State: Utah
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Length, One-Way: 3.8 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5180 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5530 feet
Elevation Change: 350 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy
Over time, water cuts a deep groove in the sandstone
Trail Information
The Big Spring Canyon Trail heads from Squaw Flat Loop A Trailhead through Big Spring Canyon. It follows the canyon bottom south from the trailhead and connects with several other trails. Several loops can be created by using the Big Spring Canyon Trail in conjunction with Squaw Canyon Trail and/or Chesler Park Trail. This is an easy trail with little elevation gain until you reach the pass that connects it with Squaw Canyon Trail.
The Big Spring Canyon Trail begins at 5,180 feet elevation. The trail forks shortly after leaving the trailhead. Follow the signs to Big Spring Canyon. When the trail reaches the canyon floor, there is another split. There is a campsite, referred to as BS1, at this junction. The right fork heads west to meet the Chesler Park Trail. Follow the left side of the fork as it follows the path of Big Spring.
From this junction the Big Spring Canyon Trail heads south along the floor of the canyon. It winds through the twists and turns of the canyon for slightly more than two and a half miles. Along this route the trail ascends 320 feet and passes another backcounty campsite (BS2). The route ends at Squaw Canyon Trail. Turning left at the terminus will take you north into Squaw Canyon. Hiking right at this junction will lead you west into Elephant Canyon.
Directions
From Needles Visitor Center:
Drive west along the main park road. Turn left before the campground to reach Squaw Flat Trailhead.
