Giant City Nature Trail, Part Two

While we stepped along the trail, the sun started to show through the clouds from time to time. This warmed us literally and figuratively as the landscape developed more contrast. Another thing which was impressive was the scope of the valley. Since the trees were still barren, we could see from our higher vantage point the land sink and then rise up miles away. I didn't try to photograph it, because it's one of those scenes, you have to be there in order to sense its magnitude.

Here's a good view of a less vertical side of the bluff:



Viewing the Bluff


An aspect that really stands out is the stratification or layering of the rock. In several areas, it looks like slabs of rock were laid on top of one another and pressed together, with different layers jutting out or receding leaving table-like edges.

Also, a very common sight were formations which look like a staircase carved into the cliff sides. I conjecture that the steps are created through the motion of water as it runs down the cliff from rain or snow melt. Not only on this trail but others, we spotted many dry channels/gullies which could carry runoff water.




Staircase


Looping around, we finally arrived at the Streets. These are large rock formations which appear as if a giant carved them. It's these that led the area to be called Giant City.




Welcome to the Streets


The first theory hypothesized that it was tectonic forces which broke apart the rock and created the distinctive lanes. A later theory reasoned that the formations were due to erosion, predominately water erosion. Considering that we heard a lot of trickling as we moved through the streets, I believe that water was the primary influence.




Beginnings of a Street?


The formations are impressive. Here's a photograph of my girlfriend Sandra looking at the rock. This image gives a perspective into the size of carved lanes.




Sandra Studies


It was neat walking through the area. In some spots, it narrowed, but we moved through. With the sun now mostly free of cloud cover, the play of light was also fascinating.




Peering Through


In a few locations, the sides of the rock also had some interesting designs. Here's one:



A Little Face


At this point, we were about halfway through the trail and haven't reached the pinnacle of the hike, Balance Rock.

More soon...