Needles is one of the three sections of Canyonlands. This was our first visit to needles so we decided to do some sight-seeing and hit all the easy/medium trails (four in total). When travelling South from Moab, you will turn right onto 211. Here’s a map of the intersection:
There is a long drive back to the visitor’s center. On the way is a pull-off called Newspaper Rock.
The drive to the visitor’s center is very scenic:
Roadside Ruin Trail
Right after the visitor center is the first pull-off/hike. It’s only a 0.3-mile easy hike called the Roadside Ruin Trail.
Cave Spring Trail
This trail is 0.6-miles long and involves two ladders. The ladders are easy to climb and are more secure than they look.
Here’s the first ladder.
Right after the first ladder, there is a much smaller ladder:
After the climb, there is a panoramic view. Just follow the cairns.
Wooden Shoe Arch
There is a pull-off for the Wooden Shoe Arch:
Pothole Point Trail
The next easy trail is the Pothole Point Trail. This is a 0.6-mile hike and it’s all flat.
Slick Rock Trail
Slick Rock Trail is a 2.4-mile moderate hike. The trail follows a wide ridge around the top with four panoramic viewpoints that are spectacular.
Confluence Overlook
We investigated the start of this trail. This is a 10-mile difficult hike. This trail starts at the loop.
