The trails of the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park can be combined in many ways to create loops.   We chose to follow these trails – Lost Canyon > Squaw Canyon > Big Springs Canyon.   To get into or out of any of the canyons, hikers have to climb up over slickrock routes, then descend down into the sandy wash.  Proceeding up a canyon is usually along the watercourse, which is usually dry and sandy, but two of the canyons had pools and riparian areas in the spring.   Cottonwoods filled the canyon bottoms where  (ongoing) springs were present.

While hiking down in the canyons, rock pinnacles, towers, fins, and cliffs line the trails.

To traverse from one canyon to another, we climb over a series of slickrock ledges.

“Trails” are often just a series of cairns marking a route.   Some sections require scrambling.

Hiking on the shoulders of the rocky hills provides the best views.

Long traverses along the rock are the most interesting parts of the hike.

Around each new corner of the 11 mile hike were new surprises, delightful views, and interesting “trails.”

The backdrop to the Needles District on the east side are the La Sal Mountains, still snow-mantled in spring.

The Needles District in Canyonlands has some of the finest hiking anywhere.

• Needles Trails and Roads Map