• Spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone in Chesler Park (Needles District)

    Canyonlands

    National Park Utah

Cedar Mesa Sandstone

photo: Spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone in Elephant Canyon (Needles District)
Spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone in Elephant Canyon (Needles District)
NPS Photo by Neal Herbert
 

Deposited
Permian Period (245 to 286 million years ago)

Depositional Environment
Near-shore sand dunes interfingering with periodic floods that brought dark red sediments from the ancient Uncompahgre Mountains.

Appearance
Red and white layered sandstones forming cliffs, domes and spires.

Examples
Spires and canyons in the Needles and Maze Districts of Canyonlands.

Did You Know?

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep live year-round in Canyonlands. These animals make their home along the rivers, negotiating the steep, rocky talus slopes with ease. Once in danger of becoming extinct, desert bighorns are making a tentative comeback thanks to the healthy herds in Canyonlands. More...