Canyonlands National Park

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Canyonlands National Park
Green River Overlook Ekker Butte.jpg
Looking over the Green River from Island in the Sky
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Red pog.svg
Location in United States
USA Utah relief location map.svg
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Location in Utah
Location San Juan, Wayne, Garfield, and Grand counties, Utah, United States
Nearest city Moab, Utah
Coordinates 38°10′01″N109°45′35″W / 38.16691°N 109.75966°W / 38.16691; -109.75966
Area337,598 acres (1,366.21 km2) [1]
EstablishedSeptember 12, 1964 (1964-09-12) [2]
Visitors733,996(in 2019) [3]
Governing body National Park Service
Website nps.gov/cany OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Canyonlands National Park is a national park of the United States located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. The park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into numerous canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. Legislation creating the park was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 12, 1964. [4]

Contents

The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the combined rivers—the Green and Colorado—which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character. [5] Author Edward Abbey, a frequent visitor, described the Canyonlands as "the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth—there is nothing else like it anywhere." [6]

History

In the early 1950s, Bates Wilson, then superintendent of Arches National Monument, began exploring the area to the south and west of Moab, Utah. After seeing what is now known as the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Wilson began advocating for the establishment of a new national park that would include the Needles. Additional explorations by Wilson and others expanded the areas proposed for inclusion into the new national park to include the confluence of Green and Colorado rivers, the Maze District, and Horseshoe Canyon. [7]

In 1961, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall was scheduled to address a conference at Grand Canyon National Park. On his flight to the conference, he flew over the Confluence (where the Colorado and Green rivers meet). The view apparently sparked Udall's interest in Wilson's proposal for a new national park in that area and Udall began promoting the establishment of Canyonlands National Park.

Utah Senator Frank Moss first introduced legislation in Congress to create Canyonlands National Park. His legislation attempted to satisfy both nature preservationists' and commercial developers' interests. Over the next four years, his proposal was struck down, debated, revised, and reintroduced to Congress many times before being passed and signed into law. [8]

In September 1964, after several years of debate, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Pub. L.   88–590, which established Canyonlands National Park as a new national park. Bates Wilson became the first superintendent of the new park and is often referred to as the "Father of Canyonlands." [9]

Recreation

Canyonlands is a popular recreational destination. Since 2007, more than 400,000 people have visited the park each year with a record of 776,218 visitors in 2016, representing a 22 percent increase from the prior year. [3] The geography of the park is well suited to a number of different recreational uses. Hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, and four-wheelers all enjoy traveling the rugged, remote trails within the Park. The White Rim Road traverses the White Rim Sandstone level of the park between the rivers and the Island in the Sky. Since 2015, day-use permits must be obtained before travelling on the White Rim Road due to the increasing popularity of driving and bicycling along it. The park service's intent is to provide a better wilderness experience for all visitors while minimizing impacts on the natural surroundings. [10] [11] Canyonlands National Park upholds a strict no-hunting policy.

The Island in the Sky mesa and Junction Butte from the Needles district IslandInTheSky.JPG
The Island in the Sky mesa and Junction Butte from the Needles district

As of 2016, the Island in the Sky district, with its proximity to the Moab, Utah area, attracts 76.7 percent of total park visitors. The Needles district is the second most visited, drawing 20.7 percent of visitors. The remote Maze district accounts for only about 1.5 percent of visitors, while river rafters and other river users account for the remaining 1.1 percent of total park visitation. [12]

Rafters and kayakers float the calm stretches of the Green River and Colorado River above the Confluence. Below the Confluence, Cataract Canyon contains powerful whitewater rapids, similar to those found in the Grand Canyon. However, since there is no large impoundment on the Colorado River above Canyonlands National Park, river flow through the Confluence is determined by snowmelt, not management. As a result, and in combination with Cataract Canyon's unique graben geology, this stretch of river offers the largest whitewater in North America in heavy snow years.

Political compromise at the time of the park's creation limited the protected area to an arbitrary portion of the Canyonlands basin. Conservationists hope to complete the park by bringing the boundaries up to the high sandstone rims that form the natural border of the Canyonlands landscape. [13]

On March 27, 2020, Canyonlands National Park was closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. [14]

Geography

Chesler Park in the Needles Chesler Park - Flickr - brewbooks (3).jpg
Chesler Park in the Needles

The Colorado River and Green River combine within the park, dividing it into three districts called the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Colorado River flows through Cataract Canyon below its confluence with the Green River.

The Island in the Sky district is a broad and level mesa in the northern section of the park, between the Colorado and Green rivers. The district has many viewpoints overlooking the White Rim, a sandstone bench 1,200 feet (370 m) below the Island, and the rivers, which are another 1,000 feet (300 m) below the White Rim.

The Needles district is located south of the Island in the Sky, on the east side of the Colorado River. The district is named for the red and white banded rock pinnacles which are a major feature of the area. Various other naturally sculpted rock formations are also within this district, including grabens, potholes, and arches. Unlike Arches National Park, where many arches are accessible by short to moderate hikes, most of the arches in the Needles district lie in backcountry canyons, requiring long hikes or four-wheel drive trips to reach them.

The Ancestral Puebloans inhabited this area and some of their stone and mud dwellings are well-preserved, although the items and tools they used were mostly removed by looters. [15] The Ancestral Puebloans also created rock art in the form of petroglyphs, most notably on Newspaper Rock along the Needles access road.

The Chocolate Drops buttes in the Maze district Chocolate Drops in Evening Light (14365503801).jpg
The Chocolate Drops buttes in the Maze district

The Maze district is located west of the Colorado and Green rivers. The Maze is the least accessible section of the park, and one of the most remote and inaccessible areas of the United States. [16] [17]

A geographically detached section of the park located north of the Maze district, Horseshoe Canyon contains panels of rock art made by hunter-gatherers from the Late Archaic Period (2000-1000 BC) pre-dating the Ancestral Puebloans. [18] [19] [20] Originally called Barrier Canyon, Horseshoe's artifacts, dwellings, pictographs, and murals are some of the oldest in America. [19] The images depicting horses date from after 1540 AD, when the Spanish reintroduced horses to America. [19]

Since the 1950s, scientists have been studying an area of 200 acres (81 ha) completely surrounded by cliffs. The cliffs have prevented cattle from ever grazing on the area's 62 acres (25 ha) of grassland. According to the scientists, the site may contain the largest undisturbed grassland in the Four Corners region. Studies have continued biannually since the mid-1990s. The area has been closed to the public since 1993 to maintain the nearly pristine environment. [21]

Nature

Fauna

Pronghorns are colloquially referred to as antelope due to their resemblance, but are not closely related to Old World antelopes Pronghorn in Canyonlands National Park.jpg
Pronghorns are colloquially referred to as antelope due to their resemblance, but are not closely related to Old World antelopes

Mammals that roam this park include black bears, coyotes, skunks, bats, elk, foxes, bobcats, badgers, ring-tailed cats, pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, and cougars. [22] Desert cottontails, kangaroo rats and mule deer are commonly seen by visitors. [23]

At least 273 species of birds inhabit the park. [24] A variety of hawks and eagles are found, including the Cooper's hawk, the northern goshawk, the sharp-shinned hawk, the red-tailed hawk, the golden and bald eagles, the rough-legged hawk, the Swainson's hawk, and the northern harrier. [25] Several species of owls are found, including the great horned owl, the northern saw-whet owl, the western screech owl, and the Mexican spotted owl. [25] Grebes, woodpeckers, ravens, herons, flycatchers, crows, bluebirds, wrens, warblers, blackbirds, orioles, goldfinches, swallows, sparrows, ducks, quail, grouse, pheasants, hummingbirds, falcons, gulls, and ospreys are some of the other birds that can be found. [25]

Several reptiles can be found, including eleven species of lizards and eight species of snake (including the midget faded rattlesnake). [26] The common kingsnake and prairie rattlesnake have been reported in the park, but not confirmed by the National Park Service. [26]

The park is home to six confirmed amphibian species, including the red-spotted toad, [27] Woodhouse's toad, [28] American bullfrog, [29] northern leopard frog, [30] Great Basin spadefoot toad, [31] and tiger salamander. [32] The canyon tree frog was reported to be in the park in 2000, but was not confirmed during a study in 2004. [33]

Flora

Utah juniper Juniperus Osteosperma in Canyonlands National Park, Utah.jpg
Utah juniper

Canyonlands National Park contains a wide variety of plant life, including 11 cactus species, [34] 20 moss species, [35] liverworts, [35] grasses [36] and wildflowers. [37] Varieties of trees include netleaf hackberry, Russian olive, Utah juniper, pinyon pine, tamarisk, and Fremont's cottonwood. [38] Shrubs include Mormon tea, blackbrush, four-wing saltbush, cliffrose, [38] littleleaf mountain mahogany, and snakeweed [39]

Cryptobiotic soil is the foundation of life in Canyonlands, providing nitrogen fixation and moisture for plant seeds. One footprint can destroy decades of growth. [40]

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Canyonlands National Park has a cold semi-arid climate ("BSk"). [41] The plant hardiness zones at the Island in the Sky and Needles District Visitor Centers are 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 4.0 °F (-15.6 °C) and 2.9 °F (-16.2 °C), respectively. [42]

The National Weather Service has maintained two cooperative weather stations in the park since June 1965. Official data documents the desert climate with less than 10 inches (250 millimetres) of annual rainfall, as well as hot, mostly dry summers and cold, occasionally wet winters. Snowfall is generally light during the winter. [43]

The station in The Neck region reports an average January temperature of 29.6 °F and an average July temperature of 79.3 °F. [44] Average July temperatures range from a high of 90.8 °F (32.7 °C) to a low of 67.9 °F (19.9 °C). There are an average of 45.7 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 117.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 15, 2005, and the lowest recorded temperature was −13 °F (−25 °C) on February 6, 1989. Average annual precipitation is 9.33 inches (237 mm). There are an average of 59 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1984, with 13.66 in (347 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.63 in (118 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 5.19 in (132 mm) in October 2006. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.76 in (45 mm) on April 9, 1978. Average annual snowfall is 22.8 in (58 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 47.4 in (120 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 27.0 in (69 cm) in January 1978. [45]

The station in The Needles region reports an average January temperature of 29.7 °F and an average July temperature of 79.1 °F. [44] Average July temperatures range from a high of 95.4 °F (35.2 °C) to a low of 62.4 °F (16.9 °C). There are an average of 75.4 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 143.6 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (42 °C) on July 13, 1971, and the lowest recorded temperature was −16 °F (−27 °C) on January 16, 1971. Average annual precipitation is 8.49 in (216 mm). There are an average of 56 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1969, with 11.19 in (284 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.25 in (108 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 4.43 in (113 mm) in October 1972. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.56 in (40 mm) on September 17, 1999. Average annual snowfall is 14.4 in (37 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 39.3 in (100 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 24.0 in (61 cm) in March 1985. [46]

Climate data for Canyonlands – The Neck, Utah, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1965–present
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)58
(14)		67
(19)		78
(26)		84
(29)		97
(36)		102
(39)		105
(41)		101
(38)		98
(37)		89
(32)		72
(22)		62
(17)		105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)48.0
(8.9)		55.9
(13.3)		68.5
(20.3)		77.2
(25.1)		86.5
(30.3)		95.4
(35.2)		98.8
(37.1)		95.6
(35.3)		89.9
(32.2)		79.7
(26.5)		63.1
(17.3)		50.8
(10.4)		99.4
(37.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)36.8
(2.7)		43.2
(6.2)		54.2
(12.3)		62.0
(16.7)		72.4
(22.4)		84.6
(29.2)		90.8
(32.7)		87.8
(31.0)		79.0
(26.1)		64.6
(18.1)		49.1
(9.5)		36.9
(2.7)		63.5
(17.5)
Daily mean °F (°C)29.6
(−1.3)		35.2
(1.8)		44.5
(6.9)		51.1
(10.6)		61.3
(16.3)		73.1
(22.8)		79.3
(26.3)		76.8
(24.9)		68.0
(20.0)		54.3
(12.4)		40.8
(4.9)		29.7
(−1.3)		53.6
(12.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)22.3
(−5.4)		27.3
(−2.6)		34.9
(1.6)		40.1
(4.5)		50.2
(10.1)		61.7
(16.5)		67.9
(19.9)		65.7
(18.7)		57.0
(13.9)		43.9
(6.6)		32.6
(0.3)		22.6
(−5.2)		43.8
(6.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C)10.2
(−12.1)		14.2
(−9.9)		20.7
(−6.3)		25.8
(−3.4)		34.0
(1.1)		45.5
(7.5)		56.5
(13.6)		55.4
(13.0)		42.3
(5.7)		27.0
(−2.8)		16.5
(−8.6)		10.3
(−12.1)		6.6
(−14.1)
Record low °F (°C)−7
(−22)		−13
(−25)		0
(−18)		14
(−10)		22
(−6)		26
(−3)		41
(5)		41
(5)		25
(−4)		9
(−13)		6
(−14)		−10
(−23)		−13
(−25)
Average precipitation inches (mm)0.55
(14)		0.58
(15)		0.75
(19)		0.68
(17)		0.87
(22)		0.36
(9.1)		0.91
(23)		1.16
(29)		1.00
(25)		1.22
(31)		0.55
(14)		0.70
(18)		9.33
(236.1)
Average snowfall inches (cm)6.1
(15)		3.5
(8.9)		3.0
(7.6)		0.3
(0.76)		0.1
(0.25)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.1
(0.25)		3.2
(8.1)		6.5
(17)		22.8
(57.86)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm)4.9
(12)		4.0
(10)		2.1
(5.3)		0.6
(1.5)		0.1
(0.25)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.4
(1.0)		1.9
(4.8)		4.6
(12)		6.5
(17)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)4.44.54.65.25.42.45.96.46.25.74.34.459.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)3.82.51.70.50.10.00.00.00.00.31.73.614.2
Source: NOAA [47] [48]
Climate data for Hans Flat Ranger Station, Utah, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1980–present
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)55
(13)		66
(19)		75
(24)		82
(28)		92
(33)		98
(37)		101
(38)		98
(37)		95
(35)		88
(31)		70
(21)		62
(17)		101
(38)
Mean maximum °F (°C)47.1
(8.4)		53.8
(12.1)		65.3
(18.5)		73.8
(23.2)		82.9
(28.3)		92.1
(33.4)		95.8
(35.4)		93.2
(34.0)		87.5
(30.8)		76.7
(24.8)		61.2
(16.2)		49.3
(9.6)		96.3
(35.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)35.0
(1.7)		40.3
(4.6)		50.1
(10.1)		57.3
(14.1)		67.8
(19.9)		80.2
(26.8)		86.6
(30.3)		83.7
(28.7)		74.9
(23.8)		60.9
(16.1)		46.5
(8.1)		35.1
(1.7)		59.9
(15.5)
Daily mean °F (°C)28.2
(−2.1)		32.8
(0.4)		41.3
(5.2)		47.3
(8.5)		57.7
(14.3)		69.5
(20.8)		75.6
(24.2)		73.1
(22.8)		65.0
(18.3)		51.6
(10.9)		38.7
(3.7)		28.2
(−2.1)		50.8
(10.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)21.4
(−5.9)		25.2
(−3.8)		32.4
(0.2)		37.2
(2.9)		47.5
(8.6)		58.8
(14.9)		64.5
(18.1)		62.6
(17.0)		55.0
(12.8)		42.3
(5.7)		30.8
(−0.7)		21.3
(−5.9)		41.6
(5.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C)9.1
(−12.7)		12.5
(−10.8)		19.1
(−7.2)		23.8
(−4.6)		32.1
(0.1)		42.9
(6.1)		54.9
(12.7)		54.0
(12.2)		40.5
(4.7)		25.9
(−3.4)		14.8
(−9.6)		9.0
(−12.8)		5.6
(−14.7)
Record low °F (°C)−5
(−21)		−12
(−24)		9
(−13)		16
(−9)		20
(−7)		31
(−1)		40
(4)		41
(5)		31
(−1)		6
(−14)		3
(−16)		−10
(−23)		−12
(−24)
Average precipitation inches (mm)0.70
(18)		0.67
(17)		0.84
(21)		0.67
(17)		0.72
(18)		0.37
(9.4)		0.87
(22)		1.09
(28)		0.96
(24)		1.16
(29)		0.76
(19)		0.77
(20)		9.58
(242.4)
Average snowfall inches (cm)9.2
(23)		7.4
(19)		5.2
(13)		2.9
(7.4)		0.3
(0.76)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.7
(1.8)		4.5
(11)		8.3
(21)		38.5
(96.96)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm)7.6
(19)		6.6
(17)		3.7
(9.4)		1.5
(3.8)		0.3
(0.76)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.6
(1.5)		3.4
(8.6)		5.7
(14)		9.6
(24)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)5.76.25.84.95.32.76.27.45.65.84.55.665.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)4.84.92.81.90.20.00.00.00.00.42.74.622.3
Source 1: NOAA [49]
Source 2: National Weather Service [50]

Climate change

National parks in the Western United States are more affected by climate change than the country as a whole, [51] [52] and the National Park Service has begun research into how exactly this will affect the ecosystem of Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding areas and ways to protect the park for the future. [53] The mean annual temperature of Canyonlands National Park increased by 2.6 °F (1.4 °C) from 1916 to 2018. [54] It is predicted that if current warming trends continue, the average highs in the park during the summer will be over 100 °F (40 °C) by 2100. [55] In addition to warming, the region has begun to see more severe and frequent droughts [52] [53] which causes native grass cover to decrease [56] and a lower flow of the Colorado River. [57] The flows of the Upper Colorado Basin have decreased by 300,000 acre⋅ft (370,000,000 m3) per year, which has led to a decreased amount of sediment carried by the river and rockier rapids which are more frequently impassable to rafters. [57] The area has also begun to see an earlier spring, which will lead to changes in the timing of leaves and flowers blooming and migrational patterns of wildlife that could lead to food shortages for the wildlife, as well as a longer fire season. [58]

The National Park Service is currently closely monitoring the impacts of climate change in Canyonlands National Park in order to create management strategies that will best help conserve the park's landscapes and ecosystems for the long term. [59] Although the National Park Service's original goal was to preserve landscapes as they were before European colonization, they have now switched to a more adaptive management strategy with the ultimate goal of conserving the biodiversity of the park. [60] The NPS is collaborating with other organizations including the US Geological Survey, local indigenous tribes, and nearby universities in order to create a management plan for the national park. [59] [53] Right now, there is a focus on research into which native plants will be most resistant to climate change so that the park can decide on what to prioritize in conservation efforts. [59] The Canyonlands Natural History Association has been giving money to the US Geological Survey to fund this and other climate related research. They gave $30,000 in 2019 and $61,000 in 2020. [53]

Geology

Upheaval Dome is an impact structure, the deeply eroded bottom-most remnants of an impact crater Upheaval Dome Canyonlands.jpg
Upheaval Dome is an impact structure, the deeply eroded bottom-most remnants of an impact crater

A subsiding basin and nearby uplifting mountain range (the Uncompahgre) existed in the area in Pennsylvanian time. Seawater trapped in the subsiding basin created thick evaporite deposits by Mid Pennsylvanian. This, along with eroded material from the nearby mountain range, became the Paradox Formation, itself a part of the Hermosa Group. Paradox salt beds started to flow later in the Pennsylvanian and probably continued to move until the end of the Jurassic. [61] Some scientists believe Upheaval Dome was created from Paradox salt bed movement, creating a salt dome, but more modern studies show that the meteorite theory is more likely to be correct.

A warm shallow sea again flooded the region near the end of the Pennsylvanian. Fossil-rich limestones, sandstones, and shales of the gray-colored Honaker Trail Formation resulted. A period of erosion then ensued, creating a break in the geologic record called an unconformity. Early in the Permian an advancing sea laid down the Halgaito Shale. Coastal lowlands later returned to the area, forming the Elephant Canyon Formation.

Large alluvial fans filled the basin where it met the Uncompahgre Mountains, creating the Cutler red beds of iron-rich arkose sandstone. Underwater sand bars and sand dunes on the coast inter-fingered with the red beds and later became the white-colored cliff-forming Cedar Mesa Sandstone. Brightly colored oxidized muds were then deposited, forming the Organ Rock Shale. Coastal sand dunes and marine sand bars once again became dominant, creating the White Rim Sandstone.

Rock formations in the Needles district Canyonlands Needles.jpg
Rock formations in the Needles district

A second unconformity was created after the Permian sea retreated. Flood plains on an expansive lowland covered the eroded surface and mud built up in tidal flats, creating the Moenkopi Formation. Erosion returned, forming a third unconformity. The Chinle Formation was then laid down on top of this eroded surface.

Increasingly dry climates dominated the Triassic. Therefore, sand in the form of sand dunes invaded and became the Wingate Sandstone. For a time climatic conditions became wetter and streams cut channels through the sand dunes, forming the Kayenta Formation. Arid conditions returned to the region with a vengeance; a large desert spread over much of western North America and later became the Navajo Sandstone. A fourth unconformity was created by a period of erosion.

Mud flats returned, forming the Carmel Formation, and the Entrada Sandstone was laid down next. A long period of erosion stripped away most of the San Rafael Group in the area, along with any formations that may have been laid down in the Cretaceous period.

The Laramide orogeny started to uplift the Rocky Mountains 70 million years ago and with it, the Canyonlands region. Erosion intensified and when the Colorado River Canyon reached the salt beds of the Paradox Formation the overlying strata extended toward the river canyon, forming features such as The Grabens. [62] Increased precipitation during the ice ages of the Pleistocene quickened the rate of canyon excavation along with other erosion. Similar types of erosion are ongoing, but occur at a slower rate.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryce Canyon National Park</span> National park in Utah, United States

Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park of the United States located in southwestern Utah. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which despite its name, is not a canyon, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rock. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors. Bryce Canyon National Park is much smaller and sits at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion National Park. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geology of the Canyonlands area</span>

The geology of the park is the consequence of deposition, uplift and erosion. Island in the Sky is a mesa overlooking the Green River to the west and the Colorado River to the east, and separated from the Colorado Plateau by "the neck". From the top of the mesa to the Honaker Trail Formation at the canyon river bottom, 150 million years of geologic stratum is exposed. Upheaval Dome consists of the Chinle Formation in the center and the Navajo Sandstone along the rim. The Cedar Mesa Sandstone comprised the Needles District. Canyons comprise the Maze District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cedar Mesa Sandstone</span>

Cedar Mesa Sandstone is a sandstone member of the Cutler Formation, found in southeast Utah, southwest Colorado, northwest New Mexico, and northeast Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Rim Road</span> Four-wheel drive road in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, United States

The White Rim Road is a 71.2-mile-long (114.6 km) unpaved four-wheel drive road that traverses the top of the White Rim Sandstone formation below the Island in the Sky mesa of Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah in the United States. The road was constructed in the 1950s by the Atomic Energy Commission to provide access for individual prospectors intent on mining uranium deposits for use in nuclear weapons production during the Cold War. Large deposits had been found in similar areas within the region; however, the mines along the White Rim Road produced very little uranium and all the mines were abandoned.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Druid Arch</span>

Druid Arch is an iconic 150-foot tall Cedar Mesa Sandstone arch located within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. It is situated at the head of Elephant Canyon, and precipitation runoff from Druid Arch drains north into the nearby Colorado River via Elephant Canyon. Druid Arch is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Needles district. A 5.4 mile hike to Druid Arch starts at the Elephant Hill Trailhead, and the final quarter-mile is steep with some scrambling and one ladder. The name comes from its resemblance to the Stonehenge monument in England, which is believed to be a Druid temple. This feature's name was officially adopted in 1963 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel Arch</span>

Angel Arch is the largest natural arch located within Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. Some consider it the most beautiful and spectacular arch in the park, if not the entire canyon country. It is situated in a side canyon of Salt Creek Canyon, in the Needles District of the park. Precipitation runoff from Angel Arch drains north into the nearby Colorado River via Salt Creek. A 29-mile round-trip hike to Angel Arch leads to a viewpoint, and an additional 0.75-mile trail scrambles up into the arch opening. The arch's descriptive name comes from its resemblance to an angel with wings folded, and standing with its back to the arch opening. Before this feature's name was officially adopted in 1963 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, it was called Pegasus Arch. The first ascent was made in June 1993, by John Markel and Kevin Chase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monster Tower</span>

Monster Tower is a 600-foot (180-meter) tall sandstone tower located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washer Woman</span> Sandstone arch and tower in Utah, US

Washer Woman is a 500-foot (150-meter) tall sandstone arch and tower located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. It is situated 300 feet northwest of the slightly higher Monster Tower. Washer Woman is so named because the feature gives the appearance of a washerwoman bent over a washtub. This geographical feature's name was officially adopted in 1986 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names after previously having similar names such as Washer-Woman Arch and The Washer Woman. Washer Woman and Monster Tower are an eroded fin composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Airport Tower is set 1.6 mi (2.6 km) to the east, and Mesa Arch is situated 1.5 mi (2.4 km) to the west. A short hike to Mesa Arch provides the easiest view of Washer Woman. Access to this formation is via the four-wheel drive White Rim Road, which is the other option to see it. The top of this geological formation rises 1,300 feet above the road in approximately one mile. Precipitation runoff from Washer Woman drains southeast into the nearby Colorado River via Buck Canyon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airport Tower (Canyonlands)</span>

Airport Tower is a 700-foot (210-meter) tall sandstone butte located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. It is situated 1.64 mile east of Washer Woman, which is a towering arch similar in height. Each are composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. The nearest higher neighbor is Monster Tower, 1.6 mi (2.6 km) to the west, Tiki Tower is one-half mile northwest, and Mesa Arch is situated 3.2 mi (5.1 km) to the west. A short hike to Mesa Arch provides the easiest view of Airport Tower. Access to this tower is via the four-wheel drive White Rim Road, which is another option to see Airport Tower. The top of this geological formation rises 1,400 feet above the road in less than one mile. Precipitation runoff from Airport Tower drains southeast into the nearby Colorado River via Buck and Lathrop Canyons. This geographical feature's name was officially adopted in 1986 by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. It was so named because the rock formation resembles the appearance of an airport control tower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zeus and Moses</span> Rock formations in Utah, United States

Zeus and Moses are a pair of 500-foot-tall (150 m) sandstone formations located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah, United States. These rock towers' names refer to Zeus, a god in Greek mythology, and Moses, an important prophet in several religious traditions. Zeus and Moses are composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. This formation is situated in Taylor Canyon, 3 mi (4.8 km) north-northeast of Upheaval Dome. Access to the towers is via the four-wheel-drive White Rim Road, and a spur road into Taylor Canyon. The top of this geological formation rises 900 feet above the canyon floor at road's end, approximately one-half mile away. Precipitation runoff from Zeus and Moses drains into the nearby Green River via Taylor Canyon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buttes of the Cross</span>

Buttes of the Cross is two sandstone summits located in the northern reach of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, in Wayne County of Utah, United States. The larger and higher south butte reaches an elevation of 5,642 feet, whereas the north butte rises to 5,569 feet, with approximately 0.6 miles (0.97 km) separation between them. When viewed from the north-northeast near Labyrinth Canyon, they align to form the shape of a cross, creating the appearance of a single butte. The name "Butte of the Cross" was first applied by John Wesley Powell during the Powell Geographic Expedition of 1869. A few miles further down the Green River, Powell finds that this geographical feature is two buttes when viewed from the east, so it was renamed Buttes of the Cross. Buttes of the Cross towers over 1,400 feet above its surrounding terrain. It is situated 6.8 miles west of Candlestick Tower, and one-half mile outside the boundary of Canyonlands National Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Junction Butte</span> Butte in Utah, United States

Junction Butte is a 6,400-foot-elevation (2,000-meter) summit located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. It is set about one mile south of the southern tip of Island in the Sky. A short hike to Grand View Point provides a view of Junction Butte. Access to this butte is via the four-wheel drive White Rim Road, which is another option to view Junction Butte. Topographic relief is significant as the top of this geological formation rises 1,400 feet above the road in less than one mile. Precipitation runoff from Junction Butte drains east into the nearby Colorado River, and west into nearby Green River. Junction Butte is situated north of the junction of these two major rivers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ekker Butte</span> Butte in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Wayne Canyon, Utah, United States

Ekker Butte is a 6,260-foot (1,910-meter) elevation summit located in the northern reach of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, in Wayne County of Utah, United States. It is situated seven miles southeast of Buttes of the Cross, six miles northeast of Elaterite Butte, and less than two miles outside the boundary of Canyonlands National Park, where it towers over 1,400 feet above the surrounding terrain. Distant views of this remote butte can be seen from the Grand View Point and Green River Overlooks at Island in the Sky of Canyonlands National Park. This geological landmark is named for the pioneering Art Ekker family which operated the nearby Robbers Roost Ranch and grazed cattle on land adjacent to the nearby Maze. Arthur Benjamin Ekker (1911–1978) took Robert Redford on a tour of nearby Robbers Roost, the hideout of outlaw Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elaterite Butte</span> Butte in Utah, United States

Elaterite Butte is a 6,552-foot (1,997-meter) elevation summit located in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, in Wayne County, Utah. Elaterite Butte is situated 6 mi (9.7 km) southwest of Ekker Butte, and the Maze Overlook is situated 2.5 mi (4.0 km) to the northeast. Elaterite Butte is composed of hard, fine-grained Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. This Wingate sandstone overlays a 432-foot thick layer of the softer Chinle Formation. The top of this geological formation rises over 1,400 feet above Elaterite Basin. The butte and basin are named for elaterite, which is a dark brown, tar-like, elastic mineral resin that seeps from parts of the nearby White Rim Sandstone. Access to the remote butte is via a four-wheel drive road in Elaterite Basin. Precipitation runoff from Elaterite Butte drains into the nearby Green River, which in turn is within the Colorado River drainage basin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chip and Dale Towers</span> Sandstone towers in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA

Chip and Dale Towers are two 300-foot (91-meter) tall sandstone towers located in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. Dale Tower rises to an elevation of 5,620 feet, whereas the lower Chip Tower is 5,420-feet. Airport Tower is set 2.5 mi (4.0 km) to the southwest, and Dead Horse Point State Park overlook is situated 4.5 mi (7.2 km) to the north-northeast. Chip and Dale Towers are an eroded fin composed of hard, fine-grained Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. This Wingate Sandstone overlays a softer layer of the Chinle Formation. Access to the towers is via the four-wheel drive White Rim Road, and a scramble to reach the base. The top of the towers rise over 1,000 feet above the road in approximately one-half mile. Precipitation runoff from Chip and Dale Towers drains east to the nearby Colorado River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridger Jack Butte</span> Rock formation in Utah, United States

Bridger Jack Butte is a sandstone butte located in Bears Ears National Monument, in San Juan County, Utah, United States. Set at the northern tip of Bridger Jack Mesa and above the confluence of Indian and Lavender Creeks, the summit rises to an elevation of 5,890 feet, and towers over 700 feet above the surrounding terrain and floor of Lavender Canyon to its west. This landmark is situated four miles southeast of the Sixshooter Peaks, and is visible from State Route 211 between Newspaper Rock and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. "Bridger Jack" was a Paiute medicine man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiki Tower</span>

Tiki Tower is a thin 300-foot (91-meter) tall sandstone pinnacle located in the Airport Tower/Monster Tower/Washer Woman area of the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah. It is situated one-half mile northwest of Airport Tower, and is composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Access to this tower is via the four-wheel-drive White Rim Road. The top of this spire rises 1,100 feet above the road in a little more than one mile. Precipitation runoff from Tiki Tower drains southeast into the nearby Colorado River via Buck and Lathrop Canyons. The first ascent of Tiki Tower was made in November 1991 by Jeff Widen and Mitch Allen, via Brave Little Toaster, with Fred Lifton and Paul Frank working the first pitch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hickman Natural Bridge</span> Natural rock arch in Utah, US

Hickman Natural Bridge is a 125-foot-tall natural bridge located in Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah, United States. The formation spans 133 feet, making it one of the largest rock spans in the park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outlaw Spire</span>

Outlaw Spire, also known as "Hardscrabble Spire," is a sandstone pillar located within Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah, United States. It is situated in the Island in the Sky District of the park at the top of Hardscrabble Hill at the western tip of Bighorn Mesa. This landform is composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Precipitation runoff from Outlaw Spire drains into the nearby Green River which is 1,000 feet below, and less than one-quarter mile away from the tower in Labyrinth Canyon. Access is via the White Rim Road which skirts beneath this remote spire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islet in the Sky</span>

Islet in the Sky is a sandstone pillar located within Canyonlands National Park, in San Juan County, Utah, United States. It is situated in the Island in the Sky District of the park, one mile (1.6 km) east of the Island in the Sky paved road that leads to Grand View Point. This spire is composed of Wingate Sandstone, which is the remains of wind-borne sand dunes deposited approximately 200 million years ago in the Late Triassic. Precipitation runoff from Islet in the Sky drains east to the nearby Colorado River via Buck Canyon. Access is via the White Rim Road which traverses between this remote spire and the river.

References

  1. ↑ "Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX). Land Resource Division, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-03-06. (National Park Service Acreage Reports)
  2. ↑ An Act To provide for establishment of the Canyonlands National Park in the State of Utah, and for other purposes. Pub. L.   850–590 (menu; GPO has not yet published law). 12 September 1964.
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