Hiking Canyonland’s Needles District

Canyonlands National Park in Southeastern Utah, is one of my favorite places, especially the Needles District.  It is raw, stark and relatively untouched by humans. It’s amazing that you can actually hike through this landscape, although its not for everyone. The trail I took was a loop hike, 11 miles in length. I started at Squaw Flat Campground and negotiated the ups and downs through Elephant and Squaw Canyons.  There was one spot just past Squaw Canyon where I could barely fit through a crack in the sandstone. Couldn’t even get a photo of it.

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Canyonlands Needles District

 

canyonlands-needles_6391                              This slot is about 2 1/2 feet wide.

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

They embedded this metal ladder into the sandstone so you can get up into the remarkable Squaw Canyon
They embedded this metal ladder into the sandstone so you can get up into the remarkable Squaw Canyon

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah
This is Squaw Canyon. You can see the second ladder towards the bottom center.

 

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Six Shooter Peak
Six Shooter Peak

 

The sun sets at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The sun sets at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

 

Canyonlands Needles District
Finishing at one of the best campgrounds you’ll ever find

 

The full moon or supermoon rises over The Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Relaxed in time to watch the supermoon rising.

Michael Andrew Just

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9 responses to “Hiking Canyonland’s Needles District”

  1. the eternal traveller Avatar
    the eternal traveller

    It’s worth climbing the ladder to have that view at the top.

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      It was worth it. They also carve small steps for foot holds in the slickrock at several areas.

      Reply
      1. the eternal traveller Avatar
        the eternal traveller

        Slickrock sounds like it might be difficult to negotiate.

      2. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
        Michael Andrew Just

        Its only slick when wet, otherwise you get a really good grip on it with good hiking shoes

  2. katelon Avatar
    katelon

    What an amazing hike! Beautiful photos.

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      Thanks Katelon

      Reply
  3. stockresearch52 Avatar
    stockresearch52

    Awesome pictures

    Reply
    1. Michael Andrew Just Avatar
      Michael Andrew Just

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. GOOD LUCK

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