2016 RM Cell

2016 Rocky Mountain Friends of the Pleistocene Field Trip

Geomorphology of the Grand Staircase region of the Colorado Plateau

October 14-16, 2016

Classic arroyo geomorphology

    Additional co-leaders contributing research and leading stops:

  • Dave Wilkins, Boise State University
  • Rick Ford, Weber State University
  • Joel Pederson, Utah State University
  • Michelle Nelson, Utah State University

Please join us for a Friends of the Pleistocene gathering in the Grand Staircase region of the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah.
We will explore the ‘Arroyo Problem’, history of eolian activity, paleo-flood hydrology, slot canyons, erosion rates and patterns of the Colorado Plateau, etc.

RSVP HERE – Please indicate your group name, affiliation, and # attending

Logistics:

Following FOP tradition, we will keep up-front costs low by leaving participants responsible for transportation, food, campground fees, and printing of a personal hard copy of the guidebook.

Directions:
The trip will begin at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park campground located 12.6 miles southwest on Hancock Road from its junction with Highway 89 (see map 1 below).

Camping and Lodging:
Primitive Camping – There are many primitive campsites along Hancock Road. Look for pull-outs along the north side of Hancock Rd. Please be aware that some pullouts have deeper sands and 4WD may be required.

Ponderosa Grove Campground – This is a BLM managed campground with 9 campsites. No running water. Info – http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=2185

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Par Campground – There are 22 sites located in the campground ($20 dollars per single site and $40 for a double site). Reservations for campsites are highly recommended and can be made by calling1-800-322-3770 or online at www.stateparks.utah.gov.

Hotel lodging can be found in Kanab, Utah

Those arriving on Thursday can gather at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park campground (Campsite #5). This is where the leaders (Kerry Riley and Tammy Rittenour) will be staying.


General Itinerary (subject to change):

FRIDAY, 10/14 (see map 2)

Total distance for the day = 40 miles round-trip

AM – Discuss history and constraints of the Coral Pink dune field

Stop 1: TBD

Stop 2: TBD

Lunch at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

PM – Explore the arroyo in Kanab Creek and discuss history of arroyo cut-fill dynamics

Stop 3: Owl’s Eyes (latitude 37.065687, longitude -112.537198) – Located ~1.4 miles on right, if headed south on HWY 89 after passing the weigh station. Go over cattle grate and park on dirt lot.

Stop 4: Best Friends Stratigraphic Section (latitude 37.113860, longitude -112.548073) – Located ~0.5 miles down Angel Canyon Rd from junction with HWY 89.


SATURDAY, 10/15 (see map 3)
Total distance for the day = 85 miles round-trip

AM: Explore upper Kanab Creek and discuss Grand Staircase geology

Stop 5: Upper Kanab Falls (latitude 37.291173°, longitude -112.492507°)

(30-mile drive from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to the falls)

Lunch at Stop 6

PM – Introduce arroyo in Johnson Wash, compare regional arroyo chronologies, discuss distribution of erosion rates in Grand Staircase.

Stop 6: Basalt Junction (latitude 37.231783°, longitude -112.364927°)

(10-mile drive from Stop 5 at the falls to Stop 6 at Basalt Junction)

Evening celebration and planning for next FOP at Coral Pink Sand Dunes Campground Site # 5.


SUNDAY, 10/16 (see map 4)
Total distance for the day = 70 miles one-way

AM – Discuss aggradation versus paleo-flood deposits in Buckskin Wash.

Stop 8: Wire Pass Trailhead (latitude 37.019224°, longitude -112.024835°)

The trip will end around lunch time.




Aerial view of the Grand Staircase in southern Utah. Photo credit: Utahgeology.com

The original web page at the Utah State University Luminescence Laboratory is here.