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Show 'Wayne Wonderland' Tag Appropriate for Rugged Area Beauty By Zell Olbbs Wayne County, most often referred to as Wayne Wonderland, is a wonderland indeed. What is seen today in this region of diverse topography took millions of years to form, and is even now in process of re-forming. The chaotic conditions that must once have existed to begin the process of topographical formation stun the senses, and the evidence of something like 60 million years of erosion, centimeter by slow centimeter, is beyond our ability to appreciate. The first known habitation of the area was by the Fremont Indians, around 800 A D. Still in existence, and well preserved by desert-like climatic conditions, are storage huts used by the people of that time. Called "Moqui Huts", they are found in caves on cliff faces, and the artifacts found in them give some idea of their culture. Further evidence, though unreadable, un-readable, is found in petroglyphs carved on cliff and canyon walls. The Paiute Indians followed the Fremont culture and were here when the first white men arrived. In Capitol Reef National Park the starkness of immense structural conglomerates of naked rock, formed and re-formed by the elements through countless ages, hit the viewer with terrific impact. Natural bridges, domes, spires, beams and pinnacles entrance the viewer, and the variations in color and texture add to the enchantment. en-chantment. The park, as such was established as a national monument Aug. 2, 1937. For many years access was rather limited, but present day roads make this fantastic fan-tastic area easily available to the many thousands of people who visit it annually. an-nually. Capitol Reef is a world unto itself; a world in imperceptible but constant transition. Cathedral Valley lies some 10 miles northeast of Capitol Reef. It is a mystic, unreal landscape that makes the moon walk seem like lover's lane. From a flat-floored, barren valley, giant sandstone structures are silhouetted against the skies, reminding one of ancient abondaned churches, cathedrals, monasteries or temples. It has a very definite religious ambiance; am-biance; less harsh and more whimsical in nature than the overwhelming structural and deeply colorful masses of Capitol Reef, but equally fascinating. Wayne County's mountains remain in a relatively primitive state. Aridity and the ruggedness of terrain have been obstacles to development, but recnelty built access roads have opened thse unexploited and largely unexplored area to scenic, recreational and exploratory ex-ploratory usages. Land forms in the Henry Mountains are spectacular and varied. Elevations range from 3,900 to 11,615 ft. Although several million years old the Henry Mountains are said to be one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world. They are well known to every professional geologist. A variety of wild life inhabit the mountain making it a mecca for hunters and fishemren. Deer and elk are main hunting targets, but antelope, bison, cougar, mountain lion and big horn sheep also roam the region. Boulder Mountain, reaching into the southwest portion of the county is very pristine in character, with hundreds of small lakes and streams, all providing excellent fishing. High mountain meadows provide abundant forage for wild life. The grandeur of its scenery is a plus one is not likely to forget. Thousand Lake Mountain, reaching to heights of over 11,000 feet is a challenge to backpackers, rock-hounders, rock-hounders, and explorers. The rugged majesty of its lava capped peaks, and its acres of forest growth make it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers; There are thousands of acres of surprisingly beautiful, exciting and totally unexplored regions in Wayne County just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It is hard to reconcile the variations of topography in an area as small as Wayne County. Only the western section supports an organized group of townships. The Fremont River in this portion provides irrigation water for ranches, farms, and orchards, and is the one source that makes the region habitable. Between Capitol Reef on the west and Canyonlands National Park on the east are hundreds of acres of barren desert lands, said to be the most useless piece of real estate in the world. They are however, an important part of western history . It was in these badlands that one of the west's most notorious outlaws and his "Wild Gang" had their headquarters and last hideout. Butch Cassidy gave this area, now known as Robber's Roose, a lasting place in time. The area was also used as a hideout for early day Mormon polygamists trying to escape the net of federal marshals who were sent to stamp out the practice of polygamy. In this type of terrain, at the southern end of Capitol Reef, near Notom, on Highway 24 is an exposed Oyster Reef, a phenomonem that is certain to pique the imagination .Thought to be a of sea-water sea-water origin this reef of oyster shells needs some explaining. A portion of the Fremont River joins the Dirty Devil River in the center of this region, lending it the only sign of movement and life sustaining element in this forbidding, desolate and static region. Wayne Wonderland is truly a land of enigma; of quiet grandeur and overwhelming over-whelming power; of seemingly Godforsaken God-forsaken emptiness and equally overwhelming power; of seemingly God-forsaken emptiness and equally overwhelming abundance. W f , SV- VV "vv;v .- . 4 Y;iVvTV ft k ''li "I; !'Jt U Vw- "HJ.Hi. Wayne County's Capitol Reef National Park is a land of contrast as shown here. Orchards near park head quarters are backed by towering, sheer, colorful walls of rock which give Capitol Reef much of its unique charm. |