Chesler Park 1 (CP1) Backcountry Campsite, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park

Backpacking at The Needles

The Needles is the most popular backpacking destination in the park. You can access most trailheads with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. You may find water seasonally in many of the canyons east of Chesler Park.

Permits are required for all overnight trips into the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for permits is very high. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season—especially during spring break (March)—you may have to make a reservation four months in advance.

Most backpackers stay at designated campsites in The Needles. All of these campsites require campers to carry out all solid human waste in a commercial human waste disposal bag. In areas where there are no established campsites, backpackers can reserve a permit for an at-large zone. Campsites in the Salt Creek area require the use of approved hard-sided food storage containers (e.g. bear canisters).

You may have an overnight permit for up to 14 consecutive nights. If you are backpacking, you may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. If you are using the designated vehicle camps, you may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.