PICNIC AREA AND PARKING LOT, looking northeast from top of the Saddlehorn. Large groups can be accommodated by making advance reservations. Cliff of Wingate Sandstone on right across Monument Canyon is part of Lizard Canyon monocline. (See [fig. 29].) (Fig. 47)
VISITOR CENTER—MONUMENT HEADQUARTERS
After we return to Rim Rock Drive, a double left turn brings us to a large parking lot. We are now at the Visitor Center and Monument Headquarters, which is well worth a visit. In the front of the building are modern restrooms and a drinking fountain. Inside the lobby may be purchased film, slides, post cards, maps, booklets, and reports. A narrated slide show and museum help materially in conveying just what the Monument has to offer. I was pleased at being asked to contribute several of the geologic exhibits, partly with the aid of former Survey artist John R. Stacy. From the back door a path leads to a fenced overlook for viewing an arm of Monument Canyon. The overlook also is the beginning of Canyon Rim Trail which connects about half a mile to the northeast with Window Rock Trail at Book Cliff View.
WINDOW ROCK, a window eroded along a vertical joint near the top of the Wingate Sandstone. Telephoto view looking northeast from Canyon Rim Trail. Note fenced overlook on Kayenta Formation to left of window to keep people from crossing joint above window, for someday the monolith to the right will fall, as did Fallen Rock ([fig. 35]). Note light-colored Roan Cliffs of Green River Formation beyond Book Cliffs. (Fig. 48)
PIPE ORGAN, looking southeast across Monument Canyon from Canyon Rim Trail, and Independence Monument to left beyond. Photograph by Darrell Arnold, Grand Junction. (Fig. 49)
GAP IN ROCK RECORD
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