Fig. 22. Coronado Lodge on the canyon’s northwest rim affords panoramic views of the canyon.
Sad Monkey Train Ride (4).—
The Sad Monkey Railroad begins—and ends—at Sad Monkey, Texas, a small “community” that lies at the foot of Triassic Peak ([fig. 24]). Unlike most miniature railroads, the Sad Monkey Special is not a “kiddie” ride. Instead, this 2-mile journey provides an opportunity to get away from the road for a closer look at the [geologic formations] exposed along the track. There are especially good views of the Spanish Skirts ([fig. 26]), Catarina Cave ([fig. 27]), and Triassic Peak ([fig. 25]). These, and other features of geologic interest, are pointed out by an experienced lecturer who also presents a brief review of the geologic history of the area.
Triassic Peak (5).—
Long used by Indians and ranchers as a Palo Duro landmark, the canyon visitor will find Triassic Peak to be equally useful as a geologic landmark. When viewed from the Sad Monkey Railroad Terminal, the south face of Triassic Peak clearly reveals three of the four major [geologic formations] of the canyon ([fig. 25]).
Fig. 23. Located on the canyon floor, Pioneer Amphitheatre is a modern outdoor theatre where symphonic dramas are presented each summer. (Courtesy Mrs. Ples Harper, Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, Inc.; photograph by Ron Horn.)
The lower one-third of the peak consists of deeply furrowed, red and white banded [shales] of the Quartermaster [Formation] ([p. 17]). Overlying the [Permian] [red beds] are the brightly colored, multi-hued Tecovas shales of Triassic age ([p. 19]). The composition of the Tecovas is such that the lower shales tend to weather into relatively gentle slopes with rather smooth surfaces. Triassic Peak is capped by a weather-resistant layer of Trujillo [sandstone], and this durable cliff-forming sandstone has served as a protective covering to impede the erosion of the softer [rocks] of the Tecovas and Quartermaster Formations. Although it has withstood the ravages of time exceedingly well, the large blocks of Trujillo sandstone which litter the flanks and foot of Triassic Peak clearly indicate that [weathering] and mass-wasting have exacted their toll in the geologic past.
Fig. 24. A trip on the Sad Monkey Railroad is a good place to learn more about the canyon’s geology and get a closer look at the [rocks].