Two Pearls of Glen Canyon

Two Pearls of Glen Canyon

Since the establishment of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in 1972, millions of tourists, explorers, campers and house-boaters have been attracted to this new recreation area which provides dramatic examples of one of nature’s most inspiring settings combined with ambitious human projects. Last year alone, over two and a half millions people visited this area. The Glen Canyon Dam, which was completed in 1963, holds back the waters of Colorado River and tributaries up to 185 miles, forming Lake Powell. It took the river 17 years to fill the Glen Canyon. The Lake shoreline is longer than the Pacific Coast of the United States.

One of the pearls embedded in Glen Canyon is Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural arch in the world. By its wondrous size, to say nothing of its majesty and mystery, Rainbow Bridge has inspired humans throughout time. From its base to the top of the arch, it is 290 feet – nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty – and spans 275 feet across the river; the top of the arch is 42 feet think and 33 feet wide.

Water, the only force to form the Rainbow Bridge, in contact with sandstone dissolved the calcium carbonate (limestone) that cements together the sand grains. Water freezing and expanding in cracks breaks away entire slabs of rock. Over millions of years a vast world of varied sculptures was created.

By the 1800’s Rainbow Bridge was surely seen by wandering trappers, prospectors and cowboys. Not until 1909, though, was its existence publicized to the outside world. John Wetherill, a trader and explorer along with an exploration term began searching for the legendary span. Men and horses endured heat, slick rock slopes, treacherous ledges and sandstone mazes. In the late afternoon of August 14^th, coming down what is now Bridge Canyon, they saw Rainbow Bridge for the first time.

The next year, on May 30^th, 1910, President William Taft crated Rainbow Bridge National Monument to preserve this “extraordinary natural bridge, having an arch which is in form and appearance much like a rainbow, and which… is of great scientific interest as an example of eccentric stream erosion”.

When I saw the picture of Rainbow Bridge the first time many years ago, I was undoubtedly stimulated by this largest known natural bridge and had dreamed of viewing this wonder at the site someday.

My dream finally became true in the summer of 2001. As soon as our yacht arrived at the simple dock near the Bridge, I dashed forward to the bridge and left all other people on the same yacht far behind.

Having passed a few big rocks and hills, I reached a point where I could see this beautiful span and its reflection in the river. I was still overwhelmed by this natural arch. I held my breath and pressed the camera shutter before this stunning beauty.

Another pearl, which locates at south shore of Lake Powell, is Antelope Canyon. Carved from the rugged sandstone by millenniums of rain and wind, this natural cathedral has an uplifting mysticism that words can not fully describe.

Seen from the surface, a slot canyon appears as a slash in the mesa. From within, you can find a palette of colors transmitted by light filtering down from above and bouncing from wall to wall.

Over thousands of years, wind and water scoured a narrow crevice in the mesa to form this slot canyon in two sections.

Upper Antelope Canyon measures a quarter mile long and 130 feet deep. Once at the entrance, it’s an easy stroll through the upper chamber which is fairly level.

Lower Antelope Canyon locates at north side towards the Lake. It’s more strenuous since entry and exit requires climbing down and up ladders bolted to the canyon walls.

Also known as Slot Canyon, Wind Cave, Grotto Cave or “The Crack”, Antelope Canyon was first discovered in 1931 by a young Navajo girl who was herding sheep in the area. Since then, it has become a favorite destination for pro and amateur photographers, tourists and movie producers.

Upon my return from this trip, I enlarged both pictures and hung them on the wall in my family room. I’d like to enjoy them everyday.

Note:

1.      Rainbow Bridge is about 50 miles by lake from Wahweap, two miles north of Glen Canyon Dam, and cab be reached by private, rental or tour boat (about 5 hours round trip)

2.      Antelope Canyon is about 5 miles east of Page, Arizona on State Route 98.