Utah $2,100 • April 28-May 3, 2025
The wild backcountry of Canyonlands National Park is one of the most colorful and awesome landscapes on earth. Sheer canyon walls, mesas, arches, unique desert grasslands and an unbelievable profusion of spectacular rock formations characterize this magnificent portion of the Colorado Plateau. Wildlife includes desert bighorn, puma, bobcat, coyote and golden eagle. We usually encounter and explore some fantastic and haunting ruins of ancient cultures.This is classic red rock canyon country, absolutely beautiful and other-worldly. Though the region is high desert, the diversity of life and its adaptations to a harsh environment are truly amazing. Warm sunny days are the rule, but the high desert weather can be unpredictable. This trip is moderate and its base is Grand Junction, CO.
This trek is semi-basecamp style in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. We will backpack into the beautiful Chesler Park and use this as our basecamp for the next two days. Day hikes will take us to Druid Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the “Joint” slot canyon trail. After thoroughly exploring Chesler Park, we will pack the backpacks and spend a day traversing beautiful canyons and high slick rock trails to our last camp at the mouth of Salt Creek. Our last full day will be spent day hiking to see multiple arches and geologic features in the Park backcountry before exiting to a different trailhead on this point to point trek.
TREK BASE: Grand Junction, Colorado. Comfort Inn, 750 ¾ Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO, 81506, 970-245-3335. The motel is right next to the airport
MEETING TIME: Pre-trip orientation including food/gear handout plus safety talk at 6 PM the evening prior to the first trip day. For example, if the trip is from the 3rd to the 9th, the pre-trip meeting is 6 PM on the 2nd.
TRANSPORTATION: Air service to Grand Junction, CO. Hotel right next to airport.
TREK RATING: Because there are few uphills with packs, we rate this trip moderate. Day hikes range from 5 miles to 9 miles.
ELEVATIONS: 5500-6500 feet. We typically start high and hike down into and along the canyons.
WEATHER: Warm sunny days and cool to frosty nights are typical; however, spring weather on the high desert plateau occasionally brings cold wet storms, so be prepared for anything from 80-plus degree heat to cold rain and even snow.
FISHING: There was probably great fishing during the Pleistocene.
SPECIAL FEATURES: An absolutely gorgeous, otherworldly and colorful landscape of sculpted sandstone and unique high desert vegetation. Spring wildflowers or golden autumn colors. There are lots of nesting and migratory birds and other wildlife. On most routes we’ll see fascinating and well-preserved ruins and artwork of ancient canyon cultures.
SPECIAL TIPS: Bring plenty of color film or camera batteries. We do recommend that you treat the water. Streams can be silty, so backup your filter with iodine tablets in case the filter clogs.
STATUS: Due to local/regional politics, the park backcountry has not been designated Wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. So the Park Service allows and even encourages the use of 4-wheel drive/all-terrain vehicles in some parts of the park, though not in the areas we visit. This argues for Wilderness designation!
ITINERARY: We usually visit a remote part of the Needles District, and the trailhead is about two hours and forty five minutes.
Book Your Trip!
Space is limited!
Have questions? Call (406) 823-0337
Please note: We vary the route and camps from year to year depending upon local conditions and other factors, mileages and elevations are approximate. Return to the main Utah backpacking page to reach about other treks.
