Needlerock Trail
Table of contents
The Needlerock Trail is a fantastic hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you on a short but intense ascent to a point just shy of the summit. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the steep slopes of Needlerock and work your way through the rocky scramble portions along the upper portion of the trail, before arriving at a scenic viewpoint on the peak. While the overall distance of this route is very short, you will certainly not want to underestimate the intensity of the climb!
Route Description for Needlerock Trail
Perfectly suited for seasoned hikers or casual outdoor enthusiasts looking to increase their physical fitness, the Needlerock Trail is a brief but challenging adventure that will see you scramble up to a point just below the summit of a small peak for gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.
Setting out from the car park along the edge of Needlerock Road, you will head to the northwest along a footpath that will lead you through the scrub at the base of the hill. After reaching the northeast corner of the hill, you will begin working your way up the steep slopes enroute towards the summit. Here, you will likely need to use your hands a bit, as you scramble over the rocky terrain in order to reach the viewpoint along the upper slopes of the hill. After taking in the views, simply head back down along the same route to return to your vehicle.
Getting to the Needlerock Trail Trailhead
The starting point for the Needlerock Trail can be found at the Needlerock Trailhead on E50/needlerock Road
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
March-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Needlerock Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Devil’s Lookout Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Painted Wall Lookout Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Chasm View Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Balanced Rock View Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dead Horse Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Long Draw Hike
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
S.O.B Draw Hike
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Cross Fissures Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Rock Point Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Deadhorse Loop Trail
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Exclamation Point Hike
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park