Tensleep Canyon EarthCache

Just east of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, there is a glacier-carved wonder of nature. And it’s one of those breathtaking natural sights that will bring out the “oohs” and “aahs”. It comes into view right there along Highway 16, where the road takes you through Tensleep Canyon.

Tensleep Canyon is just a small piece of the scenic, 45-mile long, Cloud Peak Skyway, that traverses the Big Horn Mountains and connects Ten Sleep and Buffalo. But Tensleep Canyon could be the most stunning spot along the entire route.

This geological marvel has walls that are made of dolomite stone, which is very old stone formed over millions of years. This hard stone was thrust through layers of earth when the Big Horns were formed hundreds-of-thousands of years ago. Then came the glaciers, and the mighty opening, Tensleep Canyon was on display. And the “oohs” and “aahs” began.

It’s easy to get distracted here in Tensleep Canyon. There are a few turnouts through the canyon, and the drive does make a drop, or rise, of 3,000-feet in about ten minutes. But it’s the sheer awesome beauty of the canyon, with it’s artistic hues of blue, tan, and black, that grabs your attention. It’s a wonderful place, that is truly spectacular, breathtaking…well, all of the adjectives apply, in Tensleep Canyon.

Above information taken from Wonders of Wyoming with Dave Walsh.

This Earthcache is located from a turnout on US 16, there is plenty of parking and it is an excellent place to have a rest and enjoy the wonders of Tensleep Canyon.
There is no container to find.

To Log this cache please email us through our profile the answers to the following 6 questions.

From the information board

1,  What are the cliffs of Tensleep mainly composed of?

2,  In winter what can be seen on the Canyon walls?

Not on the Information Board.

3, Estimate the height of the Canyon wall in front of you

4, What is the difference between the terms Erosion and Weathering?

5, What evidence of weathering processes, if any, can be seen in the Canyon ? Describe what you can see.

6,What evidence of erosion can be seen? Describe what you can see.

Please email your answers to us through our profile

Hope you enjoy our Earthcache Diane & Ron UK.