Pothole Point Trail

Pothole Point Trail is a fun, easy to navigate .6-mile loop located in the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. The trail gets its name from the many potholes formed by erosion over time creating these depressions in the sandstone. Whether wet or dry, the potholes are filled with delicate ecosystems. When filled with rain these fascinating temporary pools come to life and are home to toads, fairy shrimp, and tadpole shrimp. Even when the potholes are dry, they are filled with cryptobiotic soil crust, a living organism. Life within the potholes, whether wet or dry, should be respected and visitors must be mindful not to step in the potholes.

This unique loop trail is marked with cairns to guide hikers around the pothole filled slick rock. The trail distance can easily be shortened for those in a time crunch, or those with small children or elderly who are not able to walk long distances. Because of the sensitive nature of the area, pets are not allowed on the trail.

The trail offers stunning views beyond the potholes. From the higher areas, the iconic sandstone spires of the Needles district and the mesas of Island in the Sky District can be seen in the distance.

 

Don’t Step in the Potholes

Even though there were not roots or rocks sticking up on this trail waiting to trip us, we remained vigilant in watching our step not to avoid falling, but to avoid damaging the sensitive ecosystems. Not stepping in the potholes is easier said than done and only through constantly reminding ourselves, and each other, were we able to avoid stepping in the fragile homes of the tiny organisms.

 

Hike Overview
  • • Location: Pothole Point Trail in the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park
    • Start/Finish: trailhead parking lot
    • Course Type: loop
    • Course Surface: slick rock
    • Distance: 1.1 miles
    • Total Time: 26:03
    • Average Pace: 23:43 minute/mile
    • Elevation Gain: 61 feet
    • Elevation Range: 5,030 to 5,085 feet
    • Weather: 85° and partly cloudy
    • Date of Hike: June 24, 2025
    • Start time: 12:59 PM

 

Exploring the Park

The parking lot and trailhead for Pothole Point Trail are located about five miles from the Needles District Visitor Center within Canyonlands National Park.

 

Stacked rocks (called cairns) mark the trail…

 

The potholes vary in size and how close they are to each other…

 

It was easy to get caught up in looking at (and not stepping in) the potholes, and not enjoying the beautiful vistas…

 

Cryptobiotic soil crust…

 

Prickly pear cactus…

 

Just two tourists enjoying their hike…

 

Final cairn marking the end of the trail…

 

These boot cleaning stations were new to us and we saw them at the trailhead of a few different trails in Canyonlands…

 

Garmin Stats

Garmin map and elevation graph…

 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Pothole Point Trail

Pothole Point Trail was well worth the stop and provided many great photography opportunities. My husband and I enjoyed our hike along the loop, stopping to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. I’d definitely stop there again if I were in the area.

 

Questions
  • • Have you heard of Pothole Point? ~ I hadn’t until we watched a video while planning our trip.
  • • Have you visited Canyonlands National Park? ~ Yes, this was our second visit.
  • • Where do you prefer to hike, barren deserts or lush forests? ~ both