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Paria
Rimrocks
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Hike in the Paria Rimrocks, and you’ll
find a unique and mysterious series of caprocks, hoodoos and pillars
nicknamed the ‘mushroom rocks". The are located west of Page, Arizona
on the north side of US 89. These formations are spread out over approximately
a mile parallel to the highway. There is a dirt parking area off
the highway between mile markers 18 and 19. Walk through the gate
and hike straight back following the wash about a mile. Be sure to give
yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the area.
Very few
people are aware of the existence of the mushroom rocks, yet you will be rewarded with an overwhelming
sensation of nature and spirit upon entering this spectacular land of
hoodoos and sanctity. Many people who experience these
formations question whether they are natural or man-made. It is difficult to believe the formations are
natural. There is a feeling that giant children played with
their tinker toys a hundred thousand years ago and just left them when they were done.
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The ideal time to visit the
mushroom
rocks is during early morning around sunrise or in the late afternoon
before sunset. The low sun and long shadows create wonderful effects on
and about the rocks. The formations in this area are made of
Chinle shale, a soft and extremely colorful material that erodes very
easily.
Don’t forget to bring your camera!
With gray cliffs right behind the formations, some exceptional
photo images are possible. Beside the mushroom rocks, there are other
unique formations in the immediate area. In fact, just west of these
pillars and caprocks is a
drop off into a small valley below. It’s quite scenic and worth the
side trip to look into the valley. With some rock scrambling, you can
enter the valley and a slot canyon beyond.
A few hours exploring this area is
time well invested. There is a wealth of mental and photographic images
in this diverse area of the Paria Rimrocks. Enjoy the area, tread
lightly, and "pack it in, pack it out" – don’t litter and
don’t damage anything. Leave the area as it was when you arrived, and
you’ll find the outdoors a even more memorable and rewarding experience.
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