Chesler Park Overlook

So it is day 2 of this adventure and it had been raining and windy all night long which kept us snuggled in the Dream Island double sleeping bag until after 7am…

We had hoped to get an early start for our hike out to the Chesler Park Overlook in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. But the weather forecast from the day before was not promising with more rain and wind.

We brewed up some hot beverages and oatmeal under heavily laden skies and could see rain falling off in the distance to the south of The Needles.

We had decided to come to The Needles as Harmony had never been and I wanted to share this special place with her. I knew this hike was one that she would really enjoy. And I was very disappointed at the thought that she was not going to get to experience this magical place due to the weather.

So even with the weather looking pretty unsettled, we decided to go for it anyway, we could always turn back if it got too unpleasant… After all, this is what we came here for!

We made the drive out to the Elephant Hill trailhead and arrived at 9:30am excited to get on the trail and start the hike. It was chilly, probably about 40 degrees and a little windy, but at least it was not currently raining. We donned our rain parkas to break the chilly wind and started up the steep trail from the parking area.

I have been to The Needles numerous times and the hike out to Chesler Park is one of my all-time favorites!… One that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Actually we had not completely decided that Chesler Park would be our destination… We were also considering going to Druid Arch (you can read about it from another trip here), another bucket list location, but wouldn’t have to decide until we reached Elephant Canyon 2.75 miles ahead.

The hiking was pleasant in the cool temperature and the landscape was otherworldly as we followed the cairns across the slickrock! We stayed dry but a light drizzle would come and go.

Reaching Elephant Canyon we chose rightly and decided to continue on to the Chesler Park Overlook and forego Druid Arch for another trip as it would add another 5 miles to the hike. As much as we’d like to see Druid Arch, the exhausting days that preceded at the Utah house had depleted out reserves and worn us down.

Arriving at the grand vista at Chesler Park overlook, we found some shelter from the wind under an overhanging rock and enjoyed our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some beef jerky. And as I was photographing the grand vista, a large raven floated into the frame and hung there long enough for me to capture the National Geographic moment!

We didn’t linger long as the lofty view from our vantage point showed rain falling in several directions… We turned to return the way we had come after a too short visit to this amazing place!

The hike back turned colder, windier and rainier but was still thoroughly enjoyable even as we began to tire from the miles on the trail. It felt really good to be out enjoying this remote location!

Five hours after we had started we were back at the welcomed comfort of the car and made the slow drive back to camp through the increasing rain.

Back at camp the rain continued and we enjoyed an afternoon nap until the rain subsided and we were able to grill up some delicious bratwurst!

Time to journal and sleep for the night… Tomorrow, weather permitting, we will explore some ancient Anasazi Ruins in the Cedar Mesa area.

We fall asleep to the pitter patter of rain on the tent…