Needles District, Canyonlands – Elephant Hill, Druid Arch [DAY HIKE]

This will be a single day loop hike starting from the Elephant Hill Trailhead in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. There is a $30 park fee per vehicle, or use the America the Beautiful National Parks pass. The GPX file for the route will be provided prior to the hike. No permit or reservations needed. We will camp for free outside the park.

Water will be scarce and water sources are unreliable. Plan to start the hike with way more water than normal.

Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.9/-109.8452/38.1177&pubLink=BtABRl56fAjuL8IPal3BNnwA&trackId=ccb2ba1f-d9e8-4d5b-9203-fa617960c3c2 (counter-clockwise)

A few requirements:

• You accept that you may be hiking alone if you do not keep up with the group. I aim to average 3mph moving pace, but of course we will stop for breaks and photos.
• You must download the GPX file and import the route into your phone.
• Carry lots of extra water, headlamp with backup lamp or batteries, water filter.

Distance: 23.7 mi.
Gain: 6,567 ft.

Sunrise: 7:16 AM MT
Sunset: 7:35 AM MT
High Temp: 82° F
Low Temp: 45° F

Sat, May 24th
Drive to Needles District area and find a free, dispersed campsite. Aim to arrive in the early afternoon. We will hang out, relax, etc.

Sun, May 25th
Wake up early and start hiking. After the hike, drive back to the same dispersed campsite as the night prior to camp again.

Mon, May 26th (Memorial Day)
Optional: Do a short group hike nearby or people can do their own thing.
Drive home.