Needles Overlook

This drive has a little bit of everything on it. You’ll pass the famous “Hole-in-the-Rock” tourist trap, the roadside Wilson Arch, open western vistas and an unforgettable view of the impressive Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. The bonus? This area is remote and doesn’t see nearly as many visitors as the main park entrances do and there’s no fees. 

The name for this state park is taken from the story of cowboys using this peninsula of rock as a natural corral. They only had to fence off the narrow section leading out onto the mesa and the horses had plenty of room to roam free but still be able to be herded when needed. At some point, the horses were forgotten about and died of thirst from the lack of water on the high mesa.

From downtown Moab, head south on Highway 191. As you pass through town and the southern end of Spanish Valley, you’ll climb out of the main Moab valley up onto the Bridger Jack Mesa. Once on top, the highway quickly cuts its way back down off the mesa again.

As you come off the mesa, there’s a rest stop followed by Hole in the Rock. Hole in the Rock is a cave like structure carved into the sandstone that has been turned into a gift shop and tourist stop. You won’t miss it as the name “Hole in the Rock” is painted in bright white letters on the red sandstone.

After passing Hole in the Rock, Highway 191 meanders through the desert for a bit. You will quickly come to Wilson Arch on your left-hand side. Again, this is not hard to miss as this quite large and impressive arch is easily viewed from the road. If you wish to stop and take a quick hike up to the arch, there is a pullout for parking.

From Wilson Arch, continue heading south on Highway 191. Highway 46 heading to La Sal town and the Utah Colorado boarder will quickly appear on your left or East. Continue south on Highway 191. After 10 minutes or so you will see the signed turn off to the Needles Overlook on your right or West side. This road is County Road 133 or CR-133.

Head west on CR-133 and follow the signs to the Needles Overlook. The overlook is 22 miles from the turn off of Highway 191. This small 2 lane road meanders up onto the high mesas overlooking the Canyonlands Needles District. At the overlook, you can see the Needles, the Blue Mountains, the Henry Mountains, Indian Creek, the 6 Shooter Spires and lots more.

Make sure to visit on a clear day as you can easily see for miles and miles in just about every direction. If you are feeling adventurous and have the right vehicle, you can take the dirt roads in the area out to the Anticline Overlook. Return back the way you came to finish off your drive.