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Yellowstone National Park

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

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Perhaps the most picturesque area of the Yellowstone region is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The canyon is approximately 10,000 years old, 20 miles long, 1000 ft deep, and 2500 ft wide. Predominately made of Rhyolite, the canyon appears painted with deeps reds oranges and coppers. With the Yellowstone river, upper falls, and lower falls, it is not surprising that canyon is used by many artist as their inspiration.

The specifics of the geology of the canyon are not well understood, except that it is an erosional feature rather than the result of glaciation. After the caldera eruption of about 600,000 years ago, the area was covered by a series of lava flows. The area was also faulted by the doming action of the caldera before the eruption. The site of the present canyon, as well as any previous canyons, was probably the result of this faulting, which allowed erosion to proceed at an accelerated rate. The area was also covered by the glaciers that followed the volcanic activity. Glacial deposits probably filled the canyon at one time, but have since been eroded away, leaving little or no evidence of their presence.

The canyon below the Lower Falls was at one time the site of a geyser basin that was the result of rhyolite lava flows, extensive faulting, and heat beneath the surface (related to the hot spot). No one is sure exactly when the geyser basin was formed in the area, although it was probably present at the time of the last glaciation. The chemical and heat action of the geyser basin caused the rhyolite rock to become hydrothermally altered, making it very soft and brittle and more easily erodible (sometimes likened to baking a potato). Evidence of this thermal activity still exists in the canyon in the form of geysers and hot springs that are still active and visible. The Clear Lake area (Clear Lake is fed by hot springs) south of the canyon is probably also a remnant of this activity.

According to Ken Pierce, U.S. Geological Survey geologist, at the end of the last glacial period, about 14,000 to 18,000 years ago, ice dams formed at the mouth of Yellowstone Lake. When the ice dams melted, a great volume of water was released downstream causing massive flash floods and immediate and catastrophic erosion of the present-day canyon. These flash floods probably happened more than once. The canyon is a classic V-shaped valley, indicative of river-type erosion rather than glaciation. The canyon is still being eroded by the Yellowstone River.

The colors in the canyon are also a result of hydrothermal alteration. The rhyolite in the canyon contains a variety of different iron compounds. When the old geyser basin was active, the "cooking" of the rock caused chemical alterations in these iron compounds. Exposure to the elements caused the rocks to change colors. The rocks are, in effect, oxidizing; the canyon is rusting. The colors indicate the presence or absence of water in the individual iron compounds. Most of the yellows in the canyon are the result of iron present in the rock rather than sulfur, as many people think.

Although the canyon itself is breathtaking, many if it's treasures are hidden within the colorful rock. Good eyes along with luck may allow you to enter another side of the canyon. Within the layers of rock look for wings and movement. Soaring over Yellowstone or perched high in their enormous five foot nests, live the osprey. The osprey are excellent fishers due to their excellent eyesight and speed. Since the 1980's six to ten osprey nests have been seen in the canyon. So keep you eyes peeled and your luck penny in hand, and maybe you will be able to see the osprey in action. Meadows and forests surround the canyon and offer habitat for other wildlife such as elk, moose, and bison.

CANYON TRAILS

North Rim

  • Inspiration Point Trail -
    Park at the Northernmost parking area on the North Rim Drive. This trail brings you to an overlook and spectacular views.
    Moderate

  • Grandview Point Trail -

    Park at Grandview parking area. Offers colorful views of the canyon. Easy paved trail.

  • Red Rock Trail -

    Park at the lookout point parking area. Trail drops 500ft in three eighths of a mile. Strenuous, difficult hike

  • Brink of Lower Falls -

    Park at the southernmost parking area of the North Rim Drive. ¾ mile roundtrip. Elevation drops dramatically. Strenuous

  • North Rim Trail -

    Park at Wapiti trailhead. First ½ mile brings you close to the river.

South Rim

  • Uncle Tom's Trail -

    Strenuous hike into the canyon near the base of Lower Falls. 300 stairs and paved inclines drop 500 ft. Not a trail for beginners.

  • Upper Falls Overlook -

    Park at Uncle Tom's trail. A short walk to views of the upper falls. A good alternative to the Uncle Tom's trail. This trail is handicapped accessible.

  • South Rim Trail -

    Parallels the canyon for ¾ of a mile. To point sublime. Offers spectacular views of the canyon. Park at the Wapati trial head.

  • Artist Point -

    This is an easy hike that will offer some of the best views. This trail is handicapped accessible with assistance.

* Trails are subject to seasonal closure. Check with visitor center for current conditions.

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