Needles / Chesler Park Loop
~1 days · 10.1 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Needles / Chesler Park Loop is known for
A 10–11 mile (16 km) moderate loop through the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, starting from Elephant Hill Trailhead and winding through the surreal red-and-white sandstone fins of Chesler Park meadow, then returning via the upper Elephant Canyon Trail and South/Big Spring Canyon connector trails. The route passes through the world-famous Joint Trail, a narrow slot corridor between towering fins. Dogs and bikes are prohibited; a free backcountry permit is required for overnight camping.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 16,791 ft to 18,999 ft over 10.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.4 mi · 44%
- Downhill 4.3 mi · 43%
- Flat 1.3 mi · 13%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Needles / Chesler Park Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Needles / Chesler Park Loop scores 19/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Needles / Chesler Park Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Needles / Chesler Park Loop in about 1 days (0 nights out) over its 10.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Needles / Chesler Park Loop?
The Needles / Chesler Park Loop climbs roughly 2,110 ft total — about 209 ft per mile, topping out near 5,850 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.