Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Located in the more remote Needles section of Canyonlands National Park, the Chesler Loop Trail is an incredbile hike that takes you through the Needles rock formations and several narrow passages and a cave. This hike easily goes on one of my top desert hikes of all time! If you only have time to do one hiking in Canyonlands (and you are up for a longer hike) this is the one to put on your list.
Below you can see the details of hiking the Chesler Loop Trail as well as an alternate route if you don’t want to do the full trail.
Quick Look at the Chesler Loop Trail
Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: 2150 feet Difficulty: moderate to difficult
This hike took about 6 hours to complete and even though we hiked in April and started early in the morning, it was very hot by the end and we were getting low on water by the end. Don’t underestimate the heat, lack of shade and need for water on this hike!
The trail starts at the Elephant Hill trailhead and continues with a few flat and steep sections for the first 3 miles to Chesler Park. There is a steep section right at the start and another one as you near Chesler Park as well as a short slot canyon section. At this point the trail forms a 5 mile loop that can be hiked in either direction. This section of the trail joins the Junction Trail and winds between rock formations only to open up to sweeping views of the desert and distant La Sal Mountains. There is also a section that passes through a longer slot canyon and a cave making this part of the trail incredibly varied and interesting.
Scroll to the end of this article for a more detailed trail description.
Things to Know about Hiking the Chesler Loop Trail
The Needles area can be VERY HOT
This trail is best hiked during the cool months and the summer can be incredibly hot in the Needles. Even in April, this hike was hot. Most of the trail has no shade.
The Trailhead at Elephant Hill Parking Lot
There is a decent amount of parking in the Elephant Hill Parking lot and you will find a toilet here. There are no other facilities on the trail. The road to get to Elephant Hill is a bit of a rough dirt road.
The Trail is well marked
The trail is well marked throughout the entire hike with signs and cairns although it was helpful to download a map or two of the area prior to heading off. There is a map at the trailhead that you can snap a photo of, but this area is remote so be prepared.
Cell Phones don’t Work Here
We did not have good cell service on this hike.
The Hike is Within Canyonlands National Park
The hike is inside Canyonlands National Park and you will need to pay to enter the park. You can see more about this part of the park on the National Park Pages. Since this part of the park is remote you will either need to camp inside or just outside the entrance or drive from Moab for a day hike.
Packing List of the Chesler Loop Trail
- Essential Hiking Items
- Hiking Boots/shoes – this trail is partially flat but also has some sections that require extra ankle support
- Lots of water – take 4 liters of water per person
- Snacks – this is a long hike and either lunch or snacks is a good idea
- Hat and Sunglasses
Details of the Chesler Park Loop
I hiked the Chelser Loop Trail in late April with Hadley, Fin and Freja. Since we were camping just outside the Needles entrance we got an easly start and were hiking by around 7 am. Starting at the Elephant Hill trailhead the trail starts with a very short but steep section – don’t worry, it’s short and the trail soon flattens and moves right along. This part of the trail is fun to hike and very pretty.
After about 1.5 mile you will pass a trail sign – continue on the Chesler Trail.
The next section isn’t particularly difficult but does have a series of ups and downs, a few small scrambly areas and the first short and fun slot canyon.
Just before the trail reaches the Chesler Viewpoint you will ascend a steady steep section. At the top of this section, the trail splits into a loop. This is a great place to turn around if you just want to hike 6 miles as you have some excellent views, or you continue for just under another 5 miles on the loop portion of the hike.
You can hike the loop section of this trail in either direction. We went counterclockwise so I will describe this section in that direction. This direction does get the harder walking out of the way at teh beginning and you’ll end the loop on a nice flat section.
Going counterclockwise follow signs for the Joint Trail and Devil’s Garden. The first section of this trail involves some ups and downs with a few tricky sections. The trail is generally obvious but it’s worth paying attention through this section.
The trail eventually meets up with a dirt road used by jeeps. Stay left and continue for about 0.5 miles until you see the Joint Trail on your left.
The Joint Trail is where things really start to get fun! There is a short steep climb and the trail get narrow before entering a cave. This is not a small wet creepy cave but a large cavernous area full of light. After the cave you enter the slot canyon. This Joint Trail slot canyon is much longer than the earlier canyon and is so fun to explore with generally easy walking and a few climbing areas.
After exiting the slot canyon you are back on a generally easy walking trail through Chesler Park. This is a gorgeous stretch and fast walking. You will eventually wind back to the start of the loop and the Chesler Park Viewpoint. You will return to the parking lot on the 3 mile trail you came in on.
Looking for More Information
Learn more about visiting Canyonlands National Park or the very Nearby Arches National Park.
You can also find more general information about visiting US National Parks or tips on planning a National Parks Road Trip.
