After visiting a good chunk of National Parks in Southern Utah I realized that one of the most incredible parts of Canyonlands is how few people there are. The park isn't all that accessible and when you get there, you will only find one campsite and unless you feel up to some strenuous ten mile hikes, you may as well just drive along the scenic route. I think that formula attracted nature loving, athletic, travelers rather than the "I want to see everything from the comfort of my car" tourist.
The most popular hike in the Needles District is Chesler Park. The Needles District was named after the numerous needle like rock formations in the park. The Chesler Park trail carries you into the heart of the needles, which are laced with slot canyons, caves, spires, pinnacles, juniper trees and more that can be witnessed only with your eyes.
Sad to say you can't bring dogs on the trails in National Parks, so poor Clovey had to stand guard in the van yet again as we adventured into the rocky jungle. The dog restrictions are brutal in the National Parks. Dogs can ONLY be in the campsites and on paved roads (not even dirt roads as we found out the hard way...). That means we have to walk Clovey before and after hikes and if it was too hot to leave her in the car, we can't go. Having her there is unquestionably worth it though.
