For those looking for a bit of seclusion in the remote parts of Canyonlands National Park, the Needles district is a world away from the more popular and easily accessible, Island In The Sky. Heading south of Moab on highways 191 then 211, the Elephant Hill parking lot in the Needles is a decent 2-hour drive away, with the last 3 miles on narrow and uneven dirt road.
We decided to embark on the 5-6 hour Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail, characterised by colourful spires of cedar mesa sandstone, and ‘slot canyons’ as you squeeze through narrow fractures of large rocks. For those wanting to add Druid Arch to their itinerary, allow for an extra 2 hours, and do the loop anticlockwise.
This hike is completely exposed until you enter the rock fractures for the coolest (both temperature and experience) part of the trail. Take plenty of water, snacks and breaks, and keep to the dirt track and rocks to avoid stepping on soil crust. The microorganisms that form these crusts provide nutrients for the surrounding plants in this tough and arid environment.
Far from the dizzying canyon drop-offs of Island In The Sky, the Needles district is well worth a visit where at times, you truly feel like you’ve landed on Mars with the lack of visitors to the remote area.
Tips: There is a toilet at the Elephant Hill parking area. Be careful of cows on the road on highway 211, and make a pit stop at Wilson Arch as you drive back to Moab – can you spot the moon below?
Next is a round-up of Arches National Park’s greatest hits, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the video below in the meantime 😉