View From Sunset Point
by Robert Bales
Title
View From Sunset Point
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
Sunset Point offers vistas of some of the most famous and breathtaking of Bryce Canyon's hoodoos. Directly below the point and to the south, the Silent City rises from the canyon floor, a maze of hoodoos and fins packed in tight formation. Just below the overlook on the northern edge, Thor's Hammer stands alone. Striking in form due to its isolation from other hoodoos, Thor's Hammer is a favorite among visitors.
Nowhere are the colors of Bryce Canyon's rock better displayed than from Sunset Point. Called the Claron Formation, this unique rock is primarily composed of limestone deposited approximately 50 million years ago in a large freshwater lake, known to geologists as Lake Claron. Iron oxide minerals supply the vibrant red, oranges, and yellows of the lower half of the cliffs which geologists call the Pink Member. As its geologic names suggest, here too patches of pink and purple caused by manganese oxides add to the rainbow of color. The change from orange to white marks the beginning of the Upper Member. This section of limestone is purer; its lack of color is caused by the absence of mineral impurities.
Sunset Point is a wonderful place for watching birds. Here Violet-green Swallows, Cliff Swallows, and White-throated Swifts patrol the cliffs and hoodoos for insects that they devour on the wing. Clark's Nutcrackers and Steller's Jays split open pinecones in search of nuts. Ravens and Hawks play in the thermals of the cliffs.
The Navajo Loop Trail descends from Sunset Point through the slot canyon of Wall Street, where 500 to 700-year-old Douglas Firs reach upward toward the sunlight at the top of the canyon. The Navajo Loop is the most popular trail in the park, and is often combined with the Queen's Garden Trail to form a longer loop that passes through the Queen's Garden and emerges onto the rim at Sunrise Point. From here two very scenic and easy strolls can be taken as part of the Rim Trail. A -mile walk to the north on a wheelchair accessible trail which takes you to Sunset Point. Walking of a mile to the south across gently rolling terrain, you arrive at Inspiration Point.
Uploaded
July 29th, 2015
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Viewed 1,316 Times - Last Visitor from Cupertino, CA on 03/21/2024 at 4:51 PM
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Comments (28)
Marvin Blaine
Love these tones of color Robert! Layers of Beauty here! Exceptional Capture! L/F!
Robert Bales replied:
It is hard to take a bad photo at this park and thanks for the comment and LF!
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Emmy Vickers
SPECTACULAR!! Another amazing scene and capture Robert! Love the colors, detail, and depth. L/Fave/Tweeted.
Robert Bales replied:
The sun and the rock colors sure goves a great overall color and thanks for the comment along with the LFTw!!
Chris Berry
nice shot well done Robert been there years ago liked it then and now fv
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Chris and it sure is a great place and thanks for the comments and the FV!!