When you visit the southeastern portion of Canyonlands National Park, make your first stop the Needles District Visitor Center. You’ll gain a better understanding of the district’s geographic features and its colorful sandstone spires before heading out on the area’s numerous hikes. Once you get your bearings, choose from day hikes, multi-day backpacking and four-wheel drive adventures to the district’s most popular features.
Along the main Needles access road, the Needles District Visitor Center is open every day, spring through fall, with hours varying by season. While here, check out interesting exhibits, pick up books, maps and backcountry permits, use the Wi-Fi and chat with the park rangers on duty. Watch an insightful park orientation video before you start your sightseeing. If you are camping in the park, ask about the evening ranger programs, including stargazing events.
From here, set off to explore the canyons, natural arches and sheer cliffs of the rugged Needles District. All told, over 60 miles (96 kilometers) of trails of varying difficulty levels interconnect throughout the Needles. Start with several short, self-guided trails along the main road, which teach visitors about the area’s natural and cultural history. Then embark on more difficult and lengthier trails as you wish.
Some of the most iconic sights include Chesler Park, Cave Spring, Elephant Hill, Roadside Ruin and Confluence Overlook. See the junction of the Green River and Colorado River that have carved the park’s deep canyons. Hike the short Cave Spring loop to a historic cowboy camp and additional prehistoric rock paintings. Note that you’ll climb two ladders as part of this route. At Roadside Ruin, hike to an Ancestral Puebloan structure in remarkably good condition.
Access the Needles District via the paved road leading into and out of the area. The Needles District Visitor Center is on the main road. Given spotty cell service, rely on a map of the area instead of a GPS unit. Restrooms, drinking water and trail maps are available at the visitor center. Pay the national park entrance fee for access.
