There are lots of people that would say Moab, UT is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I would agree with them, but to be more exact I would say Indian Creek Canyon and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is the most scenic. So as luck would have it, I found myself in that area today.
Even if you never get out of your car, the drive alone would satisfy even the most snobby panoramic view seeker. That is kind of what I had in mind, I’m just getting over a cold and didn’t want to overdo things and risk getting sick again after a long hike.
Well, as is always the case, I can only stay in the car for so long. At least I can say I made it to the end of the road before I buckled. That is where the trail is, at the end of the road. So I shook my daughter awake and we grabbed a quick snack then headed out.
The trail follows a generally flat outcropping of slick rock that is wedged between Big Springs Canyon and Little Springs Canyon. Don’t let the word flat fool you. Though the trail has almost zero elevation gain, the surface itself is very uneven. You will rarely go more than a few feet without a step up or down. The trail can actually start to wear on you even though it is only 2.4 miles long.
Most of the cliffs in the Needles are a beautiful red and white banded color. This trail however is more the color of peanut butter. I found it very difficult to get any contrast in my photos. Maybe I will try the hike again on a sunny day or when there is a little snow on the ground.
If I were planning a trip to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park I would go to the trails a little more to the south, more in the Needles proper. My favorite trail to date in the Needles is Druid Arch. My favorite family trail / easy trail would be Cave Spring. In the end, I’m glad to mark this trail off my list but would not recommend it or revisit it.