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Canyonlands National ParkChesler Park
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Canyonlands National Park
Short Hikes in the Needles
 
photo: Pothole Point
NPS Photo by Neal Herbert
Pothole Point
 

There are four short, self-guided trails along the scenic drive. Each trail highlights different aspects of the park’s natural and cultural history. Trail guides are available at the visitor center and at the trailheads.

Cave Spring Trail
Length (round-trip): .6 mi/1 km
Start: Cave Spring parking area
Time: 45 minutes
Trail features a historic cowboy line camp and prehistoric pictographs. Two wooden ladders must be climbed.

Pothole Point Trail
Length (round-trip): .6 mi/1 km
Start: Pothole Point parking area
Time: 40 minutes
Uneven slickrock surface. Trail leads to pothole communities and views of the Needles.

Roadside Ruin Trail
Length (round-trip): .3 mi/.5 km
Start: Roadside Ruin parking area
Time: 20 minutes
Trail features an ancestral Puebloan granary.

Slickrock Trail
Length (round-trip): 2.4 mi/4 km
Start: Near Big Spring Overlook
Time: 2 hours
Uneven slickrock surface. Several viewpoints and sometimes bighorn sheep.

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Summer Monsoon  

Did You Know?
Much of canyon country's annual precipitation falls during summer monsoons. These dramatic storms often last less than twenty minutes but can cause powerful flash floods despite their brevity.

Last Updated: July 20, 2006 at 11:58 EST