Druid Arch Trail
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Druid Arch Trail
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The Druid Arch Trail is a fantastic hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This trail has scramble sections and steep ascents leading up to an impressive and unique arch formation. The Druid Arch is more reminiscent of Stonehenge than it is of the classic Utah Arches and is well worth a visit.
Getting there
From the Needles Visitor Center, follow Needles Main Park Road for 2.8mi before taking a left onto Elephant Hill Road. Continue on Elephant Hill Road for 3.3mi to the Elephant Hill Trailhead—the Druid Arch Trail begins here.
About
| Backcountry Campground | Elephant Canyon Campsites 1-3 for use with permit |
| When to do | Year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Druid Arch Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Druid Arch Trail Description
The Druid Arch is a formation like no other in Canyonlands National Park. The hike to this incredible structure is adventurous; hikers will need to scramble up steep sections and clamber up a ladder to reach the arch itself. The Druid Arch trail is best saved for a cool day in the spring, winter, or fall. The trail gets incredibly hot in the summer sun, and dehydration and heat exhaustion are real risks. Even in cooler seasons, hikers should come prepared with good sun protection and lots of water.
The Druid Arch Trail has so much to offer with stunning views of the canyon below, diversity in terrain, and the incredible arch to cap it all off. The combination of challenge and reward make this hike one of the best in Canyonlands National Park.
From the Elephant Hill Trailhead, follow the cairn-marked path south for 1.3mi to a divide. Take a right and follow the trail west for half a mile to an intersection, then take a left to head south down Elephant Canyon. Continue down Elephant Canyon for 0.8mi to a divide- stay right to continue south for another 2.2mi. At the end of Elephant Canyon, make your way up the ladder and through the boulders to Druid Arch.
Take a well-deserved rest at this epic sandstone structure before turning around and following the same route back to the trailhead.
Trail Highlights
Druid Arch
The Druid arch is a 150-foot tall formation of eroded Cedar Mesa Sandstone with two 85-foot tall keyhole openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Druid Arch?
The Druid Arch is named as such because of its resemblance to Stonehenge- a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. One theory is that Stonehenge was built by the high priests of the Celts for sacrificial ceremonies. These high priests were commonly known as “Druids”.
How long is the Druid Arch Trail?
The Druid Arch Trail is 10.4mi long.
Insider Hints
This trail is best done in cooler temps outside of the summer season.
Sections of this trail are steep and exposed- wear proper footwear and bring hiking poles for extra support if needed.
There is not much shade on this route, a good sunhat, extra sunscreen, and lots of water are musts- we recommend at least 4L of water per person.
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