The Southern Utah desert is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Sandstone towers flow out of undulating terrain that seems to be a combination of cracked flakes and frozen ocean waves. It almost feels like being on Mars. Walking through the canyons there is like being in a cathedral. Silence surrounds you save for the echoes of your footsteps and the occasional call of a bird. At night the skies are clear and the milky way is the brightest you’ll see.
Last week we headed out to Canyonlands National Park while on a road trip to do a quick backpacking loop. Canyonlands is a huge park divided into 4 “districts.” Its Needles district is one of the most backpacking friendly areas in the park and is where we started our trip.
Some Quick Facts About Canyonlands’ Needles District
- Permits and backcountry site reservations are required for backpacking.
- Bear canisters are required and are available to borrow at the Visitor Center.
- There is a little over 60 miles of trail in the Needles.
- Elevation change is pretty minimal unless you are planning on visiting a river.
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate.
- Trails are often on rock and require following cairns.
- You can car camp in The Needles (with reservations) and day hike to most locations.
The Video:
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