Posted in Utah Natural Wonders, Nature March 24, 2021 by

Travel Back To The Dark Ages By Visiting Utah’s Very Own Needles District of Canyonlands

The famous Stonehenge attracts many visitors to Wilthsire, England for it’s interesting rock formation. While the landmark may be on a few travelers bucket list, some may want to stay a little closer to the U.S. to get their fill of rocky wonders. The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is a mesmerizing destination full of interesting rock formations and will make you feel like you are back in time during the dark ages. 

The Needles District is popular for its colorful sandstone spires. It is located in the southeastern part of Canyonlands National Park.
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There are several jeep trails and foot paths depending on your interest.

You may decide you need to take a multi-day adventure for backpacking to fully experience the dark age aesthetic.
The foot and four-wheel-drive trails lead to a variety of breathtaking trails.
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Some of these include Elephant Hill, Confluence Overlook, the Tower Ruin, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.
Elephant Hill is considered to be one of the most technical four-wheel-drive roads in Utah. It presents obstacles such as loose rocks, steep grades, and tight turns.
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The route is worth the trip in the end. You can find many picturesque landscapes along the way.

Keep in mind that you will need either a day overnight permit depending on how long you plan to stay.
The Druid Arch is one of the rock formations that can be found within the Needles District. The structure is formed out of Cedar Mesa Sandstone and stands at 150-ft tall.
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The most common entry point to reach the arch is at the Elephant Hill Trailhead. In total the hike amounts to a 10.8 mile round trip.

Those visiting the Druid Arch claim it is the closest thing to Stonehenge in Utah.
The Confluence Overlook is another great spot in the Needles District. The distinct rock formations are prominent throughout this hike as well.
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And the twist at the end of this hike... a unique view of the Green and Colorado Rivers 1,000 feet below.
One of the usual destinations in the Needles District is Chesler Park. This is the typical route for the day hiker.
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You can either take the short hike of 2.6 miles or the longer one looping 5.3 miles.
Those choosing the longer hike will be able to experience the Joint Trail. This deep, narrow ravine makes you feel like you are in a different world when passing through.
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Overall the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is the ideal place to get your breathtaking views in Utah. There are plenty of rock formations to be discovered throughout the hike.
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This park make you believe that you are back in the dark ages, especially if you are backpacking through the many trails.

So, if you find yourself needing a getaway from your present lifestyle, try immersing yourself in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime, and with one-of-a-kind scenery outdoor enthusiasts can truly appreciate it. If you find yourself forgetting which time period you are actually in, consider it a successful adventure through the rocky landscape.

 

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