Needles Overlook

Needles Overlook

When I started working at the Welcome Center in Monticello, it quickly became very apparent that people are often confused about the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, and the Needles Overlook.  People would often talk about them interchangeably as if they were both a part of Canyonlands National Park, but the Needles Overlook is actually an area that’s located outside the park and is a part of the Canyon Rims Special Recreation Management Area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Needles Overlook is located about 22 miles off of Hwy 191 on co. rd 133, so it’s a great side trip if you’re traveling between Monticello and Moab on Hwy 191.  When we have friends or family visiting, my husband and I often take them there around sunset if we’re on our way home from Arches, the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, or somewhere else up north- it seems like we end up driving out there about every 6 months or so.  My dad was just visiting last week and we took him out there, but before that, the last time we went was when my mom and stepdad were visiting last November.  Everyone we’ve ever taken out there has been completely blown away by the view!

Needles Overlook

Needles Overlook

When you’re standing at the overlook you can see quite a few roads down below.  The main road that runs through that area is the Lockhart Basin Road, it roughly parallels Hwy 191 from Hwy 211 near the entrance to the Needles District of Canyonlands to the Kane Springs Road which ends in Moab.  This is a popular road, but requires high clearance.

Needles Overlook

Needles Overlook

The Needles Overlook is not just one scenic overlook, there’s actually a railing that runs along the whole point that you’re standing on.  Starting from the parking area, you get views to the north, west, and then south toward the Abajos.  We always spend at least an hour walking along the edge taking in the views out over the canyons- it’s something that you just never get tired of looking at!

Needles Overlook

View to the North from Needles Overlook

The La Sal Mountains

Since we always go at sunset, the drive back to Hwy 191 is always beautiful too- even after the sun has set over the horizon, the La Sal Mountains are still lit up glowing with pinks and purples.

Most of the pictures in this entry were taken during my mom and stepdad’s visit in November.  It was especially clear that day, but I’ve found that no matter what the weather is like when you visit, the view is always amazing!

Directions:

From Monticello: Drive approximately 21 miles north of Monticello and turn west on Co. Rd 133/Needles Overlook Rd.  Stay on that road for approximately 22 miles until you reach the parking area.

From Moab: Drive approximately 32 miles south of Moab and turn west on Co. Rd 133/Needles Overlook Rd.  Stay on that road for approximately 22 miles until you reach the parking area.

Distance from Needles Overlook to lodging in San Juan County, Utah:

• La Sal: 41 miles/66 km
• Monticello: 42 miles/68 km
• Blanding: 63 miles/101 km
• Bluff: 89 miles/143 km
• Mexican Hat: 113 miles/115 km
• Monument Valley: 136 miles/219 km

For more information or to request travel brochures, please call Utah’s Canyon Country at: 800-574-4386

Or e-mail us at: info@utahscanyoncountry.com