Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail
The Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail is a fantastic route for experienced hikers. This trail leads you past the Druid Arch: a 46 m tall formation of cedar mesa sandstone that bears a closer resemblance to Stonehenge than to the classic arches of the Utah desert. The Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail can be done in one, big day or broken up over a weekend by camping at one of the many gorgeous campsites along the route.
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Route Description for Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail
The Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail is a challenging route for experienced hikers. This trail is long and has steep, rugged sections that require light scrambling. Hikers should come prepared with lots of water, salty snacks, and proper footwear. If you like, this trail can be broken up over a couple of days by camping at one of the many campsites on route. These campsites are available for use with a backcountry overnight permit from the Canyonlands Parks office. Permits can be obtained from the Visitors Center or by purchasing online.
From the Elephant Hill Trailhead, follow the cairn-marked path south for 2.1 km to a divide. Take a right and follow the trail west for half a mile to an intersection, then take a left to head south down Elephant Canyon along the Druid Arch Trail. Continue down Elephant Canyon for 1.3 km to a divide- stay right to continue south for another 3.5 km. At the end of Elephant Canyon, make your way up the ladder and through the boulders to Druid Arch. After taking a rest at the arch, backtrack to the last divide, take a left and head west along the Chesler Park Loop. Continue around the loop, staying right at all the subsequent divides until you meet back up with the Druid Arch Trail.
Once you are back in familiar territory, follow the cairns to return to the Elephant Hill Trailhead, where you began.
Getting to the Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail Trailhead
From the Needles Visitor Center, follow Needles Main Park Road for 4.5 km before taking a left onto Elephant Hill Road. Continue on Elephant Hill Road for 5.2 km to the Elephant Hill Trailhead—the Druid Arch Trail to Chesler Park Trail begins here.
Route Information
Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Big Springs Canyon Loop
- Elephant Hill and Chesler Park Loop
- Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop
- Druid Arch to Chesler Park Loop
- The Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail
- Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop
- Devil’s Pocket Loop
- Elephant Hill Trail
- Chesler Park Viewpoint
- Chesler Park Loop
- Druid Arch Trail
- Lost Canyon Trail