The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is nestled just 1.5 hours south of Moab in a rolling terrain of parched desert landscape. Similar to the popular Island in the Sky, which is in the northern region of Canyonlands National Park, the Needles District is filled with jaw-dropping rock formations, glowing orange earth for you to camp out on, and countless opportunities to bask in the breathtaking views. After spending a few nights around Moab, we snatched up a coveted backcountry permit, loaded up our vehicles, and headed south for a backpacking trip through the lesser known Needles District.
Morning hikes allow us to view much of the landscape before the desert heat engulfs the air around us. When backpacking, it’s vital to keep track of water sources and consumption. Water weighs quite a bit, so when choosing where to backpack, make sure to include water needs in your decision.