Hike Needle's Slickrock Foot Trail

Monticello, Utah

Details

Distance

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by LJ Dawson

This less advanced hike still gives you a taste of the wild remoteness of the Needles district in Canyonlands National Park. It provides great views of the La Sal Mountains, the Needles, Island in the Sky, and Big and Little Spring Canyon. The park's self-guided viewpoints show off the unique geology of canyon country.

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, the loop will start off to the right and begin climbing the mesa's slick rock top. The next viewpoint will take you above Upper Little Spring Canyon. Watch for birds flying into the blue skies above the potholes.

The third viewpoint drops down into a ditch to view Lower Little Spring Canyon. After returning to the loop, follow it as it turns back towards the parking lot.

The last viewpoint turns off the trail and meanders above Big Spring Canyon. Stand near the edges and peek at the frozen waterfalls in the winter or the lush canyon bottom in the spring.

After returning to the main trail, signs will point to a short hike back to the parking lot.

Please note - be careful of Cryptobiotic soil when going off trail, as it takes decades to recover. Stick to the slick rock! Also, the potholes hold delicate ecosystems that are easily ruined by human interference. When snowy beware of icy rock.

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Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Scenic

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Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Hike the Confluence Overlook

Explore Big Spring Creek Overlook

Camp at Squaw Flat Campground

Backpack to Chesler Park, Canyonlands NP

Joint Trail in the Canyonlands Needles District

Hike Peekaboo Trail to Salt Creek Canyon