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The viewpoint at Inspiration Point consists of three
levels that provide varied spectacular perspectives of the main amphitheater.
From here, the two RV Gypsies looked toward the Silent City
(near Sunset Point) with its many rows of seemingly frozen hoodoos set
against the backdrop of Boat Mesa. The two RV Gypsies were
amazed and inspired, considering the intricacies of the hoodoos and
their formation through the erosion of the Claron Formation. |
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Geology:
The Claron Formation consists of two members, the lower Pink
Member, a "dirty" limestone that contains
sand, silt, and iron that lends the rock its reddish color, and the
upper White Member, a purer freshwater limestone. This upper
White Member of the Claron Formation is visible below Inspiration
Point, although few hoodoos form in this softer rock.
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Below: "Silent City"
as seen from Inspiration Point |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies
were in awe of the wide spectrum of color and stone they saw from Inspiration
Point. |
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Below: Bryce
Canyon is not a canyon but a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion
along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive
due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by wind, water,
and ice erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red,
orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for
park visitors. |
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The Silent City is best viewed
from the upper observation point at Inspiration Point where visitors
can look north across the Claron formations of the amphitheater and
on out over the Paunsaugunt Plateau. |
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Below: Fast moving chipmunks
were in the parking lot adjacent to Inspiration Point. |
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