An overhead view of Canyonlands National Park exhibits three distinct sections. The Colorado and Green Rivers carve up the land with deep canyons, not easily crossed. Island in the Sky, the northern district, provides the most paved access roads, In contrast, The Maze is only supported by unpaved, four wheel trails. The Needles District offers a 50/50 mix of paved and trail opportunities.
The Needles Section is named after its prominent feature, a myriad of spires that can be seen for miles along the Canyonland's southern border. This southern section is covered with hiking trails and plenty of reasons to return. These dominate sandstone landforms, banded in red and white, are fine examples of jointing, weathering, rock fracture, and erosion, seen throughout the park.