Fig. 25. Excellent exposures of the Quartermaster [Formation] of [Permian] age (1) and the Triassic Tecovas (2) and Trujillo (3) Formations can be seen in the south face of Triassic Peak. The feature known as the Sad Monkey is indicated by the arrow.
Sad Monkey, Texas derives its name from the prominent mass of Trujillo [sandstone] at the southern extremity of Triassic Peak. When viewed in the proper perspective—and with the proper amount of imagination—this massive block of sandstone bears a striking resemblance to an aged and saddened monkey.
Spanish Skirts (6).—
Few of the canyon’s features are as well-named as the gaudy Spanish Skirts ([fig. 26]). The lower part of this multi-colored bluff consists of alternating layers of red and white Quartermaster [shale], capped by the colorful maroon and lavender Tecovas shales. Located on the north flank of Timber Mesa, the Spanish Skirts and nearby Catarina Cave can be reached by an easy half-mile path. The trail begins on the west side of Park Road 5, just beyond the Timber Creek bridge located several hundred feet from the Sad Monkey Station.
Catarina Cave (7).—
A short distance west of the Spanish Skirts lies Catarina Cave. This depression has been washed out of the relatively soluble [Permian] [shales] ([fig. 27]).
Santana’s Face (8).—
Like Triassic Peak, Timber Mesa is capped by a thick layer of massively bedded Trujillo [sandstone]. On the eastern tip of the mesa the sandstone has been eroded in such a fashion that it resembles the profile of an Indian ([fig. 28]). This feature, called Santana’s Face, is best seen from the park road shortly after leaving Sad Monkey Station.
