Rock Canyon (Utah)
Rock Canyon is located in the Wasatch Mountains, east of Provo, Utah. It is popular with rock climbers and hikers (and a number of other outdoor enthusiasts of all types) due to its unique and rugged geology as well as its proximity to Brigham Young University.
Notable features in the canyon
- Squaw Peak
- Cascade Mountain
- Lake Bonneville Shoreline
- Wasatch Fault
- Monarch Mine (Buckley Mine)
- Spanish Moss Cave
- Red Baron Cave
History
Recorded history of the canyon begins with the conflicts between Mormon settlers based at Fort Utah and the indigenous Ute tribe living in Utah Valley in 1850. A contingent of Utes, under the direction of Big Elk, fled to Rock Canyon following a battle with Mormon militia. Squaw Peak is named after Big Elk's squaw who died in the canyon in the aftermath. Some pictographs still exist from early Indian writings. There are large mineral deposits in the canyon and many shafts and tunnels still exist which may be explored.[1]
Wildlife
Rock Canyon is home to a number of large game animals and it is common for visitors to observe deer, bighorn sheep, or other species.[2]
References
- ↑ "Utah Treasure". Utah Treasure. 2008-04-01. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
- ↑ "Large Mammals". Rock Canyon Provo, Utah. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
External links
- BYU Geology Department's Rock Canyon Site
- Information on climbing Squaw Peak
- Mineral information for Buckley Mine
- Rock Canyon Climbing
- Preserve Rock Canyon
- Rock Canyon Preservation Alliance
- Rock Canyon Spelunking
Coordinates: 40°16′06″N 111°36′16″W / 40.26833°N 111.60444°W