The Remote Needles District is a stunning area located in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, Utah. It is an isolated, rugged terrain, filled with towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and challenging trails. The district offers a true wilderness experience for visitors who are willing to explore its vast expanse. With its diverse landscapes, the Remote Needles District is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and backpackers. Here is the list of best hikes in Canyonland Needles district.
The origin on “needles”
Needles formations in Canyonlands National Park are a unique and spectacular sight to behold. These formations are tall, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor, resembling needles. The Needles District of Canyonlands is characterized by these striking formations, which are made of Cedar Mesa Sandstone.
The formation of the needles is due to a combination of erosion and geological processes. Over time, water and wind have eroded away the surrounding rock, leaving behind these towering spires. The Cedar Mesa Sandstone is a particularly durable rock, which has allowed these formations to withstand the forces of erosion and stand the test of time.
Best hikes in Canyonland Needles District
Peekaboo Trail
This is a popular hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trail is 5.5 miles long and takes hikers through stunning canyons and past unique rock formations. Here’s what you can expect on the Peekaboo Trail hike:
The trail begins at the Peekaboo Trailhead, which is located off the main park road. The trail starts by following a sandy wash for about 0.5 miles before ascending up a steep incline. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding canyons.
From there, the trail winds its way through a series of narrow canyons and past several unique rock formations, including the famous “Newspaper Rock.” This rock formation features ancient petroglyphs that have been carved into the sandstone.
As you continue along the trail, you’ll pass through several more narrow canyons before reaching the highlight of the hike: Peekaboo Arch.
After admiring the arch, the trail continues through more narrow canyons before eventually looping back to the trailhead. Overall, the Peekaboo Trail is a fantastic hike that offers a great combination of stunning scenery and unique rock formations.
Chesler Park Loop Trail
This is a challenging but highly rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the Needles rock formations. The trail is 11 miles long and takes hikers through narrow canyons, up steep inclines, and across panoramic vistas.
Druid Arch Trail
This moderate hike is 10 miles round trip and leads hikers through beautiful canyons and up a steep climb to the stunning Druid Arch, which is a natural sandstone arch that spans 95 feet.
Slickrock Foot Trail
This is a short and easy hike that offers beautiful views of the Needles District. The trail is 2 miles long and takes hikers up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the sandstone spires and canyons.
Cave Spring Trail
This is a moderate hike that leads hikers through a canyon to an old cowboy camp and a historic pictograph panel. The trail is 1.6 miles long and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s cultural history.
Big Spring Canyon Trail
This is a moderate hike that takes hikers through a beautiful canyon and leads to a natural spring that provides water for the area’s wildlife. The trail is 6.6 miles long and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
As always, make sure to check with the park rangers for trail conditions and closures before heading out on your hike.
