Canyonlands is divided into three separate districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. Hiking in each district is like hiking in a different park.

Needles

Although it's the most developed area of the park, considerable country is reachable only on foot. Click Here to See Trail Map

Angel Arch Backcountry Trail
Estimated time: 1.2 mile, 30 min. r-t.
Level of difficulty: easy
Trail description: hard surface

The trail leads to Angel Arch—the symbol of Canyonlands. It features majestic Molar Rock in the foreground.

Cave Spring
Estimated Time: .6 miles, 45 min. r-t.
Level of difficulty: easy
Trail description: slickrock, two ladders

Interesting vegetation, and fascinating remnants of late 1800s cowboy line camp.

Slickrock Foot Trail
Estimated time: 2-4 miles, 2-3 hrs. r-t.
Level of difficulty Moderate
Trail description: little shade, slickrock

Long hike, but panoramic views throughout.

Confluence Overlook
Estimated time: 5.5 miles, 4-6 hrs r-t.
Level of difficulty: moderate
Trail description one ladder, little shade

Big Spring Trailhead's Confluence Overlook (not to be confused with Backcountry Trailhead's Confluence Overlook) offers a view of the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers.

Pothole Point Trail
Estimated time: .6 miles, 45 min. r-t.
Level of difficulty: easy
Trail description slickrock

Aptly named for the potholes that have formed in the slickrock. The potholes range in size from under a foot in diameter to deep depressions.

Elephant Hill Trailhead

Chesler Park
Estimated time: 2.9 miles, 3.4 hrs. r-t.
Level of difficulty: moderate to strenuous
Trail description loose rock

Elephant Druid Arch
Estimated time: 5.4 miles, 4-6 hrs. r-t.
Level of difficulty: moderate
Trail description: ladder, sandy wash

Lower Red Lake
Estimated time: 9.4 miles, overnight
Level of difficulty: strenuous
Trail description: 1400 foot elevation change.

Druid Arch Trail is the most popular of Elephant Hill's three hikes. Druid Arch is southeast Utah's version of Stonehenge.

Hiking Canyonlands NP

Island in the Sky | Needles | Maze

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