Druid Arch Trail Guide — Canyonlands National Park

Majestically perched high above the canyon floor, Druid Arch casts a haunting shadow over the needles of Canyonlands National Park.  Rarely does a trail emit such powerful feelings of solitude, excitement, and adventure — like no human being has ever before traversed through this unique desert landscape.  Soak it all in and appreciate the wildness of the route to the stunning Druid Arch.

Hiking among the sharp pinnacles of rock to this uniquely archaic arch will transport you to a different world, one composed almost entirely of gorgeous red rocks and full of stunningly strange vistas.  Trail conditions out here are primitive, and water is often non-existent, so be prepared for a hiking adventure unlike any other!

What You Need to Know

Druid Arch is found in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, about 1.5 hours south of Moab, Utah. It’s a long drive to get here, so this district of Canyonlands sees fewer people.  It’s worth the drive, though, because the Needles contains some of the most adventurous and rugged trails in the national parks.

Despite the smaller crowds here, you’ll still want to get an early start because the parking lot is small, the heat of the day can be excruciating, and there is very little shade!

The trail begins at the Elephant Hill Trailhead, and you’ll have to leave the paved road to get here.  The access road to the Druid Arch hike is dirt and extremely narrow, with several blind curves. Don’t expect to get anywhere fast, and be sure to be alert and attentive.  

4-wheel drive is not required to reach the trailhead (we were in a small sedan), and the gravel road conditions are generally fine.  You’ll reach a parking area with a pit toilet and a few picnic tables but no drinking water. From here, Elephant Hill Road continues and is only for 4-wheel drive vehicles, so you’ll want to park in the small parking lot near the pit toilets. Look for the trail sign for Elephant Hill to begin your hike.

This trail mainly travels over slickrock, meaning that often there is not a defined and obvious route.  Much of the journey will require some route finding via cairns (piles of rocks) that have been strategically placed.  It would be easy to get lost in the dark or if you are not paying attention to your surroundings.  That being said, this is one of the most exciting and fun hikes I have ever done because of the element of adventure and exploration required to find the right way!

You can hike as far as you’d like.  The views were truly spectacular, even from the very beginning of the trail.  A short and narrow slot between two rocks is encountered about 1.5 miles into the hike, and 2 miles in, you will reach the wash that travels through the bottom of Elephant Canyon up to Druid Arch or branches off to the Chesler Park Trail.  Either of these places would be a great place to turn around for a short and enjoyable hike into The Needles.

The Trail to Druid Arch

The hike to Druid Arch is 10 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. I would rate it moderately difficult because of the length, the route finding needed, and the obstacles encountered.  The best time to hike this trail is in the spring and fall.

This trail begins with a gradual climb up the hill next to the parking lot.  At the top of the hill, the view opens up to a gorgeous vista of the Needles and an enjoyable route over the slickrock.

You may notice patches of weird dark soil as you hike along the trail.  Take care not to step on it!  This is called a biological soil crust and is actually made up of many tiny living organisms (such as lichens, mosses, and bacteria) that are critical to the fragile desert environment of Canyonlands National Park.

Far in the distance, look for the variance in the landscape.  Because the rock formations in this area are so diverse, you may catch a glimpse of the gorgeous high cliffs in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands.

About 1.5 miles into your hike, you will reach a trail junction.  Look for the sign that points you in the direction of Druid Arch.  After hiking for a few more minutes, you will reach this short and narrow slot through two needle formations.  It is a thrill trying to squeeze between the rocks along this section of the trail!

The views are phenomenal as you emerge from the slot and continue along the trail.   Pinnacles of rock jut sharply out of the ground in every direction, with some of the most unique rock formations towering overhead.

2.1 miles into the hike, you will reach another junction.  A sign marks the way, directing hikers who want to reach Druid Arch to turn left and head up the Elephant Canyon Wash.  This wash is where the rainwater gathers and rushes out of the area, so you definitely don’t want to be hiking in here during a storm.  

Expect some slogging through deep sand and loose rock for the remainder of your hike to the arch.  It just adds to the adventure (but don’t expect to hike as fast as you normally do)!

You’ll find some cool backcountry campsites along this stretch of the trail, so if you want to break up your hike and spend a little more time in this area, get a permit and spend a night or two.

While you may get in the habit of looking at your feet while traversing through the wash, be sure to take some time to look up at the spectacular cathedrals of rock that surround you on all sides!

After starting up the wash, look for trail junctions after 0.8 miles and then again after another 0.5 miles.   Because of the trail junctions and cairn following, bringing a map is critical to your safety and success on this hike.

You can tell that you are nearing Druid Arch when the trail starts to get more exciting!  You’ll find a few adventurous climbs along the way.  The first main obstacle you’ll reach is a steep climb up this wall of rocks.

A short distance later, you’ll find obstacle #2 — a pool of water and a dryfall.  The first time I hiked this trail, I thought we must be on the wrong trail because there wasn’t a good way to avoid the water if you have short legs!  But yes, this is the right way.  And no, I didn’t get too wet.  I stuck my trekking poles in the water and used them to balance me as I made my way up the rock.

We were on this trail the day after a large rainstorm came through the area.  That storm caused there to be more water in that pool than usual. Hopefully this pool is smaller when you get here!

Obstacle #3 is a terraced dryfall that is a little steep but has some good sturdy spots to use as hand and footholds.  Just pretend that you are Indiana Jones and start climbing!

The end of the trail is almost within your reach as you approach obstacle #4 — the ladder.  In fact, straight ahead is the side profile of Druid Arch.  The ladder is firmly bolted into the rock, but the rock is a little slanted when you reach the top of the ladder, so just take care while navigating across.

Don’t worry; more adventure awaits you along this final stretch before Druid Arch comes fully into view.  Next is obstacle #5 — the scramble.  This section mostly consists of good climbing rocks to scramble up, but there are a few spots with no good handholds.  

Scrambling up rocks can be time-consuming and exhausting, but overall, it’s very doable and doesn’t take too much time.

When you are successfully worn out from the five obstacles I’ve outlined, nothing will energize and perk you right back up like finally reaching the breathtaking Druid Arch!  WOW – you will be speechless!  

Seeing this arch in person is more incredible and rewarding than you can imagine.  This 150-foot freestanding arch is gigantic, dramatic, and stunning!

Stop here, eat lunch, and marvel at the sheer beauty that surrounds you (and all of the hard work that it took to get here).  Because the hike to Druid Arch is so long, you’ll appreciate the view even more!

If you haven’t had enough adventure for one day, get ready because now you get to turn around and traverse the same five exciting miles back to your car!

Getting Here

From The Needles Visitor Center, travel about 3.5 miles toward the Squaw Flat Campground.  Follow the signs to Elephant Hill and drive 3 miles along the dirt road to access the trailhead.

Need help planning a trip to Canyonlands? Click NEXT to see the Canyonlands Ultimate Trip Planning Guide!