Chesler Park/ Devils Kitchen Loop

This is one of my all time favorite areas and is quite possibly my all time favorite hike. This is the best non-technical hiking in any Utah National Park. It is a very unique area and there aren't really any others like it. It is a very remote and dry area so make sure you have the necessary supplies to safely visit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when the daytime temperatures are less extreme. There are several loops and options in the Chesler Park area that can be done. This hike gives an up close view as to why the Needles District got its name. I have always found it best to go off-road to Devils Kitchen and spend at least a couple days hiking the area. If you don't have an off-road capable vehicle, then you can still explore the area from the Elephant Hill Trailhead where there are long day hikes or backpacking trips. There are several backcountry sites to choose from. If you have more than one day make sure you also visit the Joint Trail and Druid Arch. This loop starts at the Devils Kitchen Campsite 4. You can also do the hike from Elephant Hill but that would add about 6 miles to the round trip. I wouldn't hesitate adding the distance if you get the chance because it is fantastic hiking. The hike starts out heading southeast from the outhouse. You can also head southwest but I found the lighting to be better going clockwise. You will hike around the mushroom formations of Devils Kitchen. The trail is for the most part easy to follow. There are tons of cairns marking the path so make sure you stay attentive in looking for them. All junctions are marked by great signs. Soon you will get fantastic views of the La Sal Mountains. The trail continues south and around a very large section of Needles. This area is beautiful in all directions. Soon the huge section of needles known as Chesler Park comes into view in the distance. This path will explore the northern section of Chesler Park. There are lots of huge formations just to the north of you that make this stretch awesome! Be sure to never step on the cryptobiotic soil. Off to the east there are many mushroom formations and more mountain views. There is one spot where you have to squat through a very low section. You will soon take a trail to the west that goes straight through a small pass in a formation. This area is called the pinnacle. There are crude stone steps to help you make the short climb. Once through the pinnacle there is a signed overlook with really pretty views of the area you just hiked through. You are now officially in Chesler Park. This area is huge with many needles in all directions and lots of large open meadows. The trail passes through a thin slot in one area. Just after the slot is the toughest part of the hike. The cairns can be hard to follow and there is some minor down climbing. I would not recommend this area for small children without lots of supervision. The goal in this area if you get lost is to get to the bottom of the large shelf. Once at the bottom the trail levels out with more great needles to see. You will then climb one more small pass that is the last of the elevation gain for the loop. Once at the top you can see the trail wind through meadows in a small canyon. This is called Devils Pocket. This meadow will pop you out right back at Devils Kitchen. This is one of if not my all time favorite hikes. This should be on every persons must do list. It offers a break from crowds in a very remote area with scenery that can't be found in any other place. When added with a trip on the Elephant Hill 4x4 road this is one of the best adventures you can do.