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Needles backcountry roads require 4WD and self-rescue
Use a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low-range gear and be prepared to self-rescue on Needles backcountry roads; rain, snow, deep sand, water, mud, steep terrain, and creek crossings can make routes impassable. - Lavender Canyon: Open but currently impassable because of a 3–4-foot creek crossing and deep mud. - Lockhart Canyon: Impassable to all vehicles from the park boundary to the river; park at the boundary and hike about ½ mile (800 meters) to the Colorado River. - Peekaboo Road: High-clearance 4WD and self-rescue capability are required; expect deep sand and sections with 1–2 feet of water and mud. - Elephant Hill 4WD: Open, but high-clearance 4WD and self-rescue capability are required; expect obstacles. Salt Creek/Horse Canyon also require high-clearance 4WD and self-rescue capability, with deep sand and narrow sections where vehicles may scrape vegetation. - Beef Basin: There is no access from UT 211; use Elephant Hill 4WD Road. Vehicles are not allowed past the Davis Canyon park-boundary gate. - The NPS says disabled vehicles can incur commercial towing fees exceeding $1,000 and park rangers do not winch vehicles. Carry a full-size spare tire, extra gas and water, a shovel, and a high-lift jack; do not attempt roads during forecast heavy rain or cross flooded roads because heavy rain can cause flash flooding. Check current road conditions before beginning a backcountry trip.Official detailsCaution
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit open fires
Stage 2 fire restrictions are active because southeastern Utah has prolonged drought and extremely dry vegetation; all open fires are prohibited in Canyonlands. - Do not set, build, maintain, attend, or use an open fire of any kind. - Petroleum- and propane-fueled stoves and grills are allowed only in designated backcountry campsites and zones, along the river corridor, and in developed campgrounds and picnic areas cleared of flammable materials for at least 3 feet in diameter. - Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited. Smoke only inside an enclosed vehicle or in paved areas completely devoid of nearby vegetation; dispose of cigarette butts in ashtrays. - Do not grind, cut, or weld metal in dry vegetation. Operate internal or external combustion engines only with a properly installed, maintained, and effective spark-arresting device. Check current park conditions before traveling.Official details
