About
Length (round trip)10 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain1,250 ft up
Typical time5 hr 45 min
TrailheadBig Spring Canyon Overlook, The Needles
SurfaceOpen slickrock and dry country
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🌊 River or creek

Unlike other Needles hikes, this trail traverses dry, open country along the northern edge of the geologic faults that shaped the Needles. The trail ends at a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers 1,000 ft (304 m) below. Roundtrip Distance : 11 mi (17.7 km) Time : 5-6 hrs Overall Elevation Change : 309 ft (94 m) Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater. Difficulty : Strenuous Hike Description : Unlike other Needles hikes, this trail traverses dry, open country along the northern edge of the geologic faults that shaped the Needles. Trail ends at a cliff overlooking the junction of the Green and Colorado rivers 1,000 ft (304 m) below. Bring : Water (1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down rocky slopes. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Tips
No shade the whole way and the rolling profile hides a lot of climbing. The two rivers are visibly different colours where they join.
Location

Big Spring Canyon Overlook, The Needles

Other Hikers
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