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Hoodoo: A natural rock formation of fantastic shape.
A huge amphitheater of hoodoos, glowing in layers of red, yellow,
white, purple, and lavender limestone cast a spell on me immediately.
It is a spell that has never left.
I had seen many photographs of Bryce before my visit, but nothing
could have prepared me for the strange and fascinating vista that
appeared before me as I stood above the canyon for the first time.
We have Mother Nature to thank for the
unique geologic formations of the park. As far back as 60 million
years ago, rivers and streams deposited iron-rich sediments in an
ancient lake about the size of Lake Erie. Eventually the lake disappeared
and the land was uplifted to become the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Over
the last 10 million years water has worked its erosional magic,
wearing away at the cliffs of the plateau. Soft layers of limestone
were removed from underneath hard cap rock, creating first ridges
and fins, and later the pinnacles and spires now known as hoodoos.
The native Paiute Indians, who lived in
the region prior to the arrival of Euro-Americans, believed the
hoodoos to be Legend People, who were turned to stone by Coyote.
Although these Legend People are still visible to us, the appearance
of the canyon is somewhat different now than it was back when the
Paiutes inhabited the area. Erosional processes continue in this
ever-changing landscape, as water cuts away the cliff face at a
rate of up to four feet every 100 years, a rapid rate by geologic
standards.
The Bryce Canyon amphitheater is the heart
of the park, and four scenic overlooks provide spectacular views
of formations with such names as Thor's Hammer, Wall Street, Silent
City, The Alligator, and the Cathedral. And with some of the cleanest
air in the nation, it is not unusual to see 100 miles toward the
horizon. Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point are
all aptly named, and suggest some of the best times to visit these
particular overlooks.
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