If you’re planning on hiking in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, you really only have two options: Â EASY or STRENUOUS trails. Â There are over 60 miles of trails in the area and most are on the strenuous side of the spectrum. Â If a strenuous trail isn’t what you were looking for on your adventure, check out these easy trails.
Roadside Ruins
Roadside Ruin is the perfect trail to see how the ancestral Pueblon people lived in this area.  You’ll see plants that were used for everyday life and a structure built by them.  If this structure excites you, be sure to check out the Aztec Butte Trail in the Island in the Sky district.  This trail is an easy, 0.3 mile loop.  HERE is more information about Roadside Ruin. Â
Cave Spring Trail
If you’re short on time and can only do one trail, Cave Spring Trail is the one to choose. Â This is another short trail at just 0.6 miles. Â There is so much to see and explore on this trail. Â It is a favorite of ours!
Cowboy Camp
The trail goes in a loop which is always a plus. Â When you start, make sure you go to the left first. Â Shortly after, you’ll find the Cowboy Camp. Â Here you can see a glimpse of what the cattlemen established here. Â It’s amazing how they set everything up and lived in this area while raising cattle. Â They were very successful from the late 1800s all the way until 1975.
Cave Spring
Continue along the trail until you come to the spring. Â Don’t be in a big hurry to get here though. Â There are so many side trails and things to explore and I would encourage you to take advantage. Â All these little trails lead back to the main one so although it seems like a large area, you’ll always know where you are. Â Enjoy the adventure!
At the cave, you’ll see the spring. Â This was used by both the cowboys and American Indians as a water source. Â It’s certainly the thing that catches your eye when you first walk up on it, but don’t miss the rock art that is just up and to the right of the water.
Rock Paintings
The cave spring is not the only rock art on this trail. Â Continue on the trail and into others caves and see some amazing handprints. Â There is also an area of peckings that is on the opposite side of the trail. Â There are beautiful things all around!
Ladders
After you have explored the caves, get back on the trail and head to the ladders. Â It’s time for a different view and what better than on top of the caves. Â This was our favorite part of the trail. Â It was fun to climb the ladders, but be aware that this is a slickrock area so make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes. Â Once you’ve climbed up the ladders, take in the amazing view. Â There are several cairns to follow as the trail loops back around to the parking lot. Â HEREÂ is more information about the trail, including the trail guide.
Pothole Point
This trail is appropriately named as there are potholes everywhere.  Follow the cairns on this 0.6 mile trail to beautiful views of the district.  This is another area of the park where the exploring is endless.  Large boulders invite you to look around the corner and find even more beautiful things each time.  It’s a great spot.  More info HERE
Want More Views?
Big Spring is a stunning overlook at the end of the main road in the district.  Check out this MAP for other overlooks to see, including Wooden Shoe Arch.
Ready for a Strenuous Hike?
Ok, I know this is all about easy hiking in the Needles, but if you’re wanting something more than head to Chesler Park.  This area gets most of the glory in the district.  It has miles of trails to arches and views.  Access the area from Elephant Hill.  You can hike for as long as you’d like.  Most people hike in and stay at one of the backcountry campsites that are available.  If that’s you’re thing, HERE is more info.  Whatever you choose to do in The Needles district of Canyonlands will be an amazing adventure!
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Canyonlands National Park or the National Park Service.
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