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Backpacking in Canyonlands National Park – The Needles’ Chesler Park

Posted on 13. Oct, 2009 by Dirtbag in Adventures, Backpacking, The Road

Feel the spirit of Edward Abbey, the American author and environmental advocate, in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park as you trek three miles over red and white slickrock, through sandy washes, prickly pear cactus and yucca groves to the best camp spot in Utah – Chesler Park.

The Colorado and Green Rivers divide Canyonlands National Park into 3 distinct districts, The Needles, Island in the Sky, and the Maze. Although each district of the park is adjacent to the next they are separated by hundreds of miles by road. The rivers and their tributaries have carved out innumerable canyons, dizzyingly vertical cliffs, and incredible panoramas.

The Needles district, named for its red and white needle-like pinnacles, offers sixty miles of interconnecting trails with most trails rated from moderate to difficult. To get to Chesler Park, leave you car at the Elephant Hill trailhead and descend into Elephant Canyon. Continue hiking for 3 miles over slickrock and dry gulches to reach the expansive meadow called Chesler Park.

Drop your pack at the campsite and take a breather while taking in the expansive views of the brightly colored sandstone spires that completely surround Chesler Park. Set up the tent and kick back with a worn copy of Abbey’s Desert Solitaire

Rise early to watch the sun cast all sorts of colors over the brightly colored pinnacles and head out to explore the expansive trail system that surrounds Chesler Park. Definitely check out the Joint Trail – a trail winding through a series of narrow and cavernous fractures in the rock.

Backcountry Permits for Canyonlands National Park

Make sure to secure a backcountry camp spot in advance if visiting the park during peak Spring and Fall seasons. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight camping and are obtained from the National Park Service here. As of fall 2009, backpacking permits cost a flat fee of $15 for a group of up to 7 people.

Best Season to Backpack into Chesler Park

Spring and fall are ideal times for backpacking into Chesler Park. Permits are more difficult to obtain at this time, so make sure to reserve a campsite at least a month ahead of time. Summers tend to be too hot and water sources are unreliable, but winter is an absolute stunning time to visit Chesler Park with the contrasts of the snow, blood red rock, and vivid blue skies. It is highly likely that you will have the meadow entirely to your self and have your choice of campsites. Winter days are usually comfortable and sunny, but you should be prepared for freezing conditions at night.

For an awesome guide to the trails around Canyonlands National Park (and the rest of Utah) – check out David Day’s Utah’s Incredible Backcountry Trails.

Tags: Camping, Canyonlands, National Park, Utah