Near Chisholm Trail
A golden hour sunset view of a grasslands plateau in the Island of the Sky Section of Canyonlands National Park, just off the Chisholm Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Chisholm Trail

4.0 (1 Rating)
A fun connector route between the Navajo Rocks and Horsethief trail systems.
7.1
mi
Distance
544
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.05mi
Distance
544ft
Elevation Gain
190ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
5,991ft
High Point
5,464ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Chisholm Trail is a connector route between the Navajo Rocks and Horsethief trail systems. Expect two-way traffic along this route. This description assumes a start at the north end where it begins on the Big Lonely trail 50 yards west of UT313. The first mile is a twisty route across an open meadow, a dirt road and cattle guard before gradually starting up into the pinion pines. Once in the trees, the trail constantly transitions between rock and hard pack, working its way out along the edges of the canyons whenever possible. Even heading uphill the trail maintains a nice grade and never seems to climb for too long or be overly steep. At roughly five miles, the trail nears the Horsethief Campground, and then crosses the dirt access road. A small parking area and map/info kiosk is here. Shortly after is another route into the campground and the Rowdy trail. From the Campground, the Chisholm Trail can be accessed via two short trails; one directly across from the main entrance and the second at campsite #50 which is also conveniently close to a restroom. Continuing on the Chisholm Trail is made up of the same terrain but on more of an even elevation for the next 1.5 miles to where it crosses UT313. Here is another parking area with a map/info kiosk. The trail then makes a quick descent to where it terminates at the intersection with the Mustang Loop.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Daniel Christianson