Druid Arch Canyonlands

 We decided to hike to Druid Arch in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trail begins at the Elephant Hill Trailhead and wanders through several canyons before climbing up a rocky slope to reach the arch. An 11 mile roundtrip hike with an overall elevation loss/gain of 1,700 ft.

 The trail starts with a slight up hill traveling over benches following the Chesler Park Trail.

 Here, there are beautiful views overlooking the Needles District.

 Many interesting rock formations,














huge rock walls,

and giant boulders.

 So much to see.

 The trail goes through a cleft in the rocks

 for a short distance.

 The trail then descends down to Elephant Canyon.

 There are some great stone steps on this trail.

 We are having lots of fun on our hiking road trip!

 There are many interesting pinnacles and other rock formations

There are some signs to help you find the correct canyon/wash to follow.

 Druid is at the upstream end of Elephant Canyon, so the trail begins to climb.

 We continue to enjoy the canyon walls far above us,

 and the colors and designs in the rocks.

 Nice views as the trail continues to climb.

From below, Druid Arch can be spotted from it's side view.

 Druid Arch (450 ft tall) is reached after climbing a slick rock gully.

Wide angle view looking down into Elephant Canyon from the base of Druid Arch:

Some of the views I noticed on the return hike.

 My photos do not capture the blue in these rocks.