The Needles District  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  38.1759, -109.8173 Map Page Views:  13,221. Good page?    Administrators:  Andrew Gram, Perin Blanchard, grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Bill Duncan on Aug 14, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Angel Arch

Description 

The Needles District is one of the 4 districts of the Canyonlands (don't forget about the detached Horseshoe Canyon District). The best time to visit is in the spring or fall. This area is often overlooked because of its proximity to the much more famous Indian Creek and North and South Six Shooters. Located here you will find some of the finest arches anywhere. Arches NP is more famous for arches, and certainly has more of them, but the Needles district arguably has some of the biggest and most impressive arches this side of Landscape Arch. The three biggest arches in the Needles District are Angel Arch, Druid Arch, and Castle Arch. These arches are not by the side of the road, and take a fair amount of effort to see, particularly the biggest one, Angel Arch. The trail system here is among the finest in the Canyonlands, and backpacking is incredibly rewarding. An endless supply of excellent bouldering and exploration exists in the area. Even with the crowds that spring and fall bring, it is easy to find seclusion in this labyrinthian realm.

Getting There 

The Needles District is located about an hour to an hour and a half south of Moab. Drive past the famous Indian Creek climbing area, and past the inspiring Six Shooters to the entrance.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Needles District

The National Hot Rod Association 5.12a/b  UT : Moab Area : The Needles District

The NHRA is a burly OW roof similar to New World Order in style and difficulty. Its a bit longer than NWO, and the crux lies in the middle of the roof, where the crack flares. Start as far back into the cave as you want to go (another 15' could be added on to what i did, but its gets pretty cramped in the cave) and work your way around the high-ish lip. The lip is about 15' off the deck, and the landing is a little wierd. If you have a few crash pads, it would be fine to boulder, but if y...[more]   Browse More Classics in UT

Photos of The Needles District Slideshow

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Castle Arch	Castle Arch	Druid Arch
View from the second belay of Druid	Looking up at (and through) Castle Arch from direc...	The remote and hidden All American Man. Photo by: ...
Angel Arch Photo by: Frosty Weller