Hiking the Stone Storehouse Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
The Stone Storehouse Trail, formerly known as the Roadside Ruin Trail, is arguably the easiest hike in the Arches-Canyonlands area to see one of many ancient indigenous structures.
The quick and easy 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop trail makes for a great kid-friendly hike. However, I think it’s worth mentioning that I believe the short trail is a great adventure for all people, of all ages, which can’t be said for other hikes with similar structures in the park, like Aztec Butte.
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!
Why Did the Roadside Ruin Trail Change its Name?
The National Park Service changed the name from Roadside Ruin Trail to Stone Storehouse Trail in response to requests from traditionally associated tribes.
In their own words: "Multiple Tribal representatives have said that cultural sites of this kind are not 'ruined.' These places continue to have value and meanings, which are not diminished due to their age. The new name, Stone Storehouse, more accurately describes the function of the structure without the negative connotation of the old name."
Stone Storehouse Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Stone Storehouse Trail is located directly off of Needles Access Road, about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away from the visitor center.
For this reason, I feel that the short Stone Storehouse Trail is a great hike, whether on your way into or just before leaving The Needles District.
Google Maps Directions: Stone Storehouse 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 Stone Storehouse Trail
The Stone Storehouse Trail begins on a relatively flat trail, with very little elevation change over the course of the hike.
Stone Storehouse Loop Trail
Immediately following the trailhead, the Stone Storehouse Trail splits into a larger loop trail, which joins once again just before the structure at the very end.
That being said, I chose to go right because that’s the way the interpretive trail is organized.
Along the Stone Storehouse Trail, there are a number of markers along the way, which can be followed sequentially using the trail guide linked below.
Download: Stone Storehouse Trail Guide
Stone Storehouse Junction
At the far end of the trail, the loop back to the beginning splits to the left, with the Stone Storehouse located shortly ahead to the right.
Stone Storehouse
According to the National Park Service, the Puebloan and Fremont communities expanded across this area around 950 AC, creating 'storehouses' just like this one to keep foods and medicines beneath alcoves, just like this one.
In any case, I ask that you please enjoy the structure from a distance and kindly ask others to do the same.
Stone Storehouse Junction
Once back on the main Stone Storehouse Trail, go right at the split to complete the loop that leads back to the trailhead.
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!
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!
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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!
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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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