Category: Geology

Devil’s Gate – Nevada State Historic Marker 223

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Devil’s Gate, located in Lyon County, Nevada, is a striking natural landmark renowned for its rugged and otherworldly beauty. The geologic landmark is recognized as Nevada State Historic Marker number 223. Devil’s Gate is an impressive rock formation located along Nevada State Route 342 outside of Silver City, Nevada. The gate to Gold Canyon was carved by the forces of nature over thousands of years.

Devil's Gate near Silver City. This was a toll road on the way to Virginia City.
Devil’s Gate near Silver City. This was a toll road on the way to Virginia City.

Nevada State Historic Marker 223

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

It gives … “a forcible impression of the unhallowed character of the place.” J. Ross Browne . 1860

This rugged reef of metamorphic rock was once one of the famous landmarks of the Nevada Territory.  In June of 1850, John Orr and Nicholas Kelly unearthed a gold nugget nearby, the first ever found in Gold Canyon.  For the next ten years, the can was the scene of placer mining and one of the first stamp mills in the Territory was erected just to the south of Devil’s Gate during the summer of 1860.

During the brief Paiute War of May, 1860, the people of Silver City built a stone battlement atop the eastern summit and constructed a wooden cannon for protection.

Devil’s Gate marks the boundary line between Storey and Lyon Counties.  Through this narrow gorge paraded thousands of the most adventurous souls of the mining West as they made their way to the gold and silver mines of the Comstock Lode.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 223

DIVISION OFHISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ARCHAEOLOGY

SPONSORED BY:

RENO CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONISTS

Devil’s Gate Historic Marker Map

Nevada State Historic Marker number two hundred twenty three is location on the western side of Nevada State Route near the geologic feature. The marker is just north of Silver City, Nevada.

Devil's Gate as seen from the townsite of Silver City. State Route 342 goes through the "gate" on its way to Virginia City. Original view is circa 1866
Devil’s Gate as seen from the townsite of Silver City. State Route 342 goes through the “gate” on its way to Virginia City. Original view is circa 1866

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

NameDevil’s Gate
LocationLyon County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2667, -119.6419
GNIS222304
Nevada State Historic Marker 223

References

Subway Canyon – Left Fork of North Creek

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Subway Slot Canyon is a unique geological formation located in the Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, USA. It is considered one of the most popular hiking trails in the park, known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views. The canyon gets its name from its tubular shape, which resembles the underground trains or subway tunnels.

The Subway Slot Canyon located in Zion National Park, Utah. Photograph by James L Rathbun
The Subway Slot Canyon located in Zion National Park, Utah. Photograph by James L Rathbun

History

The Subway Slot Canyon was formed millions of years ago by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone, a red-colored rock formation that is found in the southwestern United States. The slot canyon was created by the flow of water, which gradually wore away the sandstone, forming a narrow, winding passage through the rock. The canyon was first discovered by explorers in the 1930s, but it was not until the 1970s that it became a popular destination for hikers.

Geology

The Subway Slot Canyon is a part of the Zion Wilderness, which covers an area of approximately 124,406 acres. The canyon is about 9 miles long and ranges in width from 5 to 15 feet. The canyon walls are made up of Navajo Sandstone, which is known for its unique patterns and colors. The sandstone is layered, with different colors and textures, giving the canyon walls a unique and stunning appearance. The canyon also features a series of pools and waterfalls, which add to its beauty.

Flora and Fauna

The Subway Slot Canyon is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The area around the canyon is covered with sagebrush, juniper, and pinyon trees. The canyon itself is home to a variety of ferns, mosses, and other plant species. The canyon is also home to a variety of animals, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions. Hikers may also see a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and owls.

Hiking Experience

The Subway Slot Canyon is considered one of the most challenging hiking trails in the Zion National Park. The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous and requires a permit to hike. Hikers must be prepared for a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike, as the trail includes steep drops, narrow passageways, and deep pools of water. Hikers must also be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the canyon can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.

The Subway Slot Canyon is a unique geological formation that offers hikers a challenging and rewarding experience. The canyon’s unique colors, textures, and shapes make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Zion National Park. However, hikers must be prepared for the challenges that come with hiking in the canyon, including difficult terrain and changing weather conditions. With proper preparation and precautions, hikers can safely explore the beauty of the Subway Slot Canyon and experience one of the most stunning geological formations in the world.

Temple of Sinawava

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Located in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, the Temple of Sinawava is a stunning geological formation that attracts visitors from all around the world. This natural temple is the result of millions of years of geological processes, and it has been a sacred site for the indigenous people of the area for centuries. In this travel and geological report, we will explore the history, geology, and attractions of the Temple of Sinawava, as well as provide practical information for visitors.

Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, Utah, Medium Format Photograph: James L Rathbun
Temple of Sinawava, Zion National Park, Utah, Medium Format Photograph: James L Rathbun

History

The Temple of Sinawava is named after the Paiute Indian god, Sinawava, who is believed to have lived in the area. For centuries, the Paiute and other indigenous peoples have considered the area to be sacred, and they have performed various rituals and ceremonies there. The Paiute called the area “Mukuntuweap,” which means “straight canyon,” and it was later renamed Zion National Park by the Mormons who settled in the area.

Geology

The Temple of Sinawava is located at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and it is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The temple is a natural amphitheater that was formed by the Virgin River, which has been carving through the sandstone for millions of years. The river has eroded the sandstone in such a way that it has created a stunning array of geological features, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow slot canyons.

The Temple of Sinawava is a particularly unique geological formation because it is located at the end of Zion Canyon, where the canyon narrows dramatically. The canyon walls rise up to over 2,000 feet in height, and they are composed of various layers of sandstone that were deposited over millions of years. The layers of sandstone are different colors, ranging from red to white, and they provide a stunning contrast against the blue sky.

Attractions

The Temple of Sinawava offers visitors a variety of attractions, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The most popular activity at the temple is hiking the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike that follows the Virgin River to the entrance of the temple. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of the canyon walls, as well as a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and numerous bird species.

Once visitors reach the entrance of the temple, they can continue hiking up the river, which leads to the beginning of the Narrows. The Narrows is a narrow slot canyon that is formed by the Virgin River, and it is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. The Narrows can be hiked in two ways, either by hiking up the river or by hiking down the river. Hiking up the river requires a permit and special equipment, while hiking down the river is open to all visitors.

Another popular attraction at the Temple of Sinawava is photography. The temple is a popular destination for photographers, both amateur and professional, who come to capture the stunning beauty of the canyon walls and the river. The best time to photograph the temple is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky and the light is soft and warm.

Practical Information

The Temple of Sinawava is located in Zion National Park, which is open year-round. The park is located in southwestern Utah, and it can be accessed via State Route 9, which runs through the park. There are a variety of lodging options in the park, including campgrounds, lodges, and hotels, as well as numerous restaurants and gift shops.

Visitors to the Temple of Sinawava should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Balanced Rock

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Balanced Rock is an iconic natural feature located in Arches National Park, Utah, USA. This geological formation consists of a large boulder balanced precariously on top of a much smaller pedestal rock. The rock formation is an example of a natural geological process known as erosion and has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In this report, we will explore the geological history of Balanced Rock, its significance, and how it has become an important part of the natural landscape of Arches National Park.

Early Evening At Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Medium Format Photograph bu James L Rathbun
Early Evening At Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Medium Format Photograph bu James L Rathbun

Geological History

Balanced Rock is situated in an area known as the Entrada Sandstone Formation. This formation was created around 180 million years ago, during the Jurassic Period, when the region was a vast desert. Over time, layers of sediment accumulated on the desert floor, which eventually became compressed and turned into rock. The Entrada Sandstone Formation is composed of a soft, red sandstone, which is prone to erosion.

Erosion is a natural geological process that occurs when wind, water, and other natural forces wear away at the surface of the Earth. In the case of Balanced Rock, the pedestal rock is made of a harder, more erosion-resistant sandstone than the boulder on top. As the softer sandstone eroded away, the harder rock was left behind, forming a pedestal. Over time, the boulder on top was also eroded, creating the balanced formation that we see today.

Significance

Balanced Rock has become an iconic symbol of Arches National Park and a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The formation is an excellent example of the natural geological processes that shape our planet and provides a unique window into the history of the Earth.

Balanced Rock is also significant from a cultural perspective. For centuries, the land that is now Arches National Park was home to indigenous people, including the Ute and Paiute tribes. These tribes believed that the rock formations in the park held spiritual significance and would often conduct ceremonies and rituals in the area.

In addition to its cultural significance, Balanced Rock is also an important habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The area around the formation is home to a variety of desert plants, including cacti and sagebrush, as well as a variety of small mammals and birds.

Conservation Efforts

Arches National Park was established in 1971 to protect the unique geological and cultural features of the area, including Balanced Rock. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the region for future generations.

Conservation efforts in the park are focused on maintaining the delicate balance between human use and environmental preservation. Visitors to the park are encouraged to stay on designated trails and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize their impact on the natural environment.

In addition to visitor education, the National Park Service also conducts ongoing research to monitor the health of the park’s ecosystems. This research helps to identify potential threats to the park’s natural resources and develop strategies to mitigate those threats.

Conclusion

Balanced Rock is a natural wonder that has captured the imagination of people from around the world. This iconic formation is a testament to the power of natural geological processes and provides a unique window into the history of the Earth. Its cultural and ecological significance make it an important part of Arches National Park, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure that this unique feature remains protected for future generations to enjoy.

Artist Drive

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Artist Drive is perhaps one of the most popular and scenic drives through a colorful palette of geology, located in Death Valley National Park, California. Artist drive is a one way road about nine miles long which takes just about two hour to complete provided you take the time to hike a few of the short trails. The road is a popular destination for hikers and bikers as well as motor vehicles. From the drivers perspective, the road can be quite fun to drive and it twists and turns up and down the colorful hillside.

Artist's Palette, Death Valley National Park - Photo by James L Rathbun
Artist’s Palette, Death Valley National Park – Photo by James L Rathbun

The hills which contain burst of color were formed by volcanic deposits of different compounds such as iron oxides and chlorite, which creates a rainbow effect of color. There is no bad time to visit, however, the photographer will appreciate the warm afternoon sunlight enhancing the natural colors in the soil. The best features are on a westward facing slope which really benefits from the late hours in the day.

While the colors of the location are amazing, do not forget to turn around the allow the scenic vistas of Death Valley to take your breath away. On a visit during a three day weekend in February 2022, I was surprised by the volume of people on the route. All of the parking lanes were full and it became quite difficult photographically due to the visitors. I will say, that during this time the COVID pandemic was relaxing and it was really nice seeing people enjoying themselves outside.

Prior to becoming a National Park, Assist’s Drive and some of the nearby valley’s were a filming location for the movie Star Wars.

Artist Drive Map

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