Rock Canyon (Utah)

Squaw Peak over Rock Canyon at sunset

Rock Canyon is located in the Wasatch Mountains, east of Provo, Utah. It is popular with rock climbers and hikers (and a number of other outdoor enthusiasts of all types) due to its unique and rugged geology as well as its proximity to Brigham Young University.

Notable features in the canyon

Squaw Peak as viewed from the mouth of Rock Canyon, showing some of the distinctly visible geological layers

History

Recorded history of the canyon begins with the conflicts between Mormon settlers based at Fort Utah and the indigenous Ute tribe living in Utah Valley in 1850. A contingent of Utes, under the direction of Big Elk, fled to Rock Canyon following a battle with Mormon militia. Squaw Peak is named after Big Elk's squaw who died in the canyon in the aftermath. Some pictographs still exist from early Indian writings. There are large mineral deposits in the canyon and many shafts and tunnels still exist which may be explored.[1]

Wildlife

Rock Canyon is home to a number of large game animals and it is common for visitors to observe deer, bighorn sheep, or other species.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Utah Treasure". Utah Treasure. 2008-04-01. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
  2. ↑ "Large Mammals". Rock Canyon Provo, Utah. Retrieved 2012-07-27.

External links

Coordinates: 40°16′06″N 111°36′16″W / 40.26833°N 111.60444°W / 40.26833; -111.60444

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