Canyon de Chelly - Tunnel Overlook
by Alexandra Till
Title
Canyon de Chelly - Tunnel Overlook
Artist
Alexandra Till
Medium
Photograph - Photographs - Prints - Digital Images - Cards - Posters - Photo-calendars - Photo Art
Description
© Christine Till
Canyon de Chelly (pronounced "de SHAY") is a highlight of the Four Corners area. Its history and beauty are evident at each of the overlooks along the North and South Rims.
Most of the rock here is Canyon de Chelly Sandstone of the Permian age, laid down more than 200 million years ago. It was formed from ancient sand dunes and is cross-bedded in places. A harder rock, the more durable Shinarump conglomerate of the Chinle formation, makes up the rim of the canyon and overlies the de Chelly Sandstone.
The South Rim Drive climbs slowly but steadily, and Tunnel Overlook is one of the viewpoints on the South Rim near the mouth of the canyon, where a short narrow canyon feeds into Chinle Wash, a wash formed by the streams that cut through the canyons of the National Monument. The canyon at this point is about 275 ft/84 m deep. The walls aren't nearly as tall as they will be farther along Canyon de Chelly National Monument, but it's a first exposure to the color that lies ahead.
Uploaded
August 25th, 2013
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