About
Length11 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain1,000 ft up
Typical time6 hr
TrailheadElephant Hill trailhead, The Needles
SurfaceSlickrock, sand and narrow rock fractures
Best seasonSpring and autumn. Summer highs exceed 100F with no shade and no water on any trail.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌄 Big views

The Joint Trail section threads a series of parallel fractures barely shoulder-width apart and up to a hundred feet deep, with sunlight only reaching the floor at midday. It is the single most memorable half hour of walking in the park.

Tips
Elephant Hill road is rough but passable in a normal car to the trailhead. Carry four litres and start early - eleven miles with no water and little shade.
Location

Elephant Hill trailhead, The Needles

Other Hikers
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