A River Runs Over It

Keywords: Split Mountain, Green River, Geology

The Story: The Green River runs from the Continental Divide outside of Pinedale, WY and joins the Colorado River in Utah. In between, it gains quite a bit of confidence. Below Flaming Gorge Dam, the Green River goes through the Gates of Lodore, Whirlpool Canyon and then Split Mountain. I think the National Park Service describes this section best: "...with seeming disregard of regional features, the Green River crosses the Uinta Mountains, the Uinta Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateaus, and its tributaries pass through, instead of around, rock domes...." Split Mountain is one example of this head strong Green River - paradoxically, the river cuts right through the mountain instead of going around it. Like a hot knife to butter, the river stayed it's course as the mountain came up from underneath it. The result is spectacular. As is the canyon - a magical place where recreation meets ancient history - you can raft through the 1500 ft. canyon comprised of Jurassic era rock, complete with fossils. This tiny picture does not do it justice, you must see it yourself to believe it. (By the way, when there are no new posts next week, this is where I will be.)

Read more:
http://www.durangobill.com/Lodore.html
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/colorado/chap2.htm