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.