Needle Rock is an intrusive of rhyodacite volcanic plug located in the Needle Rock Natural Area, 3.5 miles east-northeast of the Town of Crawford in Delta County, Colorado, United States. It stands 800 feet tall above the floor of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River valley. It originated as the throat of a large volca
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 970-240-5300
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Needle Rock ONA/ACEC — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Needle Rock ONA/ACEC. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Coal Creek Trail, Cottonwood Creek Road, Needle Rock Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Do you need a permit to climb?
Rock climbing is available here; some routes or areas may need a permit. Check current climbing regulations first.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
GregJoeson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Crawford Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
NPS Photo/Lynch National Park Service Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
ConfirmedYour pass covers the $30 park entrance fee.
