We drove up to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park to hike the Confluence Overlook Trail. This is an 11 mile round trip hike with 1,200 ft of overall gain.
This is a beautiful hike, with lots of small ups and downs and turns through this area of wonderful sandstone rock formations. We would not see any other hikers (5) until we were on our way back. Very quiet today.
From the trailhead, the trail drops down a short ways.
In the morning sun, we would have lots of shade to walk in
As the trail meanders up and down the sandstone ridges, it is important to keep an eye out for the cairns marking the trail.
There are many canyons and gullys along this route
so many large formations to admire
lots of fun to be had on this trail
We took our time, enjoying the many varied vistas
We would see lots of wildflowers in the open areas, still surrounded by sandstone walls
Most of the lizards were scurrying fast across the trail, but this one paused long enough for me to take a photo
The rock formation on the left, reminds me of a giant tea pot
The trail goes from close between large rock formations to open spaces and repeat several times creating a varied experience on one hike.
We would pass several canyons
After a few miles, we would get glimpses of the "Needles" in the distance. We remember hiking through them last year on the way to Druid Arch.
yucca blossoms in front of a large red sandstone formation
view through a small double arch found by the trail
There were some small scrambling areas along this trail
I love these large swirling patterns of sandstone
another distant view of the "Needles"
The last large open expanse before reaching the confluence
After 4 miles, this trail joins a jeep road out to the confluence. 1/2 mile of road walking, we did not see any vehicles out today.
From the jeep parking area it is another 1/2 mile around these rock formations to the confluence
almost there!
Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in Canyonlands National Park
We had different lighting on our way back.
a small slot along the trail
Another one of the scrambling areas
another view of the "Needles"
I believe the ladder is about 1 mile from the trailhead
better lighting in the afternoon sun
back at the trailhead, the return journey seemed quicker.
some of the many wildflowers we saw today:
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