Canyonlands National Park:

The Needles

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is a high desert paradise. It is a jumbled landscape dominated by a series of distinctive sandstone spires called, of course, the Needles. Perhaps the other distinctive feature of the Needles District is an extensive trail system that offers nearly endless hiking options.

The Needles District has more hiking trails (about 74 miles) and a better variety of trails than the Island in the Sky and Maze Districts. In addition, this area is, in general, set up and managed for hikers with lots of loop trails and a good selection of easy or moderate hiking options as well as backpacking opportunities. Most trails have sections of slickrock, so get used to following cairns.

The following pages include many suggested hikes, but the Needles District has so many trails and hiking options that you can easily get out the map and find additional options. Rangers at the Needles Visitor Center are most helpful in suggesting a hike that might be right for you.

For mountain bikers and four-wheelers, the Needles District might not offer as much as the Maze and Island in the Sky Districts, but the area does have several backcountry roads. Some have well-placed scenic campsites, so visitors with four-wheel-drive vehicles can base camp and day hike from their backcountry vehicle camp.

The Needles District has a great visitor center about a quarter mile past the entrance station. The Squaw Flat Campground has twenty-six campsites with picnic tables, fire rings (bring your own wood), a water supply (spring through fall), a dishwashing station, and two comfort stations with flush toilets. The campsites go on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’ll be lucky to get one during peak seasons, the spring and fall. The Needles District also has three group sites, which can be reserved in advance. Both individual sites in the campground and group sites have nominal fees.

The Needles District also has more water than other sections of Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. In spring you can often find a flowing stream in several canyons. However, be sure to carry your own water instead of depending on unreliable desert water sources. Also in spring the entire area can be awash with wildflowers.

Getting to the Needles District

From Moab take US 191 south for 40 miles and turn right (west) onto SR 211. Follow this paved road 35 miles to the Needles District entrance station. Be careful not to take Needles Overlook Road, which takes off a few miles before the correct junction. This road does not take you to Canyonlands National Park. Watch for the Canyonlands National Park sign before turning. From Monticello drive 14 miles north on US 191 and turn left (west) onto SR 211.