BPX Trip – Canyonlands - Elephant Canyon Loop to Druid Arch

Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride, section BB, May 9, 2024 4:15 AM, to leave by 4:30. We will carpool out for the 7h drive.

This will be a memorable backpacking trip through the Needles District of Canyonlands National park in Utah. We'll backpack in through Elephant Hill trail to set up camp at Chesler Park for first night and at Elephant Hill for the second night.

Day One: drive out to Elephant Hill Trailhead, hike to Chesler Park, set up camp at site CP3. 7 mi.

Day Two: day hike to 2 miles to EC1 Campsite, set up camp. Hike from EC1 to Druid Arch. 10 mi, can use day pack. 12 mi total day

Day Three: back pack Elephant Canyon Loop back (counter clockwise) to trailhead. 11 mi.

This will be a difficult hike. Water sources are unreliable in this desert area, so we will hike in water for the entire trip. We'll go 7-12 miles per day, day 1 carrying additional water.

Weather: This trip is in early May, where the temperature range is typically from 50 to 82 degF.

Route Info   

Elephant Canyon Loop:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/utah/elephant-canyon-loop-via-salt-flat-to-chesler-park-to-druid-arch?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

Which connects to Druid Arch Trail (we don't do the entire trail on Alltrails, just from the connection point to the arch):

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/utah/druid-arch?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

Cost will vary based on the number of people on the trip. Initial estimate is $20 for campsite reservation and backpacking permit (already reserved) and $40 for fuel. 

More details to follow as we get closer to the trip.