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Eye of the Needle
Eye of the Needle is a small natural arch made of jumbled rock in Echo Canyon.
Plan Around Eye of the Needle
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Eye of the Needle Details
The Eye of the Needle is a small natural limestone arch tucked inside Echo Canyon. Formed by erosion in steeply tilted limestone of the Cambrian Bonanza King Formation, the arch appears unexpectedly among the canyon’s rugged walls, a striking feature along an already dramatic drive. Access is via Echo Canyon Road, a rough dirt route off Highway 190 approximately two miles south of the Badwater Road intersection. The road enters the canyon about 3.3 miles from the highway, and the arch comes into view roughly 1.5 miles farther in. The full drive is about 19 miles round trip from Highway 190. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended. The road includes washboard sections, rocky stretches, narrow canyon passages, and areas of deep gravel. Conditions can change quickly due to flash flooding, and some sections beyond the first few miles may require careful navigation. Visitors should carry a spare tire and be prepared for remote travel with no services or cell reception. Many travelers continue past the arch to visit the historic Inyo Mine farther up Echo Canyon. Dispersed camping is permitted along the road with a valid backcountry permit. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, though winter can also be a good time to visit. Road conditions and access are subject to change.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
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Nearby Parks Around Eye of the Needle
Compare nearby parks around Eye of the Needle when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Eye of the Needle
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Eye of the Needle while the map context is still fresh.
1.8 mi away
Echo Canyon Road
Echo Canyon Road runs 10 miles to Inyo Mine from its starting point on Highway 190.
3.5 mi away
Zabriskie Point
Great views of badlands, sunrises and sunsets, right off Highway 190.
3.5 mi away
Zabriskie Point
Named for a borax baron and located in a wildly eroded section of Death Valley National Park.
3.8 mi away
Hole in the Wall Trail
The Hole-in-the-Wall trail takes backpackers into a natural amphitheater in the Funeral Mountains.
3.8 mi away
Hole in the Wall Road
Hole in the Wall Road is a gravel track that runs for six miles along a dry wash and thru a narrow gap in a ridge.
