Best Things to do in Canyonlands National Park Needles District

Canyonlands is a sprawling National park in Eastern Utah with sweeping canyon views, slot canyon, stunning rock formations and more. In this guide we’ll explore the Canyonlands National Park Needles District. This remote part of the park is the perfect destination for hikers and people looking to escape the crowds. We’ll share the best things to do, what to expect and our top tips for a great visit.

A Quick Overview of Canyonlands and the Needles District

Canyonlands National Park is a large parge in eastern Utan with 4 distinct districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers that divide them. Most people visit the popular Island in the Sky, but the more remote Needles has some of the best hiking in the park.

The Needles District, named for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, is known for its striking rock formations, extensive trail system, and rich cultural history. We really enjoyed spending 2 nights just outside the park and hiking and exploring the district.

There is a fee to enter this part of Canyonlands National Park and you can get more information through the National Park Service or you can see more in our Guide to Canyonlands.

What to Do in Canyonlands National Park Needles District

The Needles District is relatively small and is best explored if you are interested in hiking or backpacking. There are some truly stunning hikes in this part of the hike. Below are some of the best things to do in the Needles District

Take a Scenic Drive

This scenic drive will guide you through unique landscapes in the region, providing ample opportunities to stop, explore, and marvel at the natural beauty.

Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument: Your journey begins at Newspaper Rock (acutally outside the park), located just off Highway 211. This state historical monument features one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs, with carvings dating back over 2,000 years.

Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook: As you continue along Scenic Byway 211, make a stop at the Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook. This natural arch, resembling an upturned wooden shoe, is an iconic feature of the Needles District. I thought this would be hard to see but it really looks like a wooden shoe

Roadside Ruin Next, take a brief detour to visit the Roadside Ruin, an ancient granary used by Native American inhabitants.

Cave Spring Trail: Continuing your drive, stop at the Cave Spring Trailhead for a short but fascinating hike. This trail offers a glimpse into the region’s past, with a historic cowboy camp and ancient pictographs.

Pothole Point Trail: Another must-see stop is the Pothole Point Trail, offering a unique look at the area’s geological features.

Big Spring Canyon Overlook: Finish your scenic drive with a visit to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook. This overlook provides sweeping views of Big Spring Canyon and the surrounding Needles formations.

Hiking

Probably our favorite thing to do in the Needles District is to go hiking. In addition to the short hikes described in the scenic drive above there are several longer but amazing hikes.

Slickrock Foot Trail

The Slickrock Foot Trail is a moderate 2.4-mile loop offering panoramic views of the Needles District’s unique landscape. This well-marked, relatively flat trail features viewpoints overlooking deep canyons and colorful spires. It’s an accessible hike for most, perfect for enjoying the beauty of Canyonlands without strenuous effort.

Big Spring Canyon to Squaw Canyon Loop

The Big Spring Canyon to Squaw Canyon Loop is a moderate 7.5-mile hike through some of the Needles District’s most scenic areas. Starting at the Big Spring Canyon trailhead, the route descends into the canyon and ascends into Squaw Canyon, offering close-up views of rock formations and towering cliffs. This well-marked trail is ideal for those seeking a mix of sandy paths, rocky terrain, and mild scrambling.

Chesler Park Loop Trail

The Chesler Park Loop Trail is a strenuous 10.4-mile hike starting at the Elephant Hill trailhead. It features towering spires, narrow canyons, and expansive meadows, with Chesler Park being a highlight. The trail includes slickrock sections and offers panoramic views, making it a challenging but rewarding hike for those with good fitness and navigation skills. This was our favorite hike in the park and one of my favorite desert hikes ever!

See more about the Chesler Loop Trail.

Druid Arch Trail

The Druid Arch Trail is a strenuous 10.8-mile round-trip hike starting at the Elephant Hill trailhead. It involves traversing sandy washes, rocky terrain, and narrow canyons, with a steep climb to the iconic Druid Arch. This challenging hike is best for experienced hikers seeking a memorable adventure in the Needles District.

Backpacking

There is a permit required for backpacking in the Needles. You can learn more about the best trails on the NPS site.

Photography

Photography in the Needles District captures the area’s dramatic landscapes, characterized by towering spires, colorful sandstone formations, and expansive vistas, providing stunning opportunities for both sunrise and sunset shots. Some of the best places to get photos include:

• Chesler Park
• Druid Arch
• Elephant Hill
• Pothole Point
• Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook
• Big Spring Canyon Overlook

Ranger-led Programs and Educational Opportunities

Ranger-led programs in the Needles District provide guided hikes, campfire talks, and interpretive sessions that delve into the area’s unique geological formations, ancient rock art, and diverse desert ecosystems. Check the calendar for a schedule of programs.

Getting to the Needles District

The Needles District is much more remote than the Islands in the Sky District. This district is about 75 miles (or 1.5 hours from

To reach the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, drive approximately 75 miles southwest from Moab, Utah, via Highway 191 and then Highway 211. Follow Highway 211 for about 34 miles until you reach the park entrance. This is an interesting drive and you pass some arches and a really pretty valley into the Needles.

Where to Stay to Visit the Needles District

The only option for staying near the Needles is camping. There is a campground inside the park as well as several campsites outside of the park.

If you want to stay in a hotel, your best bet is to stay in Moab and day trip to the Needles.

We camped just outside the gate at Hamburger Rock. This was a great place to camp although there is very little shade.

Things to Know About Visiting the Needles District Canyonlands NP

Best Time of Year to Visit the Needles

The Needles is hot during the summer and even when we visited in April, day time temperatures were hot. The best time to visit is during the fall and spring months. If you are visiting during the summer months, you are best off hiking early in the day to avoid the heat.

How Long do You Need to Visit the Needles District

If you are planning to do one of teh longer hikes you should plan at least one full day in the park. You can easily spend 2 or more days if you have the time.

Amenities in the Park

There is very little cell service and services in the park itself. The visitor center does have water and the some of the campgrounds do as well. Just outside the park there is a small camp store at one of the campsites, but besides this, there is no gas, food, or other shops. Be prepared for a remote experience!

Nearby Attractions

Want to explore other nearby attractions?

Make sure to check out other parts of Canyonlands or visit Arches National Park.

You could also explore Natural Bridges National Monument or the La Sal Mountains.

Check out our guides on Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Parks.

You can also see our epic 1 month National Park Road Trip, or see more about the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.