Big Spring Canyon Trail

Big Spring Canyon Trail is a route in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It’s a named, maintained path (foot designated, no bikes/motor use) that follows ground surface and is built for hikers with the typical Needles slickrock-and-canyon terrain.

In distance and time, plan on about 7.5 miles round-trip and roughly 3–4.5 hours for most parties. Expect a mix of rocky climbing and walking that adds up to more than the simple round-trip figure suggests, because the route between canyons involves steep grades.

The trail climbs steeply between canyons, and wet conditions are a major consideration: slickrock sections and steep grades can become dangerous when damp, and the exposure can be uncomfortable if you have a fear of heights. Bring enough water for desert hiking (at least 1 L per person per hour), plus snacks and a map.

Navigation is part of the job on this route. Some segments can be hard to read on slick rock surfaces, so rely on cairns where present and keep your route-finding tools handy; the trail can be easy to miss when the canyon walls and rock features blend together.

For a practical plan, use this as a “base segment” when building the longer Big Spring-to-Woodden Shoe Canyon loop: it connects canyon terrain across varied ground. The higher-level loop concept is what turns this short trail into a more substantial full day hike.

Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail in Canyonlands National Park, while service animals are permitted. If you’re hiking in winter, be ready for snow or icy slickrock conditions and consider traction gear if conditions warrant.

More information: Visitor information, Big Spring Canyon Trail, Druid Arch Trail and Wooden Shoe ..., Canyonlands National Park