Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

Monticello, Utah

4.5/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

12.18 miles

Elevation Gain

1657 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Tobin Akehurst

Hit the trail on a WORLD CLASS hiking route in Canyonlands National Park. This hike offers a trail of slots, tunnels, meadows, towers, and slick rock!

This world class hiking route circumnavigates Chesler Park by way of open meadows, slots, subterranean alcoves, stairways and slick rock.

Begin at the Elephant Hill Trailhead and head south following signage for the Joint Trail / Chesler Park along the way. Once you arrive at Chesler Park turn left to loop the park clockwise, eventually meeting the legendary Joint Trail and then returning the way you came.

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Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop Reviews

Zach L

Explorer

Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

05/06/25

We did this trail 5/3 and it was a great loop. We had originally planned to add Druid Arch but we started a bit late and decided to finish during the daylight hours instead. There are so many rock cairns that it's hard to lose your way but sometimes the trail seems a bit "meandering" with small climbs and drops that could be minimized. The jeep trail on the west side was an easy walk, the sand wasn't any more difficult than the general trail. There is a pit toilet at the jeep parking area which is a nice feature. All in all, the loop is scenic and pretty but I thought many reviews were a bit too favorable. Take plenty of snacks and water and have fun exploring the needles district!

4.0

K Chester

Scout

Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

06/26/24

great hike to get to; dispersed camping unless it changed; if is early summer, mosquitoes can bloom in & near pools, so be wary, you may need to insulate inside a tent if they discover your whereabouts.

5.0

Explorer

Grant Whitty

Explorer

Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

04/10/17

It's bit a jaunt out to the Joint Trail, but it is well worth it! There are few people, and endless views. It is super fun running around the slot canyons, and massive boulders.

5.0

Explorer

Jonathon Reed

Explorer

Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

11/11/16

The Joint Trail is a must-see in Canyonlands National Park, and Chesler Park is no less interesting. Highly recommend making these destinations if you're in or nearby the Needles District.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Druid Arch

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Peekaboo Trail to Salt Creek Canyon

Trail Description This adventure starts at Squaw Flat Trailhead A in the Needles District of the Canyonlands. Get there early to claim a parking spot, as there are several trails in the area, and you will want to see the colors change in the rock formations as the sun rises in front of you on your way to Salt Creek Canyon. While there is no change in total elevation, there are abundant elevat...

Joint Trail Loop

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Chesler Park via Sqaw Flat Trailhead

The first draw of this adventure is the roadtrip to the trailhead itself. Set out pre-dawn from Moab, UT and head 77 miles south and west to the Needles District Visitors Centre on Utah 211. En route you'll pass Newspaper Rock, a treasured collection of pictographs well worth the detour if you're making good time. At the visitors centre pick up your backcountry permit and gather details on wat...

Camp at Squaw Flat Campground

Squaw Flat campground is an easily-accessed area full of picturesque campsites in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. It is located in the Needles District, which is well known for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that cover the region. Campsite reservations must be made in advance at recreation.gov. This is a great area for large groups because the campsites can be specious and there i...

Slickrock Foot Trail

The trail weaves away from the highway following cairns. I did the loop counter-clockwise to hit all the viewpoints first. The first part of the trail offers stellar views of the Needles behind you. All the viewpoints are well marked by trail signs. The first viewpoint veers off to the right and takes you to a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and mesas. After returning to the trail...

Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop

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Chesler Park and Joint Trails Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Druid Arch

Peekaboo Trail to Salt Creek Canyon

Joint Trail Loop

Chesler Park via Sqaw Flat Trailhead

Camp at Squaw Flat Campground

Slickrock Foot Trail

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