Druid Arch is a day-hike destination in the Needles District of Canyonlands, and camping there is not allowed. Overnight trips toward it book the Elephant Canyon campsites.
Plan your Canyonlands National Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Plan your trip
How to get Druid Arch
There is no Druid Arch permit to set an alert on. Camping at Druid Arch is not allowed, so Recreation.gov sells no campsite there; overnight trips toward the arch book the Elephant Canyon campsites, EC1 to EC3, under the Needles backpacking permit. Set an alert for those sites on the Elephant Canyon page here.
Pick a camp area to get alertsOfficial permit page · Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Druid Arch reservation dates
- route distance, out and back
- 10.8mi
- max group size
- 7people
Druid Arch route and designated sites
From Elephant Hill Trailhead to Druid Arch. Book each site by name, one a night.
Mile 0 at Elephant Hill Trailhead
Elephant Canyon 1 (EC1)
- Mile
- 2.1
- Camping
- Book a designated site by name
- Sites
- 7 people per site
Mile 2.1 of 3.1
Druid Arch sites in trail order
How to get a Druid Arch permit
As of September 2026, Druid Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Druid Arch rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Druid Arch route covers 10.8 miles.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
More on Druid Arch: Live availability activityWhen Druid Arch permits open up
The Druid Arch hike
- Distance
- 10.8 miles
- Route Type
- Out & Back
About this permit
Druid Arch is one of the most spectacular views in the Needles, and it is a day hike. Recreation.gov says plainly that camping in Elephant Canyon including Druid Arch is not allowed, so there is no campsite to reserve at the arch itself.
The park lists the Druid Arch hike at 10.8 miles, 5 to 7 hours. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail, then branches off along the bottom of Elephant Canyon through deep sand and loose rock, and the last quarter mile is steep, with one ladder and some scrambling. To make it an overnight trip, reserve one of the Elephant Canyon campsites (EC1 to EC3), which Recreation.gov puts 2.1 to 3.1 miles from the Elephant Hill Trailhead, and walk to the arch from camp.
How hard the Druid Arch hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate hikers comfortable with long days and moderate challenges.
Recommended experience: Experience with 6-10 mile hikes on varied terrain.
When to hike Druid Arch
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
68°
56°
28%
Wed
74°
56°
23%
Thu
81°
54°
Fri
83°
62°
Sat
84°
64°
Sun
84°
65°
Mon
80°
64°
Druid Arch rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Druid Arch.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Druid Arch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Druid Arch FAQ
How do I get a Druid Arch permit?
Druid Arch is issued directly by the agency. There is no Druid Arch permit to set an alert on. Camping at Druid Arch is not allowed, so Recreation.gov sells no campsite there; overnight trips toward the arch book the Elephant Canyon campsites, EC1 to EC3, under the Needles backpacking permit. Set an alert for those sites on the Elephant Canyon page here. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Druid Arch?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Druid Arch permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Druid Arch permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Druid Arch trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Druid Arch permit
Where to stay near Druid Arch
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District CampgroundCanyonlands National Park
- Hamburger Rock CampgroundBears Ears National Monument
- Indian Creek Falls Group SiteBears Ears National Monument
- All Utah campgrounds
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