Place

Druid Arch Trail

A large sandstone arch looms across the skyline on a bright, sunny blue sky day.
Druid Arch.

NPS/Veronica Verdin

Quick Facts
Location:
The Needles, Canyonlands National Park
Significance:
Trail

Encounter spectacular rock formations on this unique trail.

  • Roundtrip Distance: 10.8 mi (17.4 km)
  • Time: 5-7 hrs
  • Overall Elevation Change: 503 ft (153 m)
    Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Hike Description: This trail offers one of the most spectacular views in The Needles. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail, then branches off to travel along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock. The last 1.25 mile at the upper end is steep with one ladder and some scrambling.
  • Bring: Water (1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold.
  • Accessibility: This trail can be rough, sandy, and requires climbing a ladder and some scrambling on rock. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. 
  • Accessibility: This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. 
  • Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Canyonlands National Park

Last updated: June 9, 2022