| |
| Chesler Park - Joint Trail Loop, UT | |
|
| | Chesler Park - Joint Trail Loop, UT | | | |
|
|
Chesler Park - Joint Trail Loop, UT
| | |
|
| Hiking | 12.60 Miles |
1,722 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.60 Miles | 6 Hrs 37 Mns | | 2.26 mph |
| 1,722 ft AEG | 1 Hour 2 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | We spent a few days in the Moab area and checked out Needles District in Canyonlands. It has been on the list for awhile and wanted to do an overnight but day hiking was our option for this trip. The drive to Needles from Moab is somewhat long so we arrived late morning at the Elephant Hill Trailhead. From the trailhead we headed towards Chesler Park on the Devils Kitchen Trail. Amazing terrain on the way to Chesler Park and hard to describe but the pictures are the best example. Another hike where our camera phones were working overtime with great shot around every corner.
After about 3 miles we reached a low pass that provided access to Chesler Park. We continued on a loop around the park eventually linking up with a 4WD road. So technically we could have driven but I’m sure the road is more aggressive than what I would want to drive. However, with the scenery on this hike I’d recommend walking anyway. Going around the loop the 4WD road ends at the start of Joint Trail. We continued on the Joint Trail which is fantastic fun despite it’s relatively short length. We spent some time exploring the narrow passages and crazy intersections of the rock formation. Definitely one of the more interesting geologic features I’ve seen.
After finishing the Joint Trail we passed through the opposite side of Chesler Park to complete the loop of the park. Exiting the park we headed towards the Druid Arch junction which had more dramatic scenery especially late afternoon. Arriving at the junction we had a choice to make on whether to do the 4 miles out and back to the arch plush 3 miles back to the trailhead. After a short discussion we decided to leave it for another day especially with the long drive back to Moab and we would probably finish hiking in the dark. Instead we found a nice spot for another break and took a slower pace hiking out. We finished just before 5 but what a great hike to see the Needles District. Now just need to return and backpack more of the area. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
