Hiking the Cave Spring Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Cave Spring Trail in Canyonlands National Park is one of the best trails to see and learn about the park’s cattle ranching history, which once was the dominant industry across the area.
However, this does not go without saying that the full Cave Spring Loop Trail is more challenging than the short 0.6-mile (1.0 km) distance may make it seem.
By this, I mean that the trail climbs a series of ladders, with one being more exposed than even my photos show.
Therefore, if climbing with exposure is something that concerns you, I highly recommend hiking the loop in the direction shown below, as this is the best way to see Cave Spring and the historical remnants of Canyonlands’ long cattle history without the ladders that immediately follow.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Cave Spring Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cave Spring Trailhead is located at the very end of Cave Springs Road, found a short distance down the first left-hand turn past the visitor center.
In my experience, the Cave Spring Trail is one of the least-visited hikes in The Needles District of Canyonlands, meaning that finding a place to park should never be a concern.
Google Maps Directions: Cave Spring Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Canyonlands
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Canyonlands National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Cave Spring Trail
As previously mentioned, the Cave Spring Trail can be deceiving regarding how challenging of a hike it can be for some visitors, especially if exposure is something that makes you uncomfortable.
With that in mind, Cave Spring and the historical remnants from the ranching era can be visited without hiking the full Cave Spring Loop Trail, as shown below.
Cave Spring Loop Trail
Immediately after beginning the hike, the Cave Spring Trail splits into a loop that not only passes by Cave Spring but also climbs atop the mesa ahead to enjoy some upper views of the surrounding area.
That being said, I recommend going left at the split for a few reasons.
First, it’s always easier to climb up sections that are more difficult, as opposed to down, and second, if completing the full loop isn’t something that you’re interested in, then the best of the trail—including Cave Spring and the historical structures—can be seen by hiking just a short distance in the clockwise direction.
Cowboy Camp
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Cave Spring Trail reaches the main Cowboy Camp, with the natural spring located a short distance ahead.
Looking Back
Cave Spring
Next, Cave Spring can be found at the base of the wall, beneath this natural alcove.
Here, you can learn about how this water naturally occurs in an otherwise arid landscape, all without hiking the most difficult sections of the full loop trail.
First Ladder
This is the first of two ladders on the Cave Spring Trail, and while I may have made them sound more difficult than they will be for most hikers, the top of this first ladder is more exposed than it initially appears.
This short traverse at the top of the first ladder is the most dangerous part of the entire Cave Spring Trail.
That being said, most fit hikers will have no difficulties navigating this section, but it should be considered a no-fall zone.
Second Ladder
This is the second ladder, and it is considerably easier than the first.
Once on top of the mesa, the Cave Spring Loop Trail simply follows a series of rock cairns placed by the National Park Service before descending on the far side.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
This is where the loop begins to descend back to the Cave Spring Trailhead.
In my opinion, these final sections beneath the overhang were among the most beautiful parts of the Cave Spring Trail, especially late in the evening when the softer light makes the red rock glow!
Cave Spring Loop Junction
This is where the Cave Spring Trail returns back to the beginning.
Overall, the full Cave Spring Trail is a relatively quick and easy adventure, granted that you don’t have any difficulty with the two climbs.
In any case, I recommend the short Cave Spring Loop Trail over other alternative hikes, like the Neck Spring Trail, if you are interested in seeing some of the best and most beautifully preserved artifacts from the ranching era that once dominated much of Canyonlands National Park.
More Canyonlands Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Canyonlands National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
With summer temperatures that soar well above 100 ºF (38 ºC) and snow storms come winter, both Arches and Canyonlands National Park are known for having extremely variable weather throughout the year.
That being said, heavy snow storms are uncommon in the Moab area, but summer adventures need to carefully be planned around the dangerous mid-summer heat. For this reason, you may consider visiting Moab during the off season in order to maximize your time in either park, while also visiting during a time of year that’s far less crowded.
Furthermore, be sure to know the local forecast if you are hiking during the summer monsoon season, as it’s not uncommon for areas, such as slot canyons, to fill with water rapidly, creating very dangerous situations for anyone inside. On top of this, summer monsoonal weather is typically accompanied by lightning, which can be very dangerous in exposed desert areas like the parks around Moab.
As for Canyonlands specifically, the most important thing to stress is the dramatic cliffs surrounding the Island in the Sky and other parts of the park. Even the Mesa Arch is a deadly cliff, which most photos, such as mine, don’t show.
Finally, there is at least one venomous rattlesnake found across the area, which you can learn more about here.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Arches and Canyonlands National Park websites.
National Park Service: Arches National Park / Canyonlands National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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