Read Ebook: Bryce Canyon National Park Utah (1952) by United States National Park Service

Font size: 10 px 15 px 20 px 25 px 30 px 35 px

Background color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Text color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Apply/Save settings

Ebook has 76 lines and 10505 words, and 2 pages

Bryce Canyon National Park includes some of the most interesting exposures of the Pink Cliffs formation, whose rocks are among the most colorful of any forming the earth's crust. The major beauty spots of the area are found where forces of erosion have cut back into the plateau, forming amphitheaters or wide canyons filled with pinnacles and grotesque forms.

Most of the park area, with some 30 miles of Pink Cliffs, can be seen from Rainbow Point, at the southern end of the park. Included in this panorama are such beautiful amphitheaters as Black Birch Canyon, Agua Canyon, and Willis Creek. In addition, there are magnificent views across "the land of the purple sage" to Navajo Mountain, 80 miles to the east, and to the Kaibab Plateau and the Trumbull Mountains to the south, the latter 99 miles distant.

In reality Bryce is not a canyon; rather it is a great horseshoe-shaped bowl or amphitheater cut by water erosion into the Paunsaugunt Plateau and extending down a thousand feet through its pink and white marly limestone. The character of the area is well indicated by the Paiute Indian name, "Unka-timpe-wa-wince-pock-ich," which is translated as, "red rocks standing like men in a bowl-shaped canyon." The largest amphitheater is 3 miles long and about 2 miles wide, and is filled with myriads of fantastic figures cut by weathering influences. Its domes, spires, and temples are decorated in all the colors of the spectrum.

The area was reserved as Bryce Canyon National Monument by Presidential proclamation, June 8, 1923. The act of June 7, 1924, authorized its establishment as Utah National Park when certain conditions regarding land acquisition had been met. The act of February 25, 1928, changed the name from Utah National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park and materially increased the size of the area. On September 15, 1928, when all alienated lands within the proposed park area were transferred to the United States, in accordance with the act of June 7, 1924, Bryce Canyon National Park was established. The park now embraces more than 36,000 acres under Federal ownership.

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the areas of the National Park System owned by the people of the United States and administered for them by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. In these areas the scenery and the objects of historic, prehistoric, and scientific interest are carefully preserved and displayed for public enjoyment.

Geology of Bryce Canyon National Park

The streams at work in the parks, though relatively small, have steep gradients, including rapids and waterfalls, and are supplied with disintegrated rock material swept from the ledges by torrential rains about as fast as formed. They are therefore powerful agents of erosion, especially in times of flood. The fresh, sharp, angular profile of mesas, ridges, and canyon walls and the extensive areas of bare rock are maintained by the rapid down-cutting and prompt removal of rock waste. The resulting land forms reflect the aridity and the topographic youth of southern Utah and contrast strongly with the rounded hills, broad valleys, plant-covered slopes, and deep soils of more humid regions.

Age of rocks Formation

lava Eocene Wasatch: Pink Cliffs ROCKS IN BRYCE CANYON PARK MESOZOIC Cretaceous Undifferentiated: Gray Cliffs sandstone shale coal Jurassic gypsum Carmel limestone Navajo sandstone: cross-bedded ROCKS IN ZION PARK White Cliffs sandstone Kayenta-Wingate Triassic Chinle: Vermilion shale, Cliffs sandstone, ash and limestone fossil wood Shinarump conglomerate Moenkopi: Belted shale Cliffs sandstone oil RIM OF GRAND CANYON Permian Kaibab limestone

A study of the rocks of Zion and Bryce Canyon shows that during the last 200,000,000 years the region comprising the parks has witnessed many changes in landscape and climate. At times it was covered by the sea, at other times broad rivers traversed its surface, and at still other times it was swept by desert winds. Most of the rocks were laid down by water as gravel, sand, mud, and limy ooze. They have been converted into solid rock by the weight of layers above them and by lime, silica, and the iron that cement their grains. Embedded in the rocks are fossil sea shells, fish, trees, snails, and the bones and tracks of land animals that sought their food on flood plains, in forests, or among sand dunes. The most conspicuous remains are those of dinosaurs--huge reptiles that so dominated the life of their time that the Mesozoic is known as the "age of dinosaurs."

The accumulation of some 8,000 feet of strata on top of 4,000 feet of older beds, which are exposed in Grand Canyon, may be considered the first of three major events in the development of the marvelous landscapes of the Zion-Bryce region; it provided the material from which the huge scenic features were later carved. The second event was a regional uplift which elevated the previously low-lying top beds of the series to a height of nearly 2 miles above sea level. As a result of this movement, the earth's crust was broken into huge rectangular blocks by north-south fractures or faults. Three of these great faults can be seen in the vicinity of the parks: the Hurricane fault in the Hurricane Cliffs, west of Zion; the Paunsaugunt fault in the cliffs of Bryce; and the Sevier fault along the Mount Carmel Road between the two parks.

In consequence of the uplift the third major event, the present cycle of erosion, was initiated. The streams became strong and swift and so were able to cut deeply into the underlying rock and carry away the land waste. In this process the streams have removed many cubic miles of rocks, which, if replaced, would fill the present canyons and build up their bordering land to the level of the lofty Markagunt and Paunsaugunt Plateaus. The gigantic features of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks mark a stage in the process of erosion that began long ago and which, if continued without interruption, will convert the present rugged landscape into plains near sea level.

The development of the park landscape was made possible by movements within the earth's crust which brought originally low-lying strata to an altitude exceeding 8,000 feet. Streamways on the flat top of this uplifted block were little affected, but with greatly steepened gradients the streams around the borders of the newly made plateau became powerful. The Paria and its swiftly flowing tributaries have cut deeply into the face of the Paunsaugunt and carried billions of tons of ground-up rock to the Colorado. At the present time erosion by Bryce Creek, Yellow Creek, Willis Creek, Podunk Creek, and many smaller streams, is causing the plateau face to retreat northwestward, and these streams are taking into their drainage areas channels that formerly carried waters northward to Sevier River.

The drab-colored landscape along the southeast border of the park has been developed in alternating beds of shale, coal, and sandstone ; in the resulting erosion forms, slopes, mounds, rounded ridges, and valleys with inclined or steplike sides predominate. The brightly colored rocks that form the topmost cliffs and terminate abruptly in such headlands as Steamboat Mountain, Bryce Point, and Rainbow Point are resistant limestones of Tertiary age . They erode as vertical walls , which weathering has developed into the astonishing display of architectural forms that make Bryce Canyon distinctive.

How to Reach the Park

In going to Bryce Canyon National Park the motorist turns east from the main highway, U S 89, 7 miles south of the town of Panguitch, Utah. From that junction it is 25 miles to the park. This road follows Red Canyon, a brilliantly colored little gorge which is often mistaken for Bryce Canyon itself. The approach to Bryce is unusual; no evidence of the canyon is visible until the visitor walks to the rim and suddenly has revealed to him the great sight in all its breath-taking beauty. Improved highways make Bryce Canyon National Park easily accessible except during the winter.

Travelers by rail may reach the park over the Union Pacific Railroad to Cedar City, Utah, the gateway to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Motor buses of the Utah Parks Co. operate to those areas.

Main bus lines operate from Salt Lake City and Los Angeles to Cedar City, where passengers going to the park may transfer to buses of the Utah Parks Co. On prior notice, connections may be made with the Santa Fe Trails System at Marysvale or Panguitch.

United Air Lines serves Salt Lake City, and from there passengers may go by Union Pacific Railroad or bus to Cedar City. Air service is also available from Los Angeles by Western Air Lines, with stops at Las Vegas, Cedar City, and Salt Lake City.

Roads and Trails

The National Park Service has completed an excellent road, 20 miles long, which follows the high rim the full length of the park plateau. Short spurs lead to such scenic places as Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Paria View, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point.

ROAD DISTANCES To points Outside the Park

To Salt Lake City 270 Mi. To Los Angeles 573 Mi. To Cedar City 85 Mi. To Panguitch 26 Mi. To Cedar Breaks 67 Mi. To Zion Canyon 89 Mi. To Grand Canyon 161 Mi. To Grand Canyon 305 Mi. To Capitol Reef Nat. Mon. 125 Mi.

To Points Within the Park Checking Station to:

Fairyland 1.2 Mi. Headquarters 1.6 Mi. Bryce Canyon Lodge 1.8 Mi. Sunset Point 2.4 Mi. Inspiration Point 3.0 Mi. Bryce Point 4.7 Mi. Paria View 4.4 Mi. Natural Bridge 12.5 Mi. Rainbow Point 18.2 Mi.

TRAIL DISTANCES Sunset Point to:

Navajo-Comanche Loop & return 1.5 Mi. Inspiration Point 1.0 Mi. Sunrise Point 0.5 Mi. Bryce Point 3.75 Mi. Campbell Canyon-Fairyland Loop & return 6.0 Mi.

The roads are open during the spring, summer, and fall. Those in the vicinity of headquarters are kept open throughout the winter, except for brief periods during and immediately following storms.

Fine horseback and foot trails have been built in the interesting area under the rim. They lead into Queen's Garden, Silent City, Fairyland, Wall Street, Peek-a-boo Canyon, and other more remote points--each with its distinctive form. Trails are all easily traveled in good weather; horseback trips can be arranged in half- or full-day units to suit the individual. Inquiry should be made before attempting a trip, as stormy weather sometimes makes the condition of these trails uncertain.

Administration

Bryce Canyon National Park is administered as a unit with Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks and Zion National Monuments. The representative of the National Park Service in immediate charge is the superintendent, whose post office address is Springdale, Utah. All comments regarding service in the park should be addressed to him.

Naturalist Services

Each evening illustrated talks are given by members of the staff, who also conduct short hiking trips into Bryce Canyon every day of the summer season, according to schedules posted by the naturalist service.

Visitors are urged to use these facilities, which are provided free of charge by the Government.

Museum

At park headquarters the National Park Service has established an official information office and museum which is open daily throughout the main travel season. Here park visitors may secure information and free publications regarding this and other national parks. The museum exhibits cover such subjects as geology, biology, archeology, and history. The Zion-Bryce Natural History Association maintains a stock of publications, maps, and transparency slides which are for sale at reasonable prices in the museum. They are designed to assist in a better understanding and appreciation of the region.

Free Public Campgrounds

An attractive public auto camp, maintained by the Government, is open from about April 15 to November 15; however, these dates vary according to weather conditions. Pure water and sanitary conveniences are provided, and groceries and campers' supplies may be purchased at the Bryce Camp store. Camping is limited to 30 days a year for each party.

For those not carrying their own equipment and desiring to visit the park after the closing dates of the lodge and camp, there are camps near the park where accommodations can be found at any time of the year.

Accommodations

An attractive lodge is operated by the Utah Parks Co. from about May 30 to September 25. It consists of a central building and cabins. The cabins are standard and deluxe types, the latter having private bath, porch, and fireplace.

Meals are served in the lodge dining room.

There is also a cabin development which is open from about May 1 to October 30. Here are available a cafeteria, food store, and sleeping cabins. The cabins are equipped with electricity, running water, double beds, table, sink, shelves, and chairs.

As prices are subject to change from season to season, no rates are included in this booklet, but they may be obtained from the Utah Parks Co., Cedar City, Utah.

Transportation

Motorbus transportation and all-expense tours to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks, Kaibab National Forest, and Cedar Breaks National Monument are furnished by Utah Parks Co., Cedar City, Utah, during the summer season and by special arrangement during the remainder of the year. An automobile trip from Bryce Canyon Lodge to Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Paria View, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point and return is offered during the summer.

Saddle Horses

Saddle horses may be hired by the hour or day. Daily escorted trips are made into the canyon and to Natural Bridge. Special guide service, if available, may also be obtained. Riding outfits for women may be rented at the lodge.

Post Office and Communication Service

Bryce Canyon Lodge is provided with post office, telegraph, and long-distance telephone service. The post office address during the summer season when the lodge is operating is Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Miscellaneous Services

Share on: WhatsApp @Hash Facebook Tweet