Near Chesler Park Trail
Enjoying the beautiful views in Elephant Canyon
Near Chesler Park Trail
View from the trail.
Near Chesler Park Trail
Chesler Park Trail section of Druid Arch Trail.
Near Chesler Park Trail
Cairns show the way.
Near Chesler Park Trail
Chesler Park is surrounded by awesome red and white rock spires

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Chesler Park Trail

4.8 (25 Ratings)
A trail that highlights the spectacular splendor of the Needles District on its way to meadows surrounded by rock spires
2
mi
Distance
464
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedViews
Access Issues
Camping requires a permit.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.04mi
Distance
464ft
Elevation Gain
47ft
Elevation Loss
80%
Max Grade
5,644ft
High Point
5,211ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Chesler Park Trail begins about two miles out from the Elephant Hill parking area or about three miles from the Squaw Flat parking area at Elephant Canyon. EC1 Campground is to the north of this intersection, while the Chesler Park Trail heads south into Elephant Canyon. Elephant Canyon is one of the most defined ancient canyons in this district, with red and white rocks towering above you. Continue south along the canyon bottom for about 4/5 of a mile until you come to another intersection with the Big Spring Canyon Trail. Continue south. In about a third of a mile, you'll come to an intersection with Druid Arch Trail. Make a right to head west. This next part of the trail involves climbing up and out of Elephant Canyon. Some scrambling is required, but it is more fun than difficult! Once you finish climbing out of the canyon, you'll be rewarded with views of Chesler Park - a flat area filled with desert grasses and walled in with towering red and white rock spires. Multiple campsites are also available to permit holders wishing to spend the night.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Karl W