Canyon Creek Narrows and Spills Thousands of Gallons a Minute

by Janice Pariza

Title

Canyon Creek Narrows and Spills Thousands of Gallons a Minute

Artist

Janice Pariza

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Photograph - Photograph Art

Description

Taken in Ouray, Colorado at Box Canyon Falls, a dramatic scene indeed...
The "Box Canyon" Falls, Ouray's own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. It is truly a dramatic scene, and one that you can enjoy from both above and below the falls. The "Box Canyon" Box has been designated an important bird area by the National Audobon Society. At this most spectacular geological formation, the 285 foot waterfall plummets into a narrow, quartite canyon with walls overhanging the falls by nearly 100 feet. Take Highway 550 south of Ouray, and take a right on County Road 361. Signs point across the Uncompahgre Gorge to the visitor's parking lot.
The Box Canyon Waterfall & Park is Ouray�s natural wonder�formed when the rushing waters of Canyon Creek eroded a deep and narrow box canyon through fault weakened limestone. The park's short trails are easily accessible from the southwest corner of town. You can reach the visitor center and entrance either by car or by foot. The lower trail, an easy 500-feet hike via a walkway and suspension bridge will lead you straight into the belly of the falls. You will be silenced by roaring water as the force of thousands of gallons a minute ricochet off a mix of rugged crags and smoothly eroded pre-Cambrian rock, rushing eighty feet to the canyon�s bottom.

Stop and soak up the beauty of the surrounding forests in one of the numerous sheltered picnic houses situated throughout the park. Some of the gazebos have grills and are perfect for a family gathering or for a peaceful place to get away with friends. Be sure to walk through the Visitor Center and see the interpretive exhibits on the geology, wildlife, rare plant life, and history of the area. From the visitor center, you can also take the short but steep hike to the bridge above the falls and look down on the fury of the water as it plummets into the canyon and, as an added treat, enjoy beautiful views of Ouray. The native plant loop is a short and level trail near the visitor center where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest.

In 2001, this breathtaking park was designated an important bird watching area by the National Audubon Society. It supports one of the state�s largest populations of Black Swifts, a protected species. These birds nest in their preferred habitat� the canyon walls sheltered by overhanging rocks near waterfalls.

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November 11th, 2013

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