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I am excited to inform you about the upcoming car-camping trip in the Needle District of Canyonland National
Park, Monticello, UT
The Needles District in Canyonlands National Park is known for its unique geological formations, including
numerous sandstone spires, entrenched canyons, and sheer-walled cliffs. The district is located in the
southeastern corner of the park and is accessible by hiking, four-wheel driving, or on foot trails.
When - Oct 20-25, 2025 Hike is full Where - We booked Group Campsite at Dutch Oven Group site What - Hiking in this beautiful part of Canyonlands National Park. This car-camping trip description is certainly not final and may be subject to minor changes and adjustments as we get closer to Oct. The plan may also change during the trip itself depending on the weather or how things go. Come prepared to have a great time, and with a flexible outlook on the agenda as the weather may change the plan. Hiking trails in Needles are spectacular, but challenging with steep slickrock slopes, high slickrock benches, and sheer drop-offs. Slickrock can be dangerous when wet. Climbing ladders is required on several routes. These are not trails those with fear of heights. Hike Rating is B and above. Campground: Dutch Oven group site in Needles district of Canyonlands national park. Max ten vehicles at site. No overflow parking for additional vehicles. This trip is limited to 20 attendees, and members only. The group campsite reservation has already been made. The cost is $450 for five nights, which will be split among the campers. Day 1, Monday, Oct 20: Drive to the campground. Suggest stopping1-2 hours to visit Edge of the Cedars state park museum in Blanding. The driving time from Chandler is 8 and a half hours Day 2, Tuesday Oct 21: Option 1: Big Spring Canyon to Wooden Shoe Canyon loop hike. 7.5 mi/12 km, 3-4 hrs. round trip. A great introduction to the landscape of the Needles, connecting two canyons for a loop across varied terrain. The route between the canyons climbs steep grades that are dangerous when wet. Not for those with a fear of heights. Option 2: Big Spring to Lost Canyon loop hike. 8.7 mi/14km/4-6 hrs. round trip. A wonderful loop hike with some difficult sections climbing between the two canyons. Riparian areas in both canyons attract birds and other wildlife, and may be very wet. One ladder must be climbed. Like the Big Spring to Wooden Shoe Canyon loop but travel deeper into a canyon. Potluck dinner. Day 3, Wednesday Oct 22: Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail 10.7 mi/17.2 km, 5-7 hrs. round trip. Amazing panoramic views of the Needles formations throughout this hike. Our starting point is a short section of the famous Elephant Hill 4WD road. The hiking trail continues through the Devil’s Pocket to connect with the Joint Trail, which winds through deep, narrow fractures in the rock. The loop hike connects with the Chesler Park trail, which returns to the starting point. Leftover Potluck dinner. Day 4, Thursday Oct 23: Peekaboo Trail, 10.8 mi/17.4 km, 5-6 hrs. round trip. Trail crosses both Wooden Shoe and Lost canyons on the way to Salt Creek Canyon, passing high scenic slickrock benches. Steep slopes and nearby cliff edges make this route challenging. Two ladders must be climbed. Day 5, Friday Oct 24: Druid Arch trail 10.8 mi/17.4 km, 5-7 hrs. round trip. This trail follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail, then branches off to travel along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock. The last 0.25 mile at the upper end is steep with one ladder and some scrambling. The reward is spectacular views of Druid Arch, a massive, uniquely-shaped angular arch. Day 6, Saturday Oct 25: Option 1: Pack up camp early and drive back to Phoenix. Option 2: (if staying overnight at hotel in Monticello). Confluence Overlook trail, 11 mi/17.7 km, 5-6 hrs. round trip Unlike other Needles hikes, this trail traverses open country along the northern edge of the geological faults that shaped the Needles. Trail ends at a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers 1,000 feet below. Weather Conditions: Monticello, UT. The temperatures in October should average between 36°F and 62°F, so do pack accordingly! Trip Leader: Hike is full. Email the leader to confirm. Please confirm your participation by 5:00 PM on August 30. As we approach the trip date, we will need to coordinate carpooling and figure out who will be bringing essential items like stoves, pots, pans, and other group gear. Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, feel free to email me. Cost: $8 per vehicle entrance fee. Cost for 5 nights is $450.. . Directions: We'll take I-17 North to Flagstaff US-89 north out of Flagstaff US-160 Just north of Cameron to Mexican Water Just pass Mexican Water, take US-191 north to Bluff, Ut Stay on US-191, past Monticello to 211 211 will get you into Canyonlands National Park This is about 8 hours of driving plus stops |
| Updated on August 4, 2025 |