U.S. Federal Shutdown Information

U.S. Federal Shutdown Information

At this time, Arches, Canyonlands, and Utah’s national parks and federal lands remain accessible, though services are limited. Learn more.

» Arches timed entry reservations are not in effect. The Arches visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Canyonlands visitor centers at Island in the Sky and the Needles are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
» Entrance fees are not being collected. Campground and permit fees remain in effect.
» Visitor centers at Natural Bridges and Hovenweep are closed. Visitors needing backcountry permits should visit recreation.gov.
» Ranger-led programs are not being offered at this time.
» Roads, trails, campgrounds, trash collection, toilets, and emergency response remain open.

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Juniper Trail

Juniper Mesa Hiking Trail map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 ml
Duration
3 hr
Ascent
200 ft
Descent
200 ft
View Map

Highlights:
Sweeping views of the Sand Flats Recreation Area and more.

Description:
The trail climbs a small mesa and circles the mesa top, offering scenic views of the Grandstaff and Mill Creek Canyons, the Moab and Porcupine Rims, the La Sal Mountain range and the Colorado River channel. The trail is “lollipop” in shape. The “stem” section 1/2 mile in length, begins at the trailhead, travels to the first overlook, backtracks slightly, then climbs westerly to the top of a small mesa where the loop section begins. The loop is about a mile in length and contours with the edge of the mesa over level dirt and slickrock. Sections of the trail follow along steep cliff edges. Use caution! Follow trail markers to avoid getting lost and damaging resources. Several openings on the rim provide panoramic views of the features listed above. After circling the mesa top, the trail rejoins the “stem” route back to the parking area. The trailhead is located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. It is 6.3 miles passed the entrance station on the north side of the Sand Flats road. A parking area is provided. The trail is also accessible to campers in the Juniper campground. This is a fee area.