Our latest adventure took us to the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park. While planning our trip, we ensured to include some must-see spots, including Big Spring Canyon Overlook and the fascinating Newspaper Rock. Despite hearing mixed reviews, our curiosity about this less visited part of the park encouraged us to make the drive. But, to be honest, enjoy the Canyonlands National Park ‘Island in the Sky’ area nearer to Moab and save yourself the time and gas.
Big Spring Canyon Overlook
We kicked off our exploration by heading to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook. The vistas here were a bit short of breathtaking, especially after visiting the Island in the Sky section previously. It’s a place where nature’s raw power is on full display, and we spent a while soaking in the majesty of the landscape – literally as a small puddle on the rocks kept our toddler busy with a game of ‘plop or splash’ for ages!
One thing to note if you’re planning a visit: dogs are not allowed in this area. This is a crucial tip for pet owners to remember when planning their itinerary. We had to take turns walking out on the trail.
Intrigued by Newspaper Rock
Our curiosity led us next to Newspaper Rock, a Utah State Historic Monument rich in indigenous petroglyphs. This remarkable site, located here, displays a rich tapestry of over 2,000 years of ancient narrative. Standing in front of these carvings, we couldn’t help but think about the stories and the people behind the images. But also, how many of these carvings is legit… check out our video below and see what you think!
Drone Adventures and Scenic Routes
After Newspaper Rock, we decided to have a bit of fun with our drone, opting to capture some footage of our Ford F150 traversing the winding roads. The late afternoon light reflected beautifully off the small patches of snow, making for some striking video footage.
The Drive: Long and Winding
It’s important to note that the drive out to the Needles section is quite long and can feel remote. If you’re pressed for time or driving doesn’t suit your fancy, you may want to carefully plan your visit or consider other areas of Canyonlands National Park, which is expansive, covering 337,598 acres. But if solitude is what you’re looking for, this place might just be ideal.
Camp Life: Staying Near Monticello
We set up camp in a cozy dome tent near Monticello, which served as a convenient base for our explorations. The night was cold but beautiful, with the clear desert sky showing off its starry splendor.
Dinner was an indulgent treat of pricey pizza in Monticello—a bit of a splurge, but worth it after a long day of adventuring. If you’re in the mood for local eats, there are a few options including:
- A pizza place that, while on the pricier side, offers unique flavors.
- Several diners offering true comfort food.
To visit the Needles Section is a return trip of hundreds of miles, perhaps the time is better spent at the ‘Island in the Sky’ section and Dead Mans Horse State Park.
Discover more from Kango Anywhere
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
