Joint Trail itself is a short and fairly easy hike, but it isn’t easy to get to. One option is a long 4WD road that reaches the Joint Trailhead. The other option is starting from the other end of Joint Trail, reached by hiking into Chesler Park. That is the direction described here, and it makes a simple addition to the Chesler Park Loop.

In Chesler Park, the trail crosses broad sagebrush meadow and a sandy wash, then meanders along slickrock slopes for a little while, before turning to enter a conspicuous crevice. This is the joint. Inside the slot, you’ll tunnel directly through the sandstone hill, in alternating narrower and wider passages, always with just a sliver of sky overhead. It’s always dark and cool between the rocks, but not so dark to require a headlamp during the day. Some sections require light rock scrambling, where hands may be required for stability.

Emerging from the slot, the trail enters a broader canyon full of rounded rock towers, trending downhill to eventually meet the trailhead at the 4WD road, where there are picnic tables and a pit toilet. Continuing along the road can actually make a longer variation of the Chesler Park Loop, in case you want to extend the journey. Otherwise, return the way you came through the joint.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/hiking.htm https://liveandlethike.com/2015/03/18/chesler-park-loop-trail-including-joint-trail-canyonlands-national-park-ut/ https://utahscanyoncountry.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/chesler-park-joint-trail-loop-canyonland-national-park-needles-district/