A summer roadtrip stop for SCENIC SUNDAY. Beautiful places there ... click the links!
______ Usually the scenery in Colorado involves looking UP! But at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison the breathtaking view is definitely DOWN. This was the 37th National Park we've visited. It's small as National Parks go but the geologic history and beauty are well worth a visit.
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The Gunnison River has an average fall of 95 feet per mile. This gives the river the energy to cut downward faster than other kids of erosion can widen it.
There are eleven viewpoints from here to the end of the six-mile South Rim Road. Most involve a short walk to the viewpoint. The view from Tomichi Point welcomed us to the South Rim.
Molten rock was squeezed into these shapes and colors over a billion years ago.
There is no evidence of human occupation in the depths of the canyon, although the Ute Indians have lived in this area since written history began. The lands below the canyon rims have been designated as National Wilderness to preserve the ecological conditions. Each layer of the rock cliff marks a span of geologic time. The thin brown layer is called entrada and it is young rock -- only about 165 million years old! It rests directly on rock that is almost 2 billion years old. This marks a gap in geological history (somehow the rock that should be between these layers eroded). It is called an unconformity.
I've just been catching up on your posts about your road trip. Sounds like you are having a great time and seeing some fantastic scenery. That canyon is beautiful - and very grand!
Posted by: Mick | June 27, 2011 at 06:41 PM
What a great place to visit.. Where is your artist easel??? I'll bet you are pretty good
Posted by: Joe Todd | June 27, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Wonderful scenic photos, Sallie! I've never even heard of this park and canyon. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Eileen | June 27, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Beautiful images of a stunning landscape Sallie.
My son Craig got married in March but they have delayed their honeymoon until later this year when they fly out to Vegas.
The Grand Canyon is on their agenda... I am so jealous.
Posted by: Andrew | June 27, 2011 at 02:32 PM
I have been catching up with your posts, Sallie, - we are busy getting ready to move here, so I am behind all over! Stunning pictures of the canyon, and thank you for the geological history. which always intrigues me. Good to hear of the wonderful time you had with your daughter and son-in-law, - nothing like family!!
Happy travels....
Posted by: Hildred | June 27, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Wow, your shots are amazing.. and so are those heights.
37 National parks at your young age, I'm a tad jealous, Sallie.
Thanks for sharing your north-westward journey.. glad you arrived safely in Oregon.
be well, be happy
Pam
Posted by: Pam | June 27, 2011 at 05:16 AM
What a gorgeous place!
Posted by: Lady Fi | June 26, 2011 at 08:54 PM
I've been trying to remember if we've visited this park, If we did it's been over 40 years. So many wonderful places to visit we would have to be full time RVers to seem even most of them. I don't think it is possible to see them all.
Posted by: Martha | June 26, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Breathtaking is the perfect description. Having seen your photos, I'd love to visit this place.
Posted by: Wren | June 26, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Beautiful shots ! The last one looks like The great Colorado Canyon!
Posted by: Annie | June 26, 2011 at 07:37 AM
i just want to feel those rocks. don't you know they can tell stories...
Posted by: TexWisGirl | June 26, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Stunning photos and detail!
Posted by: Hazel | June 26, 2011 at 05:28 AM