Cave Spring is our boys favorite hike in the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park. This is because the hike is short, easy, shady, and features two ladders, which they love.
There is a small parking lot for this trail, and it usually isn’t very busy. The trail crosses though a tuft of sagebrush and then splits, with the loop leading to the left. You are supposed to walk this trail clockwise, and that is important, because climbing up ladders is considerably easier than climbing down ladders. The entire trail is 0.6 miles around the loop.
Cowboy Camp
As you reach the base of the cliff just a few meters up the trail, you come across an old cowboy camp. It is nice and shady under the overhang, and it’s easy to imagine a few early settlers wanting to find some respite from the sun. There is a low fence, which keeps you from entering the camp, so please respect this exhibit.
Cave Spring
The trail continues along the cliffside, sometimes staying under the deep overhang, and sometimes straying back into the sagebrush. The entire loop is only a little over half a mile, so you arrive at Cave Spring rather quickly. This is the place where water seeps out of the back of the “cave,” which is really more of a rocky alcove. Lush, green plants grow out of this area, which make it unique.
Ladders
Just after the spring, you come to the two ladders. They aren’t really that tall or impressive, but they are unique, and that makes them fun for our boys. They scrambled right up, giggling as they went.
After the ladders, the trail crosses the slick rock back to the parking lot. This section of the trail is still pretty, but it is out in the open. It’s pretty short, and it is just a return to the car.
Cave Spring is a must do trail when visiting the Needles side of Canyonlands National Park. Here are some other posts that will help you when visiting this side of the park:
