ABOUT THIS EARTHCACHE
This EarthCache will bring you to the Cave Spring Trail. The trail is 0.6 miles with very little elevation change. There are two ladders along the trail. The trail is rated as and easy hike. Estimated time to hike the trail is 45 minutes. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. Be sure to bring water. I recommend at least one bottle of water per person.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
In order to log this EarthCache, send me your answers to the following questions either through email or messaging from my profile page.
1(a): While walking along the higher slickrock part of the trail, do you see any cracks, pits or holes where water could enter the rock?
1(b): While still on the higher slickrock, look around in the distance. Can you identify any higher areas that could also be a source of water entering the sandstone?
2(a): Look at the spring. Is the water coming up from under the spring or seeping out of the wall?
2(b): Describe what you see that gave you the answer for 2(a).
3: Post a pic of you or a signature item with the nearby cowboy camp in the background. (see waypoint)
WHY HERE?
This is the oasis in the desert. All living things need water to survive, and reliable water is rare in this arid land. American Indians used this area seasonally. They recorded their presence with hand prints and rock paintings on nearby alcoves. The smoke-blackened ceiling and grinding surfaces suggest they used the area for keeping warm and preparing food. Cowboys used this same area as a temporary camp. This alcove still offers us safe haven from searing heat, blowing sand or intense storms.
The best way to experience the trail and this EarthCache is to hike it in a counter clockwise direction so you can examine the local rock above the spring before examining the local rock at the spring. Once you have made all your observations, continue along the trail to the cowboy camp for the required picture. This trail is located in the Cedar Mesa sandstone formation
CEDAR MESA SANDSTONE
The Cedar Mesa Sandstone consists mainly of red and white sandstone showing cross-bedding typical of an eolian sandstone. The thick beds of cross-bedded sandstone are separated by thin layers of siltstone or other softer rock that erodes more easily, forming horizontal recesses. These have been traced for over 100 miles and contain rhizoliths (fossil roots) and other indications that a thin soil layer developed. It is through these thin eroded layers that water can flow to the spring.
FROM THE SKY TO THE SPRING
Sandstone, a porous rock made from compacted sand grains overlies this spring. Rain and snowmelt move into cracks and tiny spaces between sand grains. Eventually the water meets a layer of finer, more tightly packed grains and flows horizontally.
When the boundary between the two rock layers becomes exposed, the water emerges as a seep or spring. Over time, the water erodes the wall below the seep and undermines the overlying rock to create an alcove like this one.
The combination of water from the seep and shade from the alcove form a unique, refreshing microclimate. Hanging gardens and other water-loving plants thrive in this climate, protected from otherwise harsh desert conditions.
references
https://www.moabadventurecondo.com/post/cave-spring-cowboy-camp
https://www.nps.gov/places/cany-cave-spring.htm
I have earned GSA's highest level:
 |