Summary
While traveling to Canyonlands National Park, it is important to note there are 3 districts of the park and they do not connect: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze.
The Needles forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. Hiking trails offer many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Tower Ruin, Confluence Overlook, Elephant Hill, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.
The Needles is known as a hiking district.This park has many trails that are unpaved or primitive. The Needles has 4 short hikes ranging from .3 - 2.4 miles long. The Needles has 8 recommended longer trails that intertwine with each other. These trails are normally strenuous, 6-11 miles long, go in and out of canyons, and have rock scrambling.
The Needles also offers technical 4-wheel drive roads for vehicles that must meet certain requirements to drive. Before visiting check https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needlesroads.htm to make sure your vehicle meets all of the requirements. Most 4-wheel drive roads require a permit. You are also able to hike these roads.
The Needles offers amazing views, an insight to its cultural history dating back 2,000 years, and beautiful rock formations known as the Needles. The Needles also offers a short scenic drive for people just looking to enjoy the view.
When looking for the location search, The Needles Visitor Center; the closest intersection is US 191 and UT 211. There is no service available on most of the drive to the needles. The closest towns are Moab and Monticello.