One jeep rental, a two hour drive, a stop at the visitors center for a day use permit. We were off for an entire day of off-roading in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park! We decided to tackle Elephant Hill and head out to Devils Lane. There was not a particular destination in mind, but we had a few ideas. The first was to go to confluence overlook, and the second option was to head to joint trailhead. In the end, we decided on the joint trail. This was the best decision we could have made, all detailed below!
Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill requires a day use or an overnight permit is easily acquired at the Needles District visitors center. Fair warning, this trail 100% needs high clearance vehicles and an experienced driver behind the wheel. The ranger at the visitors center will not issue a permit if you do not have the right vehicle. Plus fair warning – towing costs are upwards of $2,000! Once you get to the Elephant Hill trailhead, the sketchiest part of the trail is in front of you. Immediately there is a climb up 400 feet at a very steep grade and several switchbacks, one which requires a 3+ point turn on a narrow turnout.
Just when you think you got over the worst section of the trail you go down a steep grade section of trail into the canyon. The trail is so narrow you have to back down a switch back (and consequently back up the switchback on the way out). Then you truly are past the most technical sections of the trail and head into the one-way area. Aside from a few narrow canyons, the rest of the trail to Devils Pocket is easy sailing.
Devils Pocket to the Joint
There is a backcountry vault toilet and campground at Devils Pocket. The campground also features some awesome views of the iconic rock formations of the Needles. From Devils Pocket to the Joint is a super straight forward sandy trail, except SOB Hill. SOB Hill is aptly named with a tight corner and plenty of boulders to navigate. An easy spot to under-estimate.
The Joint Hiking Trail – The Needles
The Joint hiking trail is a short, 4 mile out and back trail that takes you through slot canyons to Chesler Park. All Trails has the hike listed as moderate with around 500 feet elevation gain. This hike was seriously the hidden gem of the day. It begins as a super exposed hike, and eventually ends up in a large cavern space, and continues up a slot canyon. Then you reach the “end” of the canyon and make a hard right up a narrow set of rock stairs. As you come out of the slot canyon you pop up in the middle of Chesler Park surrounded by rock formations. Words, and the photos, do not do the views justice.
Devils Lane to Silver Stairs
After a quick lunch at the Joint trailhead, we headed back out to Devils Lane. We headed north toward the Confluence Overlook and Elephant Hill. We tackled the Silver Stairs section of the trail with ease and stopped for a few fun Jeep photos.
After Silver Stairs we had a decision to make – push on to confluence overlook or head back to Elephant Hill. We did not know how long the one-way exit trail would take, so we opted to head back Elephant Hill. We also had to return our Jeep by a specific time, sadly. Heading back down Elephant Hill was not nearly as sketchy as going up. I also attribute that to getting more comfortable in the Jeep throughout the day. We explored a little bit more of the Needles District in the jeep, then headed back to Moab. Of course we did not miss Newspaper Rock on our way back.
Before you go – The Needles District
The Needles District is about a two hour drive from Moab, so it is a bit of a trek. Be prepared with a full tank of gas regardless of what you plan to do, because the closest gas stations are in Moab. That is also where the closest food is located, so be sure to bring your lunch with you and plenty of water. During the summer it is HOT and sunny, so sunscreen and a hat are also a must. Also, be prepared for a relaxing day without phone service.
The drive out to the Needles that is well worth the time to explore the very distinct rock formations that are not seen in the other districts of Canyonlands National Park. The entire national park is recognized as an international dark sky parks. The Needles District does not have a shuttle bus system. In fact – aside from the main park roads, all other roads in the park require high clearance 4WD vehicles to even attempt to drive them. The Maze section of the park is only accessible with an off-road vehicle.
For our adventure up Elephant Hill and out to Devils Lane, we rented our Jeep from Canyonland Jeep and Car Rental, and had a great experience with them! So if you need a day or multi-day rental, check them out!
For more information on other things to do in Canyonlands National Park and in the Needles District, check out the national parks website!
Check out my adventures in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park and other hikes around Moab I have tackled, including Corona Arch, Mill Creek Trail, Devils Garden, Delicate Arch, and the Windows District of Arches National Park.