Trail Description

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The moderately strenuous hike to the Confluence Overlook passes through rugged desert terrain en route to one of Canyonland's most spectacular vistas. Unlike most trails in Park, this hike features extended sections of well-defined dirt paths through open desert - perhaps a nice change of pace for visitors who have spent significant time in the Park's many deep canyons and slick rock-dominated areas.

From the trailhead, the trail makes a very steep descent into Big Spring Canyon, then follows the canyon floor for about 10 yards before making a very steep ascent up its other side. Be sure to locate the cairns that lead straight up the canyon wall, and not to take the oft-used, off-trail route that remains on the canyon floor.

A small ladder is in place as you near the canyon rim, and shortly after this the trail passes through an interesting ‘keyhole' (1.2 miles from the TH) that offers a unique photo opportunity.

Once through the keyhole, the trail remains high and relatively flat for nearly a mile. This is an enjoyable stretch with sweeping views of the surrounding desert and unusual rock formations dotting the landscape.

The trail gradually drops into Elephant Canyon and passes through an easy, colorful dry wash area for about mile. The trail then climbs up another rock wall, leaves Elephant Canyon and drops down into Twin Valleys, a grassy expanse known for its seasonal wildflowers.

The trail will quickly come upon a N-S Jeep road (4.2 miles from the TH); go straight across this and continue west. You will soon climb up and over a small rocky outcropping that leads into Cyclone Canyon. While in Cyclone Canyon the trail crosses another N-S Jeep road (.5 miles from the first crossing), which is also the northern starting point for the Cyclone Canyon Trail.

There is a trail junction sign at this point, but it may be more confusing than necessary. Very simply, follow the trail across the Jeep road and continue west once again. This segment actually runs along a Jeep spur road as well; be sure to be heading west on the correct road, and not mistakenly turn right at the junction and head north.

The trail remains in beautiful open desert country for another .6 miles before dead-ending at a small out house and Jeep parking area. A prominent sign directs you west for the last .5 miles to the Overlook area.

The panoramic views are sensational. The Maze and Island in the Sky districts are easily identifiable, as are the distinct Green and Colorado rivers - nearly 1,000 ft below - that have carved them out. The impressive Ekker Butte highlights the northwestern horizon.

Worth Noting

• There are some minor distance discrepancies among map sources and even trail signs. While this should make little difference, it is worth taking note of and planning for the full 11 miles outlined here.


• This is a very exposed and potentially hot trail. Bring adequate water (meaning more than you think you need), sunglasses, sunscreen and a large-brim hat.


• Follow cairns closely, and always be cognizant of where the last cairn that you saw was. If it's been a while in between trail markings, stop hiking, gather your bearings, and retrace yourself back to the last known trail marking.


• Always bring a reliable map, and understand your chosen trail's vicinity and route prior to departure.

Directions to Trailhead

The Confluence Overlook Trail is accessed from the Big Spring Canyon Trailhead in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The trailhead is located at the end of the Scenic Drive roadway. From the Visitor's Center in the Needles District, simply turn left out of the Visitor's Center and drive about 100 yards to a stop sign. Turn right and continue on this road for 4-5 miles until it dead ends into the Big Spring Canyon Trailhead. Park in the designated area and the trail leaves from the south side of the trailhead.

Contact Information

Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd
Moab, UT 84532

Visitor Information
(435)719-2313

Backcountry Reservations
(435)259-4351