Big Spring Canyon to Wooden Shoe Canyon Loop Trail

No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.

<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> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p><strong>Time</strong>: 3-4 hrs  </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{39}" paraid="473667242"><strong>Overall Elevation Change</strong>: 478 ft (146 m) <br /> <em>Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater.</em></p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{46}" paraid="2086089808"><strong>Difficulty</strong>: Strenuous </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{53}" paraid="1057024445"><strong>Hike Description</strong>: The route between the canyons climbs steep grades that are dangerous when wet and may make people with a fear of heights uncomfortable.  </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{62}" paraid="477220187"><strong>Bring</strong>: Water (at least 1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. </p> </li> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{71}" paraid="1085137931"><strong>Accessibility</strong>: This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="5" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-listid="4" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{156383aa-4d02-43bf-bbf7-157c741fb3f7}{84}" paraid="1356721401">Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/planyourvisit/service-animals.htm">What is a service animal?</a></p> </li> </ul>