7.
Looking at the cliff wall across this little box canyon, you can see a definite horizontal line about half way down. The materials above and below the line were laid down about the same time, but the line represents a layer of softer material which has weathered away faster.
The reason for the unevenness is that stream channels cut into the underlying sandstone, and then, as the land slowly settled to allow the sea to encroach, the channels filled up with sand. The sands were reworked by waves on the beach and the tops smoothed out and leveled. Small lagoons and swampy areas formed along the coastline. As you climb the steps at [No. 11], you will cross a small seam of coal-like material which was formed from one of these swamps.
The geological disconformity described at [Stake 7].
If you look across the box canyon, on the horizon you will see the ruins of another village. It was occupied about the same time as the one on this side of the mesa.
Across the top of the mesa, the trail will be marked with two parallel lines. Please stay between the lines.
STAY ON THE TRAIL