Distance: 2.5 miles one-way
Joint Trail - Chesler Park
The Joint Trail starts and ends in the backcountry. If you are 4-wheel driving, the west end is accessed by trailhead. The east end starts in Elephant Canyon and offers the most incredible entrance into Chesler Park. After absorbing the dramatic meadows and 360 degree panoramic needles all around, the Joint Trail drops out of the world into a narrow crack that is equally amazing as the stunning scenery in Chesler Park. Once through the narrow fractures, many will backtrack preferring to go back through and back up into Chesler Park. If you want to do a loop, follow the trail down less dramatic scenery to the 4WD trailhead, then about a mile road walk to the Devils Pocket Trail. A lot of uphill is required at this point to get back into Chesler Park, but it is a loop trip and will now give you views of Chesler Park from a different perspective. The Joint Trail is just 2.5 miles but I would put it in the top 10 scenic hikes I've ever done.
Canyonlands National Park - Needles District
View of Elephant Canyon as the Joint Trail climbs out of it
First views of Chesler Park
Two tubes along the Joint Trail near Elephant Canyon
Inside one of the tubes
Nearing Chesler Park coming from Elephant Canyon
Chesler Park
South Chesler Park trail intersection
Chesler Park
Joint Trail in Chesler Park
One of many campsites in Chesler Park
Views west from Chesler Park
Area just west of Chesler Park
Steps down into the slot canyon from Chesler Park
Joint Trail trailhead sign
Cavern on the Joint Trail
Joint Trail 4WD parking area