Wherever one finds mountains and flowing water, waterfalls are a sure bet. Following a steep grade from the adjoining San Juan Mountains into Ouray, Canyon Creek carved a narrow gorge—in some places, a slot canyon like this—first through Mississippian Leadville limestone, then Devonian Ouray and Elbert limestones and sandstones, and finally, slate and hard quartzite of the Precambrian Uncompaghre formation. It had help. Earlier faulting split the rock here, setting a path of least resistance for the future Canyon Creek to follow. This cascade is deep inside the nearly vertical-walled canyon, and rarely sees direct sunlight. As such, it is a good subject for time-exposure photography, though shooters may get so fixated on the loudly roaring, echoing waterfall that they miss opportunities on rapids immediately downstream.
Ouray CO (3 Oct 18) Looking SW
38.0182, -107.6786Box Canyon Falls
Wherever one finds mountains and flowing water, waterfalls are a sure bet. Following a steep grade from the adjoining San Juan Mountains into Ouray, Canyon Creek carved a narrow gorge—in some places, a slot canyon like this—first through Mississippian Leadville limestone, then Devonian Ouray and Elbert limestones and sandstones, and finally, slate and hard quartzite of the Precambrian Uncompaghre formation. It had help. Earlier faulting split the rock here, setting a path of least resistance for the future Canyon Creek to follow. This cascade is deep inside the nearly vertical-walled canyon, and rarely sees direct sunlight. As such, it is a good subject for time-exposure photography, though shooters may get so fixated on the loudly roaring, echoing waterfall that they miss opportunities on rapids immediately downstream.
Ouray CO (3 Oct 18) Looking SW
38.0182, -107.6786