Tucupit Point facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tucupit Point |
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![]() Tucupit Point from Taylor Creek Trail, May 2015
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 7,698 ft (2,346 m) NAVD 88 |
Prominence | 138 ft |
Naming | |
English translation | Wildcat |
Language of name | Lua error in Module:ISO_639_name at line 108: attempt to index local 'data' (a nil value). |
Geography | |
Location | Washington County, Utah, U.S. |
Tucupit Point is a cool rock formation in Zion National Park in Utah, United States. It's a tall, pointy sandstone rock that stands out in the beautiful Kolob Canyons area. Imagine a giant, natural sculpture made of rock!
What is Tucupit Point?
Tucupit Point is a type of rock formation called a pinnacle. It's made of sandstone, which is a common rock found in the desert. This amazing rock rises about 138 feet (that's about 42 meters) from the ground around it. You can see it clearly from the nearby Taylor Creek Trail. It's a favorite spot for photographers because of its unique shape and the stunning scenery around it.
A Look Back in Time: Its History and Name
This striking rock has a history that goes back to the 1800s. In 1873, a famous American artist named Thomas Moran saw Tucupit Point. He was traveling through the area from Salt Lake City. Moran was so impressed by the pinnacle that he painted a well-known watercolor of it.
At first, the pinnacle was called "Colburn's Butte." It was named after Justin Colburn, a writer for the New York Times. Colburn was traveling with artist Thomas Moran at the time. Later, the name was changed to Tucupit Point. "Tucupit" is a word from the Paiute language, and it means "wildcat." It's a fitting name for such a wild and rugged part of the park!