See the Leaves: Cedar Breaks National Monument

Now! Now is the time to go. Don’t delay! Cedar Breaks is beautiful year round (even in the snow if you can get there). But right now the leaves are changing colors, and if you want to see one of the most beautiful spots in Southern Utah for fall colors, Go Now and Go to Cedar Breaks. We are on the  tail end of the Autumn color season.

Cedar Breaks is a national monument that often gets overlooked, even by the locals. It is the park that we pass by on our way to Brian Head, Bryce, Zion or even up to the cabins and recreation area of Duck Creek. I say take the time and make the stop. It’s worth a day trip just being 25 miles up the canyon from Cedar City. Even if it isn’t your ultimate destination, it’s a great side trip.

There are five outlook points; stop at all five. The view is beautiful and subtlely different at each. If you want to hike there are a few trails, but they are more walks than strenuous hikes—still beautiful, though.

If you don’t make it up in time for the fall leaves, be aware that the road (highway 148) closes after the first heavy snow storm and doesn’t re-open until the spring, so plan accordingly.

For more detailed information visit the National Park Site.

Take a picnic, rejuvenate and enjoy the day.

Our team can help you with all of your real estate needs here in our beautiful Southern Utah.

Call Chris at 435-313-3966

Or visit www.whystgeorge.com

The Grand Staircase Geology

Did you know that Bryce Canyon is geologically part of the Grand Staircase—the same staircase that is part of the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument? Until recently, I didn't realize how all three of our National Parks, Bryce Canyon, Zion Park, and the Grand Canyon are connected and relate to the the Grand Staircase National Monument.

The basic explanation is that Bryce Canyon is at the top of the staircase. Its floor is about the same strata as the top of Zion Canyon. Zion Canyon’s floor is about the strata of the rim of the Grand Canyon making a set of giant geological steps.

More specifically, the steps are defined by the age and color of the rocks. When you visit these canyons, take particular note of the color of the cliffs. The youngest rocks (which are the uppermost rocks ie. Bryce Canyon) are the Pink Cliffs then the Grey Cliffs, White Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs, and Chocolate Cliffs. One of the fascinating parts of going to the canyons is that you see more than one layer at a time just like someone took a big slice out of a cake.

There are great resources on the web with more technical and specific information about the Grand staircase geology. (see below) I find the pictures and diagrams fascinating. For instance, look at the first figure. Locate Zion Canyon and then notice how it cuts down through several strata reaching down almost to the rim layer of the Grand Canyon. (Click here for a larger image.)

This second figure is a little more basic but still interesting and emphasizes a little bit more the geologic relationship between Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks.

And finally the photo taken at the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument that shows the different steps. 

Take a day trip. Visit Zion (or one of the other parks) look at the different colors of rock formations and know that they represent thousands and thousands of years in the diffence of their ages. I’m so grateful to live in such an awe inspiring area. Click around on some of these links and learn the nitty gritty of the earth around us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_the_Zion_and_Kolob_canyons_area

http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/grand_staircase.htm

http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/grand_staircase.htm

Let us help you find a home in this beautiful area.

Call Chris at 435-313-3966

Or Visit www.whystgeorge.com