Chesler Park Loop

The Chesler Park Trail is a beautiful hiking loop around the sandy grassland known as Chesler Park. This hike has varying terrain with steep scramble sections, and sandy slogs, so hikers should be prepared for a decently challenging day. Give yourself plenty of time to complete this trail and bring lots of water and lots of snacks to fuel your adventure. Proper footwear is essential on this trail and hiking poles can be a great asset too.

Don’t forget the camera on this trip, the views from the Chesler Park Trail are second to none. With diverse desert terrain, and incredible views of the entire Needles District, this hike is a Canyonlands Classic. There are six different campsites along this trail which are all lovely spots to spend a night under the stars. If you are wanting to camp in the area, be sure to pick up an overnight backcountry permit either through the Parks office at the Visitor Center or online here.

From the Elephant Hill Trailhead, follow the path south for 1.3mi. At the first divide, take a right and head west. Stay right at the next divide, then stay left at the following fork. The third divide marks the beginning and end of the Chesler Park Loop. Take a left to follow the trail clockwise. You will pass the campsites 1-5 about a mile into the loop. Stay right at the subsequent forks in the trail to complete the loop.

Once you’ve finished the loop, follow the main path back out to the Elephant Hill Trailhead. If you want to extend your time exploring the area, consider adding on a trip down to the Druid Arch following the Druid Arch to Chesler Park Trail.