Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop
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Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop is a moderate hiking trail through ponderosa pine forest, desert sagebrush, and over sandstone slabs. This hike is a great place to get away from the crowds and see desert flora and fauna. When hiking keep an eye out for critters such as jackrabbits, spiny lizards, mule deer, and more.
The name of this trail is offensive, efforts to rename this trail are ongoing.
Getting there
From the Needles Visitors Center, follow Needles Main Park Road for 3.0mi then turn off towards Squaw Flat Campground. Take a left at the fork and follow the road for one mile to the Squaw Flat Trailhead.
About
| Backcountry Campground | Big Spring Sites 1 and 2, Squaw Flat Campground near |
| When to do | April to October |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop
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Weather
Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop Description
The Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop is a moderate hike through a beautiful section of the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. This hike is decently long and travels over some rugged terrain, so wear proper hiking shoes and bring lots of water and snacks to fuel your day. This hike travels through a relatively lush section of Canyonlands with ponderosa pine trees and desert life abound. If you are lucky enough to see wildlife on this trail- do not feed the animals, and give them lots of personal space.
From the Squaw Flat Trailhead follow the loop counterclockwise through Big Spring Canyon. This trail is marked with cairns, but we recommend keeping a GPS or app out to avoid getting off-route.
When you are done with your hike, enjoy a night camping under the stars at one of the many campgrounds nearby or head on back to the parking lot and to the next adventure.
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