Utah
Photo Journal
by Kchisos

CANYONLANDS
NEEDLES DISTRICT
Posted 11/25/06

utah photo journal
Click on the image (above) to see a larger version.
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The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park gets it name from the expansive array of sandstone columns that make up a large part of the central area of this part of the park. For first time visitors (and, for others like me, on any visit to the park), the drive to the Needles District is a thrill in itself. The road traverses high desert flatlands for several miles before quickly descending into a narrow canyon. Following a live stream, the road curves frequently as the canyon walls continue to grow further and further apart, exposing a variety of colorful buttes and mesa tops.

As you near the park entrance, the prominent "needles" formations can be seen in the distance. The scenery along the paved roads through the park are nothing less than spectacular; but if you are an adventurous sole, you'll surely want to get out on the hiking trails for a closer look.

The photographs in this photo tour were taken in May of 2005 and September of 2006. They highlight the scenic splendor found along the paved roads leading to and through the Needles District and along one of the park's most popular hiking trails - the Chesler Park Trail. Related links for Canyonlands National Park are listed near the bottom of this page.
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Click on the images (below) to see the larger versions. Use the navigation menu at the bottom of each page to move from picture to picture in this gallery.

"Canyonlands 002"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

The twisted body of a dead juniper tree frames this composition of slickrock and vista along the Chesler Park Trail.

"Canyonlands 003"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

This solitary rock stands sentry over Big Spring Canyon near the canyon overlook viewing area.

"Canyonlands 004"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

Horses graze in green pastures below the colorful mesas that highlight the scenic drive leading to the Needles District.

"Canyonlands 005"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

The Island in the Sky Mesa and Junction Butte lie to the north, inviting a visit there - another day, another time.

"Canyonlands 006"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

Large boulders lie scattered along the roadside in the colorful canyon that leads to the Needles District.

"Canyonlands 007"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

Sculpted sandstone formations make up most of the landscape in the Needles District. A hike to the popular Chesler Park offers a closer look at these colorful rocks.

"Canyonlands 008"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

Twin "ice cream scoops" along the Chesler Park Trail.

"Canyonlands 009"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

Slick rock, a barren tree and Junction Butte make for a spectacular composition along the Chesler Park trail.

"Canyonlands 010"
Canyonlands National Park
in Southeastern Utah

This massive dome-shaped rock with its potholes, located along the Chesler Park trail, makes me think of a flying saucer from an old 1950's sci-fi movie.

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Related Online Resources for Canyonlands NP
Canyonlands National Park
Discover Moab

Purchasing Prints
Prints of the images within are available for purchase through Kchisos Gallery, my physical art gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. All images are available in 8 x 10 inch and 11 x 14 inch prints, while some are also available in 16 x 20 inch prints. Contact me at my gallery for pricing and additional information about print orders.
NOTE: because I have several photo journal web sites containing several hundred images, it is important to reference both the title of the web site (in this case: Utah Photo Journal) and the title of the image (as it appears above the image on the individual image page) when inquiring about print orders.

Keith Williams, Photographer and Owner
Kchisos Gallery
At the Inn and Spa at Loretto
211 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Office 505-982-0086
Cell 432-294-2717
Email: kwilliams@kchisos.com
Web Site: www.kchisosgallery.com
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Related Links Page
Click here to view a list of other Utah photography and resource web sites worth visiting.
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© 2006 Kchisos Enterprises