Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Hi All,

Yesterday's drive to Montrose, CO brought us to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 

Up to 2,300 feet deep, the Empire State Building would barely reach above the half way mark.

Unlike the Grand Canyon that is softer sandstone, this Canyon is billion year old metamorphic rock. So hard that river erosion is about one inch per century!

Some trees have a tough life.

This shadbush is interesting. Each seed has a featherlike attachment, probably to improve seed dispersal.

The snow capped San Juan mountains cover the horizon.

While these tough juniper trees cling to the sparse soil along the canyon rim.

Throughout the canyon there are Pegmatite intrusion dikes where lighter colored rock was forced into cracks in the metamorphic rock creating bands and streaks.This one is called the Dragon.

We found the canyon visually stunning though photographically challenging due to the very dark rocks and high contrast between sunlit and shaded sections.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502