The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah is very underrated, and the Druid Arch trail is a perfect example of why it shouldn’t be overlooked. I hiked part of this route years ago to Chesler Park Viewpoint, and coming back recently to complete the full out-and-back loop trail to Druid Arch was like flipping to the most epic page in a dusty old adventure book.
If you want the Utah arches without the Arches National Park crowds, this one’s for you.
Quick Stats: Druid Arch Trail
HIKE TO: Druid Arch
TRAILHEAD: Elephant Hill Trailhead
MILES: 12.54 mi out and back
TIME: 5:40 hrs (avg 6-7 hrs)
DATE I WENT: 4/16/2025
BEST TIME: Spring and Fall
DIFFICULTY: strenuous
ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: 1,683 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
ENTRANCE FEE/ PARKING: yes - purchase your park pass here
LOCATION: Needles District in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah
Getting There: Trailhead & Parking Info
The Druid Arch Trail starts from the Elephant Hill Trailhead in the Needles District, which is about a 2-hour drive from Moab. The trailhead is by the left end corner of the parking lot as you drive in, not to be confused with the obvious Elephant Road “trail” on the right. Heads up: this isn’t the main entrance to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) that most visitors hit up for Mesa Arch. You’ll be heading south from Moab (about 1.5 hours away) to a much quieter corner of the park.
The Needles district of Canyonlands is much more remote than the popular Island in the Sky so be prepared as you head into the area. You will pass a National Park Entrance kiosk along the way so be prepared and purchase your national park pass ahead here.
- Last services: Monticello or Moab — fuel up before you leave.
- Road conditions: Paved until the last few miles; the final stretch of road to Elephant Hill is dirt but usually passable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. (Avoid it after heavy rain unless you’ve got high clearance and 4wd.)
- Parking: The lot at the trailhead fits a lot of cars but it’s very popular for the area so arrive early for your best chance for a spot. There is an overflow parking lot just down the dirt road with some parking along the side of that lot as well, but it fills up on weekends too.
- Restroom: There is a toilet and trash cans at the main parking lot.
Tip: There are pit toilets at the trailhead, but no water. Pack plenty — this is a long, dry hike.
Druid Arch Trail Overview & Junctions
This hike is a choose-your-own-adventure through classic Utah slickrock, sandy washes, slot canyons, and towering red rock spires. It’s not just a trail — it’s an experience. While there is an obviously maintained trail through a lot of it, every little “trail” reconnects.
First Section: Elephant Hill Trail to Chesler Park Junction
You’ll begin by heading south from Elephant Hill Trailhead. The first couple of miles meander through slickrock and open desert, dotted with cactus, cryptobiotic soil (stay off!), and some truly unique formations that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. If you’ve hiked to Chesler Park before, this part will feel familiar.
You’ll hit your first major junction around 2.9 miles in — the trail splits here with one path going toward the Joint Trail and Chesler Park, and the other veering east toward Elephant Canyon. Take the Elephant Canyon Trail toward Druid Arch.
You see a lot of the “needles” that make the area what it is—it’s basically cool sandy hoodoo-like formations.
Middle Section: Through Elephant Canyon
This is where the landscape really opens up and the magic begins. You’ll descend into Elephant Canyon, with walls rising up around you and the sense that you’re walking through ancient ruins made by nature. It’s quieter here. Much more remote. Time slows down.
The trail crosses the wash a few times — and by “trail,” I mean cairns. The path isn’t always obvious, so stay alert and don’t rely solely on GPS (the canyon walls can make it spotty).
You’ll gradually gain elevation with a few minor scrambles and sandy sections. Just when you’re starting to feel it, the trail throws a curveball.
Final Push: Scramble to Druid Arch
At about 5 miles in, you’ll reach the base of the final climb. This part requires a moderate scramble involving a short ladder and some bouldering. Nothing technical, but enough to make you feel like Indiana Jones for a second.
And then — boom. There it is.
The Destination: Druid Arch
Druid Arch looks like something out of Stonehenge met the American Southwest. It stands 150 feet tall, with jagged spires resembling ancient ruins — which is exactly where it gets its name (more on that below). The arch sits at the back of the canyon like a throne overlooking its desert kingdom.
It’s quiet up here. The arch isn’t visible until the very end, which makes the reveal all the more jaw-dropping.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to shoot content, mid-to-late morning offers the best lighting on the arch. Earlier = too much shadow, later = harsh overhead sun.
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands (Needles District)
Camping is the best way to immerse yourself in this area, but here are all your options:
🏕 Camping
- Squaw Flat Campground (Needles Campground) – Inside the park, closest option to trailhead. Book in advance March–June and Sept–Oct.
- Needles Outpost – Private campground just outside the park with showers, cabins, and fuel (tiny store on-site).
🛏 Hotels
- Monticello (45 min): Closest town with a few motels and Airbnbs.
- Moab (1.5 hr): Tons of lodging, restaurants, and gear shops — more of a “base camp” vibe.
Other Epic Adventures Nearby
Looking for more ideas to fill your trip or want to link your other blog posts here? Try these:
FAQs About the Druid Arch Trail
🥾 How long is the Druid Arch hike?
The Druid Arch trail is about 10.5 miles out-and-back and takes most hikers between 5 to 7 hours depending on pace, stops, and how many times you take photos of cool rocks (guilty).
🪨 Why is it called Druid Arch?
The arch’s towering, jagged shape looks eerily similar to the stone monoliths found at Stonehenge, which is associated with ancient Druids. The resemblance is uncanny — and once you see it, you won’t unsee it.
⛰ What is the most difficult hike in Canyonlands?
Depends on the district, but in the Needles District, Druid Arch is one of the more strenuous day hikes due to the distance, scrambling, and remote terrain. In the Island in the Sky district, Gooseberry Trail or Syncline Loop are tough contenders.
Final Thoughts
The Druid Arch trail is the kind of hike that makes you forget cell service exists, that the trailhead is 90 minutes from the nearest burrito, and that arches don’t always need a crowd to be iconic. It’s not just scenic — it’s sacred.
If you’re looking for something beyond the obvious in Southern Utah, this one’s calling.
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.