Hard, 10.4 mi loop
1,801 ft elevation gain
Hiked 12/20/23
Video on Flickr of a few Mule Deer bouncing away with some sandstone ‘needles’ behind them.
A fun loop with a variety of terrains to cross; with some potential height and claustrophobia issues if that’s not your thing. The trail takes you above, over, and through the various geological formations located in the Needles District. Sandstone spires and slot canyons abound in a visual specter.
I did this hike combined with the Druid Arch Trail, making a monster 19.1 mi hike; there may be a 14 mi version of this trail as well, but I am unsure. While thoroughly enjoyable, I would recommend doing them separately, as I was fairly spent by the time I got to Druid Arch and the return was rough, especially since its along a wash with various gravel and sand areas.
A few Mule Deer that I continually came across on the early portion of the hike. A small pillar of sandstone may be seen behind the various shrubs the deer were foraging around.
A crow sits on a small tree with several sandstone pillars/needles behind it.
The trail descends a narrow rock staircase before taking an abrupt turn into a thin canyon. A tree stump may be seen stuck in the upper canyon to help with a sense of scale. Enough to comfortably walk, but not wide enough for two people at side by side.
Yeah, this is definitely up there as one of my favorites. I just love the way it all changes perspective constantly based on where you are on the trail and what height you are at. Just a really mind-blowing adventure.