Squaw Canyon Trail

Squaw Canyon Trail


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Located within Canyonlands National Park, Squaw Canyon Trail leads southward from Squaw Flat Loop A Trailhead through Squaw Canyon. It is a relatively easy hike through a winding canyon. There are three trail junctions along this route one with Peekaboo Trail, Lost Canyon Trail and Big Spring Canyon Trail. The track ascends slightly as it nears Big Spring Canyon and is somewhat exposed in some sections.

The trail begins at approximately 5,130 feet and splits a short distance from the trailhead. Follow the left side of this split as it leads southeastward. Approximately one mile from this junction Squaw Canyon Trail meets the Squaw Canyon drainage. Also at this point Peekaboo Trail leads to the east (left). From this junction Squaw Canyon Trail begins to follow the drainage into the canyon. Within a half mile of Peekaboo Trail is the primitive campsite known as SQ1. This site lies on the western side of the drainage.

From the campsite the trail continues to wind through the canyon for one mile to another junction. At this point the Lost Canyon Trail leads eastward (left). This trail can be used in conjunction with the Peekaboo and Squaw Canyon Trail to form a seven and a half mile loop.

From the Lost Canyon Trail bear right and begin ascending slowly toward Big Spring Canyon. During the next mile the trail ascends along a ridge climbing 400 feet. At the end of this climb is the junction with Big Spring Canyon Trail. The elevation at this junction is 5,600 feet. From this point Squaw Canyon Trail continues in a southwestward direction around a high point and above the Squaw Canyon drainage.

A half mile from Big Spring Canyon the track turns northward to skirt the southernmost point of a ridge. From this point the route descends slowly into Elephant Canyon. Squaw Canyon Trail ends, two miles west of Big Spring Canyon, at the Elephant Canyon Trail.

Facilities: There are no facilities provided at Squaw Canyon Trail.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Squaw Canyon Trail.

Best Time To Visit: Squaw Canyon Trail is open year round. This trail can become hazardous when wet, especially at the pass below Squaw Canyon Trail junction. Late fall is the best time to hike the trail.

Fees: A fee is charged to enter Canyonlands National Park.

Accessibility: Unknown

Rules: Unknown

Directions: Squaw Canyon Trail is located within Canyonlands National Park. Travel to Canyonlands National Park requires a car. The three units of the park are two to six hours apart by car. From Needles Visitor Center, drive westward along the main park road. Turn left toward the campground and then left again immediately east of the campground to reach Squaw Flat Loop A Trailhead.

There are two paved entrances into Canyonlands National Park: Highway 313 leads to the Island in the Sky District and is 10 miles north of Moab; Highway 211 leads to the Needles District and is 40 miles south of Moab. Roads to the Maze District are a mixture of graded dirt and 4WD. These roads may become impassable when wet.

To reach Canyonlands National Park from Blanding: travel north on I191 to the Highway 211 exit. Take Highway 211 to the Needles District entrance.

Address

Canyonlands National Park

2282 SW Resource Blvd

Moab, Utah 84532

Phone
General: (435) 719-2313

Website

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