Hiking the Chesler Park Loop Trail in Canyonlands NP, Utah

Chesler Park Loop Trail is one of the best overall hikes in the country. This hike takes you on a journey through multiple spectacular & diverse landscapes. It feels like you’re hiking on another planet.

The Chesler Loop Park trail is a 10.5 mile lollipop hike in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. Due to its length, elevation gain and some light scrambling required, this hike is considered moderate to difficult. Since it is within the boundaries of Canyonlands National Park, dogs are not allowed on this hike. It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes with only a couple quick stops to take pictures and snack.

Details:

Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Chesler Park Loop Trail, search for the Elephant Hill Trailhead in Canyonlands National Park, Utah or click here.

Directions (old school maps): From the Needles Visitor Center continue west on Highway 211 into the park. After 2.4 miles, turn left onto the Federal Route 2444 access road and follow the signs for Elephant Hill. The last few miles are dirt road so a 4WD is preferred, especially after rain, but not necessary. The road ends at the trailhead parking lot.

Driving Info: The last part of the drive is on a dirt road. After rain a 4WD is recommended, but otherwise a 2WD with normal clearance is sufficient.

Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in mid-January and started hiking around 10am. The weather was cold at 39 degrees. The wind was moderate to strong throughout the hike. There was snow and ice at places that required some careful footing.

Gear: We wore 2-3 layers for warmth, gloves in the morning, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. We brought crampons but did not use them. We used hiking poles and had to secure them while scrambling. There is a lot of exposure and little shade so wear sunscreen.

Trail Navigation: The trail is difficult to follow and requires following cairns which are set up along the entire trail. There is no cell service and there are multiple trail junctions so download your maps in advance.

Water & Food: We each drank 2 liters of water, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. There is no water source along the trail. We each snacked on some trail mix, 1 protein bar and split a PB&J sandwich.

Trailhead Info: The trail starts at the Elephant Hill Trailhead at an elevation of 5100 feet. There are roughly 20 spots at the trailhead parking lot, which was near empty in the winter but fills up quickly in the warmer months. There is a toilet at the trailhead parking lot.

Pictures of the Chesler Park Loop Trail:

The first section of the hike is uphill and requires good foot traction on the rocks. After 5 minutes you reach a plateau.

You’ll traverse across rock landscapes that catch pools of water after rain and snow. Peer left for great views.

Make your way through the rocks.

Once you pass through the rocks it opens up to expansive views.

The first of many slim passages.

Descend into a valley of magnificent rocks.

Wind your way to the floor and admire the rock formations all around.

The trail continues toward the hoodoos.

Turn around to take in the valley views.

Light scrambling up between the rock walls.

Clear through the rock walls and open up to the expansive view. We took the counter-clockwise loop (turning right at the junction) around the park.

Wrap around the outside of the towering rock formations.

Take in the view back into the valley of the park.

More flat rock with pools of melted snow. Thousands of rock formations below.

Tons of layers and depth in the views below.

Continue to hike past the impressive hoodoos.

The park views continue to change as you hike around it.

Rest the souls of your feet on this flat section.

Now into the rocky canyon and cave sections.

Half slot canyon, half cave.

Hike out with the rock steps into the sunlight.

Another slim passage.

Ascend once more out of the canyon/cave area.

As you walk back to the junction you can take in 360 views every minute. Enjoy the perspective of the walk back.

Going to be in the Moab area? There's a ton of hiking, off-roading and outdoor activities. Take a look at Moab's Best Hiking & Off-Roading Trips for epic adventures and spectacular hikes within a few hours of Moab.