Tag: geology

Paint Mines in the Prairie

Posted on by Joy

I have not spent time exploring prairies, but occasionally drove through them in WY and MT. With nonexistent experience and naiveté, I believed prairies were flat and boring. I have a lot to learn! Living on the Front Range of the Rockies offers many opportunities for a short drive East to explore Colorado’s contribution to the Great Plains. Today we will explore Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a unique walk through history exploring both prairie and badlands. Amazingly vibrant geological wonders await, so let’s go!

Amazing, Let’s Go!

Wind River Canyon–3 Billion Years in 14 Miles

Posted on by Joy

Welcome to US-20 in central Wyoming. Time to explore 14-mile Wind River Canyon along this 37-mile Scenic Byway. We will experience canyon walls soaring 2,500 feet above us and canyon width ranging from 200 feet to 2 miles. The beauty and drama of the canyon is only surpassed by the story of the rocks and cliffs which display over 3 billion years of geologic history–yes, B as in bravo. Let’s take a drive through history!

Hold onto your hat!

Zion’s Northwest Treasure: Kolob Canyons

Posted on by Joy

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Zion National Park is the stunning five-mile scenic drive into Kolob Canyons. Most people either drive right by or never take the time to head to this area. It’s a shame for them, but means less crowds for us. Kolob is home to narrow parallel box canyons, called finger canyons, cutting into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. Glorious peaks with 2,000 foot crimson cliff walls.  The word “Kolob” is from Mormon scripture meaning “residence closest to heaven.” Let’s see for ourselves!

Come on along . . .

Porcelain Beauty at Norris Geyser Basin

Posted on by Joy

edge of change-2554

The western side of Yellowstone offers an otherworldly experience of fumaroles (steam vents), hot springs, mudpots, and geysers . Here our wilderness walks are on boardwalks with brief excursions through hearty pines standing tall as they resist heat, steam, acidity, and constant sometimes violent change. Today we walk the volcano’s edge in northeast Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most acidic geyser basin in Yellowstone. Welcome to  Porcelain Basin.

Continue walking . . .