Explore Big Spring Creek Overlook

Monticello, Utah

Description

The end of the road in the Needles District.

This overlook is at the end of the scenic drive in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Once you step away from your vehicle the world sort of drops out below you into Big Spring Canyon. Just a short walk from the car takes you to some fantastic formations. Visitors can begin the hike of the confluence trail to the merging of the Colorado and Green rivers deep in the heart of the Maze District on one side and Needles District on the other. That would add about 10 miles to the journey.

The deep dramatic canyons are not within Big Spring Canyon and for some it could underwhelm, but what it lacks in size it makes up in mysterious and weird rock formations. The sandstone toadstools, balancing rocks, and formations that resembles gargoyles and lawn nomes are what make this a great stop.

The drive through the park to get to this spot is also paved and well marked.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildlife

Explore Big Spring Creek Overlook Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Hike the Confluence Overlook

The Green River starts in Wyoming and flows 730 miles before joining the Colorado River in Utah. Confluence Overlook Trail is located in the northern parts of the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. At the southwest edge of the parking area, you will see where the trail starts. The trail is well-marked.The trail immediately goes 150 vertical feet down the Big Spring Canyon to reach t...

Hike Needle's 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, th...

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...

Backpack to Chesler Park, Canyonlands NP

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 water...

Joint Trail in the Canyonlands Needles District

A large part of the grandeur of Canyonlands National Park is the vast barren vista at Island in the Sky, but no visit to Canyonlands would be complete without the intimate and immersive desert experience that the Needles District offers. Drive two hours southwest of Moab away from cell phone reception and into ranch lands to the Needles District Visitor Centre to pick up your permit and human w...

Hike 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 elevatio...