The Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park with three sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. The Green and Colorado Rivers divide these three districts and each one is uniquely spectacular.
On a solo weekend adventure, I camped and hiked within the Needles district located in the southeast corner of the Canyonlands National Park south of Moab. The Needles district is rugged and remote with stunning spires and fins of Cedar Mesa sandstone. My experience at Needles was incredible, and I highly recommend you explore this amazing desert terrain.
Squaw Flat Campground
I set up my tent in the evening at Squaw Flat Campground “A” up against the sandstone slickrock. Right before sunset, I climbed the slickrock for breathtaking panoramic views of the Canyonlands. The setting sun magnified the beauty of the distant red rock pinnacles.
My Hike: Squaw Canyon to Lost Canyon
In the morning, I crossed the road to the trailhead for my hiking adventure. I started early with my camel back full of water. The Squaw Canyon to Lost Canyon trail is almost 9 miles round-trip and as the temperature rose to 100 degrees, I was thankful I began hiking early.
The Canyonlands Trail Adventure
This trail is diverse with slickrock terrain, a narrow ladder to climb, lush riverbeds with dense vegetation, juniper trees, sagebrush, Yucca, Cacti and deep canyons. I followed the cairns, small piles of rocks, to guide me on the trail. Without these cairns, I suspect I would have been lost in the desert.
Isolation, Vulnerability & Desert Heat
This hike took me a half of a day, and I never saw another person. I was surprised by the complete isolation. I felt an amazing sense of freedom and as one with the desert in my solo journey.
As I tired from the intense desert heat, I made the mistake of following a riverbed and losing the cairns. A sense of vulnerability washed over me. I felt a deep awareness and respect for the power of the desert and it’s harsh uninhabitable environment. I wisely retraced my steps and focused on keeping the cairns in sight for the remainder of my hike.
Needles District Location
On US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab, then take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles west to the Needles.
Stop at the visitor center after entering the Needles district to learn about the fragile desert soil, the harsh desert environment and the history of the area. Also, pick up park and trail maps and campground information.
Trail Tips
- Bring a camel back full of water.
- Start earlier in the morning when it’s cooler.
- Bring a trail map.
- Keep the cairns in sight. Retrace your steps if you lose the trail.
- Expect to see an abundance of lizards!
CLICK HERE to read about the Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District.
