Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop
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Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Hiking Loop is a moderately challenging day hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This hike has varying terrain with rocky scrambles, sandy sections, and even a couple of ladders. This hike can be broken up over a couple of days by camping at one of the backcountry campsites on route.
The name of this route is offensive, efforts to rename routes in Canyonlands 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 Campsite 1, Elephant Canyon Campsites 1 & 2, Squaw Canyon Campsites 1 & 2, camping at trailhead |
| When to do | February to November |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop
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Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Loop Description
The Squaw Flat, Big Springs, and Squaw Canyon Trail is a fantastic day hike in the Utah desert. This trail travels over diverse terrain with rocky segments, sandy slogs, and even a couple of steel ladders. Hikers should be prepared to tackle this terrain with sturdy hiking shoes and relevant skills. The views from this trail are absolutely worth it. If you want to take your time and enjoy this trail at a slower pace, you can break it down over a weekend and camp at one of the campsites on route. To camp, you do need a backcountry overnight permit. A permit can be obtained from the Parks office in person or online.
From the trailhead, follow the path on the right to hike the loop counterclockwise. Stay right at Big Spring Campsite #1, then stay left at the next three divisions. Keep right at the next fork, followed by two more lefts to meet back up at the trailhead.
Back at the trailhead, you can either set up camp for the night at the campground or hop back in the car and head off onto the next adventure.
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