Slickrock Foot Trail, Needles District: Slickrock Foot Trailhead, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Slickrock Foot Trail - 2.9 miles
Needles District: Slickrock Foot Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.9 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 4,980' - 5,010' (at View Point #4) |
| Elevation Change: | +30' net elevation gain |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Slickrock Foot Trail - 2.9 Miles Round-Trip
The Slickrock Trail runs over sandstone benches to four marked viewpoints across the Needles District. This short interpretive trail is ideal for families, and those acclimating to high desert travel:
The trail begins on a modest, .5 mile climb up to the main loop and a spur for View Point #1. Six Shooter Peak, Elaterite Butte, Cathedral Butte, Ekker Butte, the Needles and the La Sal Mountains (40 miles to the east) and the Abajo Range (to the south) can all be seen from this point.
View Point #2 peers over upper Little Spring Canyon, an ideal place to locate bighorn sheep. View Point #3 looks out over Lower Little Spring Canyon, a limestone dominated area that's also a good place to find wildlife.
View Point #4 - perhaps the most dramatic of the hike - is about half way around the loop and requires a little more work to reach.
A .25 mile cairn-marked path branches off the main trail to dramatic views over Big Spring Canyon, and Grandview Point and Junction Butte to the north. Views of the Needles and La Sal Mountains accompany you back to the trailhead.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N38 10.617 W109 48.870 — 0.0 Miles: Slickrock Foot Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Binoculars are recommended on this hike. Lighting is particularly good in the late afternoon and early morning.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips in Canyonlands National Park. Permits can be acquired at Visitor Centers the day of or day before your trip. Advance reservations can be made up to 4 months out and are recommended during peak season.
Call the Backcountry Reservation Office for more information: 435.259.4351
Click here to access the online reservation system.
- There's a $30 fee per party to backcountry camp in Canyonlands National Park.
- Hikers must camp in designated sites where explicitly stated. You may otherwise choose your own campsite in designated at-large zones.
- At-large sites must be at least 1 mile away from any road and 300' from any archeological site, historical site or water source.
- Mountain Bikers and 4WDs must stay on established roads and camp in designated sites at all times.
- Fires are not permitted at backcountry campsites or within the backcountry in Canyonlands National Park.
- Desert water sources are scarce and fragile. Do not bathe or wash dishes in creeks or pools.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $25 fee per vehicle to enter Canyonlands National Park (defined as private passenger cars with 15 people or less). Passes are good for 7 consecutive days.
- $15 per motorcycle.
- $10 per person (walk or bike).
- Dogs are not permitted on trails in Canyonlands National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
The Slickrock Foot Trail is located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. From the Visitor's Center in the Needles District, turn left out of the Visitor's Center and drive about 100 yards to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn right and stay straight on this "scenic drive" road for about 4 miles and you will see the sign for the Slickrock Foot Trailhead. Park along the road near the trailhead.
Contact Information
Canyonlands National Park
2282 SW Resource Blvd
Moab, UT 84532
435.719.2313
Backcountry Reservations
435.259.4351
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