The Druid Arch Trail in the Needles District (Canyonlands National Park) may be Kamloops Trails best trail of 2014 (of about 200 outdoor routes completed this year).   National Geographic includes it as one of the best 20 hikes in the National Parks.   In reality, any one of several trails in Needles could have been chosen, but Druid Arch itself stands 85 feet high over a slickrock bench in a hidden area among the fins, towers, and canyons.

The hike starts at the Elephant Hill Trailhead and winds through canyons and over ledges toward Chesler Park, then follows a side canyon and a final steep climb up to the base of the arch.   Druid Arch is unique and huge.   We scrambled over the rock for different views of the Arch, but we also enjoyed the setting with interesting views in each direction.

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Along the way, we have views into Chesler Park, another wonderful hike in Needles.

All along the 11 mile trail are marvelous views of the shaped red sandstone in the desert hills of southeast Utah.

All of the route junctions to Druid Arch are signed and we spotted a number of pleasing backcountry campsites along the route too.

At each junction along the way, there were alternate routes for hiking or backpacking and we could see that a return visit will be needed to explore all the canyons and traverses.

Needles District south of Moab and Zion, west of St. George offer the best opportunities for stunning scenery and rugged hiking, especially in the spring and fall.   A return visit is required…