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Show strata that have been raised in an anticlinal fold parallel to and south of the main east- west trending Uinta Mountain uplift. The view from the hills above the fossil bed is worthy of recognition. There, in the presence of the evidence of the most spectacular biological development of the past, one may contemplate the future. Because of its paleontological values, the Quarry Unit justifies its inclusion in the National Park System. Canyon Unit.- Geological and scenic values are of predominant importance in the Canyon Unit. Here the folded and faulted sedimentary rock formations have been cut by the deeply intrenched meanders of the Green and Yampa Rivers. The dynamic process of river erosion has produced a colorful, rugged wilderness of deep canyons, dissected erosional benches, and bold promontories. The precipitous Canyon of Lodore on the Green River, which is upwards of 2,700 feet deep near Triplet Falls, has been cut in quartzites, sandstones, limestones, and shales, some of them characterized by deep reds and purples. It possesses an exceptional degree of grandeur. The Yampa River Canyon, whose course is marked by deeply intrenched meanders, here and there separated by narrow promontories, has been cut in sandstones and limestones. Its walls are often sheer and, in the vicinity of Warm Springs Draw, rise about 2,000 feet above the Yampa. One of the more notable parts of Whirlpool Canyon is the section downstream from Sage Creek, where the river has cut through the side of an abrupt mountain fold, leaving a relatively thin outer shell or crust of fold standing as the north wall of the canyon. The Split Mountain Canyon is of interest for the way in wThich the river has cut along the middle of the fold, about on its axis. All of the canyons possess notable scenic qualities. Jones Hole, Echo Park, and Castle Park are three of the more noteworthy, relatively small areas of the monument. Jones Hole and Echo Park contain perennial clear streams. The three areas are walled by high cliffs. In Echo Park at the junction of the Green and Yampa Rivers, and in Castle Park at the junction of Hell Creek and the Yampa, the cliffs are of Weber sandstone. In Jones Hole, they are of limestones and sandstones along Ely and Jones Hole Creeks. In each case, a feature unusual in this region is the relative abundance of deciduous cover. In addition to the predominant geological, scenic, and wilderness values of the Canyon Unit, there are distinct though relatively minor biological interests. Deer are numerous in most sections; mountain sheep are present, though rarely seen. The vegetative cover embraces a variety of plant habitats, in life zones ranging from Upper Sonoran ( mixed desert shrub and juniper- pifion) through Transition into Boreal ( aspen, lodgepole, and fir). There are many plant associations correlated with geological structure, and many interesting biotic units whose origins are related to the development of the canyons and the local mountain structures on the flank of the Uinta Mountains. Varied and frequent evidences of primitive Indian occupation constitute the archeological exhibit. Evidences of prehistoric Indian life are found in many sectors- in highlands, on benches between highlands and canyons, in canyons, and in valley bottom " parks" such as Castle Park, Hardings Hole, Pool Canyon, Echo Park and Island Park. They include petroglyphs, camp sites, rock shelters, middens, and caves that were inhabited or used for storage. Variety in the characteristics of the Canyon Unit is a quality of exceptional importance. Geological exhibits of sedimentation, and stratigraphic, structural, and physiographic features are of prime significance. Second only to them are the conspicuous aspect of wildness and the scenic values which so often form an inseparable combination with those of geology. The Canyon Unit is of national importance for its geological and wilderness values. It is notable and distinctive, and in its present, unaltered state, warrants its existence in the National Park System. RECREATIONAL VALUES OF THE MONUMENT To date, the monument has received a minimum of planned development. Access to the Quarry Unit is provided, but no provision for public access into the Canyon Unit has been supplied. Such access to the latter as exists is by way of low- standard roads which are used by ranchers in the locality. Recreational utilization of the monument, save for the 195 |
