The least visited section of the Needles District of Canyonlands NP lies north and west of the Visitor Center. Designated the Needles North Backpacking Zone, it forms a sizable portion of the district, and is dominated by larger and lesser canyons that terminate at the Colorado River. Access is either by hiking or by way of a 4WD road that parallels the archaeologically rich Salt Creek Canyon drainage.

The day was overcast. Hints of brightness broke through from time to time, but never enough to cast a hard edged shadow. The accompanying images are less 'photographs' than they are the products of a person with a camera who was overjoyed with the possibility of finally being able to get out to hike somewhere in less than triple digit temperatures.