photos by Stephen Eginoire

The incomparable Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Named for its colorful spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone, one might liken many of the districts temple-like formations to that of the Taj Mahal. A maintained network of trails braid through astonishing vistas, offering those the opportunity for long day hikes as well as overnighters. Only a few hours west of Durango, its time to get outside and take advantage of the wonderfully comfortable temperatures and wide open skies.