State: Utah
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Length, Round Trip: 11 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4800 feet
Elevation Change: 160 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Upheaval Dome
Trail Information
Canyonlands National Park is neatly split into thirds by the intersection of the Green and the Colorado Rivers. the rivers have carved thousand-foot-deep canyons through the surrounding desert and the view of their confluence at the center of the park is one of Canyonlands’ most impressive sights.
The Confluence Overlook Trail heads through the relatively flat area north of the needles and grabens. The trail leads west from the end of the main park road 5.5 miles with very little elevation gain. The trail crosses canyons and briefly follows a four-wheel drive road to reach an overlook of the Green and Colorado Rivers confluence. There is very little shade and no water along this route so hikers should bring plenty of water. Permits are available at the visitor center for overnight stays along this trail.
Begin the Confluence Overlook Trail from the Big Spring Trailhead at the western end of the paved park road. The trail immediately descends 120 feet into Big Spring Canyon after leaving the trailhead. The trail then and then climbs up the other side. It then ascends west to reach a high point of 5,070 feet before descending slightly into Elephant Canyon. After climbing out of this drainage, the trail meanders across the open desert for another 3.1 miles before crossing a four-wheel drive road.
After about 0.5 miles, the trail comes to another junction with the four-wheel drive road and Cyclone Canyon Trail. Bear right at this junction and follow the four-wheel drive road for less about 0.5 miles to the end. A Park Service sign points the way to the trail continuing for another 0.5 miles to the overlook above the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Directions
From Needles Visitor Center:
Drive west on the main park road to the end of the road. The trail begins at the Big Spring Trailhead.
