Chesler Park

In the south-west of the Needles area of Canyonlands NP is the peculiar, unexpected area of dry grassland surrounded by extraordinary needly formations known as Chesler Park, many would argue the area’s finest walking. It takes some getting to, but is accessible in some 3 miles’ hiking from Elephant Hill, or 1.4 miles from the Devil’s Kitchen campground, if you have a 4x4 (and pass); 4+ miles from Squaw Flat if not. (For many, the best way to explore the area is therefore to backpack in and camp for a night or two, giving time for local exploration without the long walks in/out.)

There is consensus that the best walk is the Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail, a 11 mile (18km) circuit of Chesler Park from/to Elephant Hill (6miles appx if already in Chesler Park), which gets to admire the local rocky peculiarities, including the exceptional, even by local standards, formations and rocky psychedelia of Elephant Canyon on the way in, and sweeping views of the Needles. The dramatic Joint Trail section creeps through very narrow, deep gaps in the formations. If you don’t have time to walk the whole way in to Chesler Park there is a superb 6 mile there-and-back to Chesler Park Viewpoint.

If you have time, walk out along a canyon bottom to view the superb Druid Arch. 5+ miles round trip the SW edge of Chesler Park. Some scrambling and a ladder section.

(Walkopedia regrets not having time when we visited to get out to Chesler Park.)

This can be tough walking in dry desert. Come fully prepared, carrying sufficient water.

We want to tell more - please send us your ideas, suggestions, experiences and photos.

See our Canyonlands National Park page for more walks in the Needles area and general and practical information and photos.