Some 65 million years ago, while tectonic plate activity was busily creating the Rocky Mountains, other faults in the earth's crust were broken and uplifted, creating either monoclines or anticlines. One monocline, which runs north to south for about 8o miles in eastern Utah, came to be known as Comb Ridge. The formation got its name because it is very jagged and reminded folks of a rooster's comb. Erosion carved large canyons in the ridge, making ideal locations for the Anasazi to construct homes that were both defensible and near a water source.
With as much as 1400 feet of sheer cliff, Comb Ridge was once a significant barrier to travel in this part of Utah. Mormons who settled the town of Bluff traveled along the ridge until reaching the low point at the San Juan River. Even there, getting wagons and stock across was a tremendous ordeal for both people and the horses pulling the wagons...with blood from both left on the steep slope. The early wagon road over a higher point is one of the sketchiest trails I've ever been on. Modern highways through and over Comb Ridge seem easy enough, but are quite steep despite the huge section of rock that was removed. From the top, views into Arch Canyon are most impressive.
.jpg)
On the east side, the ridge slopes steeply upward, nearly 45 degrees in places.
Some ruins can be seen on the sheer cliff walls, making them difficult to access. Water had to be carried from a source below.
.jpg)
Canyons in the ridge were good choices for locating homes.
Relatively flat areas have potholes that catch rainwater.
No comments:
Post a Comment