Needles District
On May 16th 2019 my sister and I decided to take to the open road to see Hunter Hayes perform at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction Colorado. With our country favorites at the ready we set out toward Moab to sneak in a few days of hiking before the concert.
- Distance: 17 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: roughly 3000ft
- Trail Type: Lollipop Loop
- Location: Canyonlands National Park
- Permits Required: No
- Dogs Allowed: No
Chesler Park Loop
After a 15 hour drive that included a dramatic lightning storm, we arrived at Elephant Hill Trailhead early the following morning. Luckily we were greeted by blue skies and perfect hiking conditions.
From the parking lot, we ascended a narrow stone staircase built between two prominent boulders that lead to the open desert beyond. We followed the meandering dirt trail lined with scrub brush and spring wild flowers and continued on toward the unique rock formations beckoning on the horizon.
We decided to take a counterclockwise approach while exploring Chesler Park following signs toward Devils Kitchen. Our main goals for the day included exploring Joint Trail as well as Druid Arch. However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the modified loop we took through Chesler Park ended up being a trip highlight in itself.
Pillars and spires of multicolored red and white sandstone towered around us as we weaved our way through the grasslands. In addition to the awe-inspiring rock formations, we were diverted by vibrant cactus blooms and a slow crawling tarantula that greeted us on the trail. Along the way there were also several vista points that afforded us a bird’s-eye view of the tops of these impressive pinnacles and domes.
Pseudo-Slot Canyon
Joint Trail
Once we reached Joint Trail we descended into the sandy bottomed narrow fissure in the rock. This section of trail has a strange resemblance to a proper slot canyon except for the fact that the walls around you do not undulate. Instead the vertical walls tower straight up around you and less pronounced side passageways periodically meet the main rock gap at 90 degree angles. Along the main passage you will encounter small obstacles comprised of logs and rocks to clamber down. As you make your way deeper into the narrow rock gap the lower walls widen to form a tubular cave-like area that was pretty spectacular. The geography of this area is truly unique and striking.
It was my sister’s first time in a “slot” canyon so we took our time exploring. Once the trail widened back out to open skies and colorful pillars we found a nice shady area to enjoy lunch. After which, we retraced our steps back to Chesler Park loop and continued on toward Druid Arch.
Druid Arch
As we made our way to Druid Arch we were a little concerned that the arch wouldn’t be worth the additional miles. As we trudged through areas of thick sand and continued our climb toward our destination everything in the distance looked to be relatively uniform and unimposing. To our surprise Druid Arch is angled in such a way that hikers are unable to see the arch until they are standing before it in wonder.
This angular double arch is perched high above the canyon floor giving striking views of the surround area. The arch towers before you with its elongated windows and hauntingly dramatic angels. We spend a fair bit of time sitting there taking it all in before making our way back to Elephant Trailhead and heading off in search of Thai food.