Druid Arch/Chesler Park Loop, Canyonlands National Park

December 2024, I visited Canyonlands National Park in Utah for the second time.

First time I visited Canyonlands NP was in 2014 winter. This time is exactly a decade later in 2024 winter. Since this NP is huge, it never be a shortage of hikes. 

This time we did a big day hike: 15 miles including Druid Arch and Chesler Park loop.  Usually people go to only Druid Arch (10 mile hike) or Chesler Park separately but since the first 2 miles are overlapped, we decided to do in a single hike.

Elephant Hill region

The hike starts in the Elephant Hill area. Interesting round-shaped rocks can be seen. We started early in the morning and the rocks are pretty reflecting the first light of the day. After that, mostly the walk is in the wash. Only the last quarter mile is steep to the Druid arch. 

Arch. You might imagine an arch is more circular arch shape, but natural arch can be various shape. Look at Druid Arch! Isn't it a bit different than the arch you imagine? It is very cool shape.  

Druid Arch

We enjoyed the arch view for a while by ourselves! What a treat. Then we moved on going to Chesler Park. It is a quite unique park. If you are there, you can tell why it is called "park", because there is big field of green and it is surrounded by interesting tall rocks. The picture below you can get a sense. 

Chesler Park

Chesler Park

Many many rocks of combined spire continues. It was really pleasant walk in the Chesler Park. Great point about this hike is there is variety. After some time in the Chesler Park, the trail goes into slot canyon called the Joint. It is quite short, but fun. We took time to enjoy every nice view and had a great day! 

Chesler Park

Joint trail