Cottonwood Canyon (Kane County, Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cottonwood Canyon |
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A view when entering Cottonwood Canyon from the south. The road follows a stream and then continues north along a geologic fault.
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| Elevation | 5,023 ft (1,531 m) |
| Location | Kane County |
| Coordinates | 37°20′37″N 111°52′14″W / 37.34361°N 111.87056°W |
 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in the central part of Kane County, Utah, in the United States. It's a natural wonder carved by water over many years, showing off the amazing power of nature.
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What is Cottonwood Canyon?
Cottonwood Canyon is a deep valley that has been shaped by water. Imagine a river slowly cutting through rock, little by little, over thousands or even millions of years. That's how canyons like Cottonwood Canyon are formed! This particular canyon has eroded along areas where the Earth's crust was a bit weaker. These weak spots are often where different large geological areas meet.
How Canyons Are Formed
Canyons are usually formed by a process called erosion. This happens when water, wind, or ice slowly wear away rock and soil. In Cottonwood Canyon, water has been the main artist. As water flows, it picks up tiny bits of rock and sediment. These bits act like sandpaper, grinding away at the canyon floor and walls. Over a very long time, this constant grinding carves out the deep, narrow valleys we call canyons. The canyon often follows cracks or "faults" in the Earth's crust, where the rock is easier to break apart.
The Grand Staircase and Kaiparowits Plateau
Cottonwood Canyon is located in a very interesting geological area. To the east, you'll find the lower parts of the Grand Staircase. This is a huge series of rock layers that look like giant steps, stretching for miles across Utah and Arizona. Each "step" is a different layer of rock, showing millions of years of Earth's history. To the north of the canyon is the Kaiparowits Plateau. A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is raised high above the surrounding land. Both the Grand Staircase and the Kaiparowits Plateau are famous for their unique geology and stunning landscapes.
Exploring the Canyon Road
If you visit Cottonwood Canyon, you can drive along Cottonwood Canyon Road. This road offers amazing views as it winds through the canyon. When you enter the canyon from the south, after driving over some higher areas from U.S. Route 89, the road will follow a watercourse for a while. A watercourse is simply the path that water flows along, like a stream or river. Later, the road will turn away from the stream and continue north, following an eroded geological fault. This means it's following a natural crack in the Earth's crust that has been worn down over time. It's a great way to see the canyon's unique features up close!
