landmarks vi…
Pothole Point Trail
~1 min drive
<p>This short loop trail (0.6 mi/1 km) crosses sandstone dimpled with pockets called potholes.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 0.6 mi (1 km)</li> <li><strong>Time</strong>: 45 min</li> <li><strong>Elevation Change</strong>: 36 ft (11 m)</li> <li><strong>Diffi…
Big Spring Canyon to Elephant Canyon Loop Trail
~4 min drive
<p>This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. Excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations.</p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-le…
Wooden Shoe Canyon to Lost Canyon Loop Trail
~4 min drive
<p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{101}" paraid="216926381">This loop hike is a bit more challenging, with one ladder and some difficult sections of climbing between the two canyons.</p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posin…
Peekaboo Trail
~4 min drive
<p>This trail crosses both Wooden Shoe and Lost Canyons on its way to Salt Creek Canyon, passing along high slickrock benches with spectacular views.</p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o…
Big Spring Canyon to Wooden Shoe Canyon Loop Trail
~4 min drive
<p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{25}" paraid="962957899">A great introduction to the landscape of The Needles, this route connects two canyons for a loop across varied terrain.</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 7.5 mi (12 km) </li>…
Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail
~4 min drive
<p>Discover stunning views of the sandstone spires that characterize the Needles.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 5.8 mi (9.3 km)</li> <li><strong>Time</strong>: 3-4 hrs</li> <li><strong>Overall Elevation Change</strong>: 533 ft (162 m)<br /> <em>Cumulative e…
Chesler Park Loop and Joint Trail
~4 min drive
<p>This trail provides many great panoramas of the Needles formations. The Joint Trail winds through deep, narrow fractures in the rock. </p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 10.7 mi (17.2 km)</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 5-7 hrs</p> </li> <li> <p>…
Druid Arch Trail
~4 min drive
<p>Encounter spectacular rock formations on this unique trail.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 10.8 mi (17.4 km)</li> <li><strong>Time</strong>: 5-7 hrs</li> <li><strong>Overall Elevation Change</strong>: 503 ft (153 m)<br /> <em>Cumulative elevation gain on…
Canyonlands' Cave Spring Trail
~7 min drive
<p>This is the trailhead for a short, 0.6-mile (1 km) loop leading to a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock markings. You will climb two ladders to complete the route. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Roundtrip Distance</strong>: 0.6 mi (1 km) Time: 45 min</li> <li><strong>Elevatio…
