We’ve been to the Island in the Sky before but this was our first time in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. I must say, the park is spectacular. The Needles section looks much more like Arches National Park than the Island in the Sky. The name comes from the variety of spires that look like needles from afar.

Let me start by saying that the drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park along Utah Highway 211 is spectacular. You will pass by some amazing red rock canyons, mesas, buttes, eroded pillars, and boulders. A stop by the Newspaper Rock Utah State Historic Monument is a definitely must. The rock depicts elaborate petroglyphs carved by Native Americans dating as far back as 2,000 years. In fact, it is one of the biggest collections of petroglyphs in America.

Once in the Needles District, we first stopped at a panoramic overlook with fantastic views of the Wooden Shoe Arch and other land formations. The Shoe Arch is great and it certainly resembles a Dutch clog.

Next, we drove all the way to Elephant Hill and hiked in for about a mile to see the needles. The views were amazing and climbing over the rocks was a lot of fun.

Afterwards, we checked out the Squaw Flat Campground and the views from there. Undoubtedly, camping here would be great. However, since we were here in late December, the temperatures at night were below freezing. At a warmer time of year, it would be fantastic to camp here.

Finally, we continued on the Scenic Drive all the way to Big Spring Canyon Overlook. Again, a short hike up the trail took us to some awesome rock formations. We didn’t have enough time to hike all the way to the confluence of the Colorado and the Green Rivers but next time we’re here we’ll do the 10 mile hike.

I absolutely loved the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trails were amazing, the views beautiful, and since it was winter, there was nobody around. Granted, this section of the park is in a remote part of the state but it’s well worth a visit.