Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Druid Arch - Elephant Hill Trail - Canyonlands Needles District
I've wanted to hike to Druid Arch for several years now. And this was my chance. Perfect weather in mid October, and a long weekend off from work. So Tina and I went for it.
It did not go as planned, and that's all my fault. I could put an explanation here, but there really isn't anything specific that stands out, so I won't waste your time. I dunno. My mood was just off and I was in grouchy old man mode.
I stopped and readjusted my attitude, because I try to save my complaints for valid things like people who say I'm wrong or those darn kids who won't stay off my lawn. And why waste a perfectly good hike by being negative. This worked, but it didn't help my lack of enthusiasm to record video. So......I just really didn't record much. Ultimately this worked out well for me since I enjoyed the hike, but it really isn't helping you if you're watching this video. Sorry about that. Hopefully the beauty of the hike comes through anyway, because it is an amazing place.
The Needles District of Canyonlands is incredible. The Elephant Hill Trail was surprisingly busy this day. I'd thought no one really hiked it, but we ended up having to park in overflow parking even though we were at the trailhead by around 8. The trail to Druid Arch has gradual gains and losses in elevation, but is pretty beginner friendly overall. It's really pretty, starting with views of the surrounding territy and eventually even better views when you enter the canyon toward the second half of the hike. I will warn you that there is a lot of sand when you're in the wash, but it wasn't that bad. There is also a short scramble at the very end, but nothing technical. Druid Arch itself is enormous and imposing. There's something ancient and calming about it. Absolutely worth the hike.
We even ran into a few really nice people who recognized us from our videos. Talked to one gentlemen at the arch - which if you're reading this, I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to give a formal goodbye before parting ways. I went to get a couple shots while there weren't any people around and you were gone when we got back. On the way out, we ended up meeting and hiking out with a really nice couple as well.
Overall, this was 10 miles with just over 1,000 ft of elevation gain and loss. If I were to do it again, I would probably plan ahead and reserve an overnight backpacking campsite along this or some nearby trails to make more of an adventure out of it.
Let's be serious, I won't plan ahead next time either.
By the way, I snuck a cameo in at the very end of a dude I'm subscribed to on Youtube. His channel is;
youtube.com @MattNowell
He's pretty hilarious, so check him out.
Music by Artlist:
Summit - Ardie Son
Druid Arch - Elephant Hill Trail - Canyonlands Needles District
I've wanted to hike to Druid Arch for several years now. And this was my chance. Perfect weather in mid October, and a long weekend off from work. So Tina and I went for it.
It did not go as planned, and that's all my fault. I could put an explanation here, but there really isn't anything specific that stands out, so I won't waste your time. I dunno. My mood was just off and I was in grouchy old man mode.
I stopped and readjusted my attitude, because I try to save my complaints for valid things like people who say I'm wrong or those darn kids who won't stay off my lawn. And why waste a perfectly good hike by being negative. This worked, but it didn't help my lack of enthusiasm to record video. So......I just really didn't record much. Ultimately this worked out well for me since I enjoyed the hike, but it really isn't helping you if you're watching this video. Sorry about that. Hopefully the beauty of the hike comes through anyway, because it is an amazing place.
The Needles District of Canyonlands is incredible. The Elephant Hill Trail was surprisingly busy this day. I'd thought no one really hiked it, but we ended up having to park in overflow parking even though we were at the trailhead by around 8. The trail to Druid Arch has gradual gains and losses in elevation, but is pretty beginner friendly overall. It's really pretty, starting with views of the surrounding territy and eventually even better views when you enter the canyon toward the second half of the hike. I will warn you that there is a lot of sand when you're in the wash, but it wasn't that bad. There is also a short scramble at the very end, but nothing technical. Druid Arch itself is enormous and imposing. There's something ancient and calming about it. Absolutely worth the hike.
We even ran into a few really nice people who recognized us from our videos. Talked to one gentlemen at the arch - which if you're reading this, I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to give a formal goodbye before parting ways. I went to get a couple shots while there weren't any people around and you were gone when we got back. On the way out, we ended up meeting and hiking out with a really nice couple as well.
Overall, this was 10 miles with just over 1,000 ft of elevation gain and loss. If I were to do it again, I would probably plan ahead and reserve an overnight backpacking campsite along this or some nearby trails to make more of an adventure out of it.
Let's be serious, I won't plan ahead next time either.
By the way, I snuck a cameo in at the very end of a dude I'm subscribed to on Youtube. His channel is;
youtube.com @MattNowell
He's pretty hilarious, so check him out.
Music by Artlist:
Summit - Ardie Son
