Hike the Joint Trail in The Needles
Traverse a deep, shoulder-width fracture in the earth that leads to a surreal meadow of towering rock spires.
Itinerary tips
- 1Plan for a 1.5-hour drive from Moab to reach the Elephant Hill trailhead in the Needles District.
- 2Allow at least 6 to 8 hours to complete the full 11-mile loop encompassing Chesler Park and the Joint Trail.
- 3Carry a minimum of 3 liters of water per person as there are no refill stations along this remote, sun-exposed desert route.
- 4Bring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle if you intend to bypass the main hike by driving directly to the Joint Trailhead via Beef Basin Road.
- 5Pay the National Park entrance fee at the visitor center, but note that no special backcountry permit is required for day hiking.
- 6Wear footwear with aggressive tread to safely navigate the steep, slickrock scrambles required to reach the fracture entrance.
More in Moab
Hike to Delicate Arch at Sunset
Witness Utah's most iconic sandstone span glow fiery orange as the sun dips below the horizon, perfect for the cooler September evenings.
HikingHike Grandstaff Canyon to Morning Glory
Follow a perennial stream through a lush canyon that stays cool even in late summer, ending at a massive 243-foot natural bridge.
HikingHike to Corona and Bowtie Arches
Follow the railroad tracks and use built-in cables to reach a massive free-standing arch that rivals anything found inside the official national parks.
HikingSunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park sits on a mesa about 30 miles from Moab, above a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River. The main overlook is a short walk from the parking area, and late afternoon into sunset is when the canyon walls take on the most colour. The park charges an entrance fee and stays open year round.
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