Dominating the landscape in the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park, The Needles are named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone. There are countless hiking trails in the area, or if you wish, you can explore by four-wheel-drive on rugged roads to Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail and Chesler Park. Start at the Needles Visitor Center to get your bearings, view exhibits, talk to park rangers, purchase maps and secure backcountry permits, if necessary. Here are the best things to do in The Needles.

Go Back in Time at Cave Spring
Set the scene for your Needles exploration with this short, 0.6-mile loop trail leading to a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock paintings.

Go Hiking at Pothole Point
See the desert come to life on a short loop trail to Pothole Point. You’ll hear coyotes, see ravens and meet up with sunbathing lizards. Marvel at grasses growing out of the arid landscape and the thriving pinyon and juniper trees. The potholes along the trail are tiny ecosytems, so take a close look – but don’t pollute them with fingers or feet.

Visit the Roadside Ruin

Learn about the ancestral-Puebloan heritage of The Needles District on this short 0.3-mile loop that leads to a structure from that era. Along the way, notice the native plants – these were used by the Puebloans in their daily life around 950 CE. Around this time, emigration into the Canyonlands increased. The ancestral Puebloans spent their time farming, while the Fremont people who moved into the area split their time between farming and foraging. In the late 1200s, farming in the area became difficult due to climate change and regional drought and most of the farmers emigrated into the area that is now New Mexico and Arizona. The ones who stayed adapted to a colder climate and eventually became the local Ute and Paiute tribes. While the word “ruin” first appeared on a NPS map to describe the area, it should be noted that these areas are still considered living and used by the tribes’ ancestors in the spiritual world.

Drive in the Backcountry

If you are visiting The Needles District by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll be able to explore area on its miles of backcountry roads. Keep in mind that the terrain is rough and towing charges are very expensive. Ask at the visitor center which roads require a permit.

Among the favorite backcountry routes for drivers and mountain bikers is Elephant Hill, one of the most technical, 4WD drive roads in Utah for its steep grades, loose scree, stair-step drops and tight turns. If you’re looking for a moderate road good for mountain bikes, head to the Colorado River Overlook. Salt Creek (Peekaboo)/Horse Canyon is another favorite for four-wheel-drive vehicles; the road is too sandy for mountain bikes. Check out the prehistoric rock art near the vehicle campsites at Peekabo. Follow Horse Canyon Road if you’d like to see rock arches and Tower Ruin. Another that’s too sandy for bikes, but great for four-wheel-driving, is Lavender Canyon, following the beds of colorful canyons where there is deep sand, deep water and quicksand – there are many arches and archaeological sites visible from the road. A few of these spots offer backcountry camping; check in with a ranger for more information.

Drive the Scenic Route
As the road crosses the Canyonlands National Park boundary, you’ll start to see The Needles rock formations. Pass the NPS visitor center, then continue on the road, past arches, ancient ruins, river overlooks and more sandstone formations, stopping for a better look or to take a hike. The main road ends at Big Spring Canyon Overlook (this is also the start of the Confluence Overlook hike). In the distance, you can glimpse the Abajo and La Sal mountains.

Hiking

With more than 60 miles of interlaced trails in the area, The Needles District offers something for all interests and ability levels. You’ll find four short, self-guided trails from the paved scenic drive, providing a great intro to the area’s natural and cultural history. Keep in mind that there is little to no water in most areas, so be sure to carry more than enough with you.

Easy to moderate hikes include Roadside Ruin, Pothole Point and Cave Spring, noted above. For a strenuous hike, try Big Squaw to Squaw Canyon, which connects two canyons across varied terrain. You’ll climb several steep grades. Or, tackle the Confluence Overlook hike along dry, open country, ending at a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers.

Stargazing
Take advantage of the lack of light pollution and join a stargazing event in The Needles District. Held in spring and fall, these night-sky programs include the use of a telescope to view stars, planets, nebulae and more.

Explore Nearby
In addition to the stunning Needles formations, Canyonlands National Park has a lot to offer. Consider extending your stay to explore the Canyonlands Island in the Sky District and hike to Mesa Arch. Visit nearby Dead Horse State Park. Explore Arches National Park and snap photos of Delicate Arch. There are dispersed camping areas throughout the Moab area and surroundings.

Junior Ranger Program
Let the kids explore the wilderness of the Canyonlands and Needles as a junior ranger. There are junior ranger program booklets available at the visitor center, filled with lots of fun, interactive activities to unveil the natural and cultural wonders of the area. When completed, kids can earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate.

Camping
There are 26 individual sites at the Needles Campground, plus 3 groups sites elsewhere in the district. Individual sites are reservable in spring and fall and are first-come, first-served in the summer. Group sites can be reserved mid-March through mid-November. The campground offers toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.