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Great example of Needles landscape and desert rock formations that includes traveling on rock faces.


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Map Key

7.4

Miles

11.8

KM

96%

Runnable

5,518' 1,682 m

High

5,103' 1,555 m

Low

541' 165 m

Up

541' 165 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

Though a bit longer than some routes in the park, this loop highlights some of the best terrain in the Needles area. The route begins from the Squaw Flat Trailhead, and would be an excellent route if taken from the campground.

Need to Know

Running in the desert is thirsty work, and there won't be much shade or water along the way. Come prepared, and think about bringing some extra water.

Description

This loop provides a great example of classic Needles rock formations and desert landscape. Cairns mark the trail, and you'll want to pay close attention to where they're leading. Especially across the exposed faces of rock that you'll cross, it can otherwise be difficult to make out the route!

Visitors will start out heading counter clockwise, on the Big Spring Canyon Trail. The way will be mostly smooth going at first, with moderate elevation gain. As the route progresses to the 3-3.5 mile mark, some areas will be quite steep and may make people who fear heights nervous. Luckily these portions are not overly technical.

From the turning point, there are gorgeous views of the Big Spring Canyon and Squaw Canyon, including many unique and visually appealing desert features.

At the intersection with the Squaw Canyon Trail, take a left turn (north) to begin the return journey. Like the Big Spring Canyon Trail, the most technical and exposed portions of the run will occur near the junction. After about mile 4.5, the travel will mellow, and a gentle descent will return visitors to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Lots of desert wildflowers, cactus, succulents and cottonwood trees. You'll see some marsh lands too!

Contacts

Shared By:

Joy Memmen with improvements by Jonathan Keller

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 33 votes

#2

in The Needles

#296

Overall
  4.8 from 33 votes
5 Star
85%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in The Needles

#31

in Utah

#296

Overall
28 Views Last Month
10,491 Since Jun 11, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Have to jump across this little crack.
Feb 28, 2021 near Monticello, UT
The needles.
Jan 19, 2016 near Monticello, UT
Rock formation. Big Spring Canyon Trail.
Jun 11, 2016 near Monticello, UT
Amazing sandy dirt singletrack.
Feb 28, 2021 near Monticello, UT
Great soft dirt section - this makes up about 70% of loop.
Feb 28, 2021 near Monticello, UT
Spires to the east of the Big Spring Canyon and Squaw Canyon junction.
Jun 14, 2016 near Monticello, UT

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