State: Utah
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Length, One-Way: 2.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5220 feet
Elevation Change: 240 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Candlestick Tower, Utah
Trail Information
The Joint Trail heads two and a half miles east from a four-wheel drive road to the west of Chesler Park. The trail runs along the south side Chesler Park for 1.5 miles before joining the Chesler Park Trail one and a half miles from its trailhead and terminates at the Druid Arch Trail. Several camping sites lie along this route in Chesler Park.
The Joint Trail runs along the south side Chesler Park. It can be accessed from Chesler Park Trail on the east end and the Devils Lane four-wheel drive road. The beginning of the trail heads through a narrow opening between two fins. This is the highlight of this short trail, however, backpackers will find it nearly impossible to navigate. It’s best explored with a light load.
Once out of the rocks the trail heads around the southeastern corner of Chesler Park to meet the Chesler Park Trail. At this junction is the access trail to campsites CP2, 3, 4 and 5. From this junction bear east, right and ascend approximately 200 feet to a slickrock ridge between Chesler Park and Elephant Canyon. The route descends for a half mile from this high point into Elephant Canyon. About 1.0 miles from Chesler Park the Joint Trail ends at a junction with the Druid Arch Trail.
Directions
From Needles Visitor Center:
Follow the main park road to Squaw Flat Campground. Bear right onto Elephant Hill access road and follow that 2 miles to the trailhead. Follow Chesler Park Trail 2.9 miles to Chesler Park. At this junction, turn left and continue south to reach the middle of the Joint Trail east of the narrows.
