Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />The Canyon Backdrop ROA <br /> <br />This ROA is the scenic background in which <br />the canyon is viewed. It includes both gentle <br />and steep slopes that form the prominent <br />viewscape as seen from the opposite rim. <br />Examples include the side of Fruitland Mesa <br />on the North Rim, and Vernal Mesa on the <br />South Rim. Views from either rim are <br />greatly enhanced because of the primitive, <br />natural setting created by the canyon <br />backdrop. <br /> <br />Mixed vegetative cover is found throughout <br />this zone. Areas of sagebrush are intermixed <br />with large clusters of mountain scrub, while <br />other areas are dominated by old growth <br />pinyon/juniper woodland. The seasons are <br />highlighted by the color changes that occur <br />throughout this zone, especially during early <br />autumn. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Sedimentary rocks that overlay the older and <br />harder Precambrian-aged rocks of thc inncr <br />canyon help complete the monument's <br />geologic story. These rocks tell of times <br />long ago, of vast oceans and shallow seas, of <br />mountain-building and erosion, that set the <br />stage for carving out this magnificent gorge. <br />The rocks within the canyon backdrop are <br />more easily eroded than inner canyon rocks. <br />Not only is soil depth greater here, <br />disturbances in this area can accelerate <br />erosIOn. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />This ROA also contains the bulk of <br />development that has already occurred <br />within the monument. Roads and visitor and <br />support facilities are all found here. It is <br />important to realize that not only do these <br />developments provide basic services and <br />amenities for those visiting the canyon and <br />the means for maintaining the area, they are <br />also a component of the view as seen from <br />the opposite, and in some cases the same <br />rim. This ROA is, therefore, one of the most <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />sensitive zones because it is a primary <br />component of most canyon views. <br /> <br />Highlights of Exceptional Resources <br />Resources of special significance that occur <br />within the canyon backdrop ROA include: <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Wildlife viewing opportunities-rich in a <br />variety of species including mule deer, marmots, <br />squirrels, chipmunks, porcupine, bobcat, fox, <br />bear, mountain lion, and a variety of birdlife. <br /> <br />Recreational opportunities-less physically <br />demanding trails that provide significant <br />panoramic views, opportunities to explore away <br />from the rim, and developed campsites. <br /> <br />Cultural resources-areas within this zone have <br />been identified as being seasonally used by <br />American Indians both during historic and <br />prehistoric times; the North Rim Road was an <br />important CCC project of the early 1930s. <br /> <br />Rural Colorado landscape-the area is a <br />reminder of the natural and primitive nature that <br />at one time composed much of the West. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The Cliff Top ROA <br /> <br />The cliff top ROA is the area most visitors <br />experience and remember while sight-seeing <br />at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This <br />is the area of the monument that hugs the <br />canyon rim and may vary in width from 5 to <br />200 feet to the edge. Some of the overlooks <br />are protected by railings to permit viewing <br />right up against the edge-still, some visitors <br />are reluctant to stand this close even with the <br />railings in place. Other, less well-defined <br />overlooks lack railings, drawing more <br />adventuresome souls to the very edge in an <br />effort to maximize the view. <br /> <br />Viewing the canyon for the first time along <br />the drive in, visitors are surprised that such <br />an abrupt void even exists. This adds to the <br />excitement for visitors as they stand weak- <br />kneed and with a sometimes queasy stomach <br />peering into the vast chasm below. The fact <br />that the canyon is in many places deeper than <br /> <br />43 <br /> <br />OU2135 <br />