Map showing campground location near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

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Canyonlands National Park - The Complete Guide

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Chesler Park — Canyonlands National Park

This National Park Service backcountry site requires advance permits and backpacking gear to reach. Located within Canyonlands National Park's Needles District, Chesler Park provides designated camping spots accessible only by hiking trail. Campers must carry all water, as none is available on-site - reviewers recommend packing at least one gallon per person daily.

The area offers access to nearby slot canyons and the Joint Trail, with several other backcountry sites including Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park less than a mile away. Fall temperatures drop into the 30s at night despite comfortable daytime conditions. This remote location works best for experienced backpackers prepared for desert conditions and Leave No Trace camping.

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Chesler Park — Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah

Coordinates

38.10859837 N
109.85345997 W

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Access

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General Info

Drive Time

5 hrs 55 min from Grand Junction, CO
6 hrs 6 min from Farmington, NM
7 hrs 21 min from Provo, UT
9 hrs 17 min from St. George, UT

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2 Reviews

Hannah H.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 3, 2021

Worth all the effort

Chesler Park requires a permit and there are only a few sites but it so worth the effort to get a permit and backpack in! We stayed at Chesler Park 3 and the views were gorgeous! Sunrise and sunset at Chesler Park are amazing.

From the Chesler Park area there are a few day hikes that become much more attainable because you are closer. For instance the joint trail.

Dave E.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2017

Unbelievable

I simply can't describe this place in words. I've spent a week out here for the last 4 years and I'm going again this October. This place is my #1 recommended place on this site (as of right now).

I want my ashes spread here. It's the quietest, most peaceful, remote place I've ever been to. It doesn't feel like earth. More like the surface of Mars. Watch the sunset behind the high desert prairie. Explore slot canyons that you can barely get through with a backpack. Visit Cowboy Camp which is... well... an old cowboy camp. Don't move or take the artifacts.

Few things to remember: There is NO water, so pack it in. They recommend a gallon a day. That's a lot of weight, but you will use most if not all of it, depending on weather and activity level. Also, in the fall months, it is perfect during the day (high 60s to high 70s) and falls to 30s at night (occasionally 20s). So dress in layers and pack appropriately. I highly recommend visiting the national park website and reading up before ever venturing out into the backcountry.

Lastly, if you're the kind of jerk that takes spray paint or a knife into the backcountry with a plan to "leave your mark", don't go here. Don't ruin the beauty. No one cares if you Luv some girl named Rachel 4 Ever. Write her a letter. Pack out your trash and TP.

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