Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Granite Dells, Prescott, AZ.

If you are ever in the Prescott area the don't miss the Granite Dells. Estimated at being 1.4 billion years old, the dells consist of exposed bedrock and large boulders of granite that have eroded into an unusual lumpy, rippled appearance. Weathering along joints produced the rounded boulders and other unusual rock formations that characterize the Granite Dells.

...the granite rocks and formations are very similar to those found in Joshua Tree National Park

This process is called spheroidal weathering, and is common in granitic terrains. Watson Lake and Willow Lake are small man-made reservoirs lying within these rock formations. Located north of Prescott, the granite rocks and canyons are very similar to that found in Joshua Tree NP. The juxtaposition of giant granite boulders and a small lake in the middle of the high desert is just incredible. Massive boulders of ancient rockhave weathered into delicately balanced forms and fanciful shapes and are reflected in the surface of Watson Lake.

Massive boulders of ancient rock have weathered into delicately balanced forms and fanciful shapes and are reflected in the surface of Watson Lake.

There are numerous hiking & biking trails, rock climbing routes and incredible photo opportunities.....combine these with boating, kayaking and fishing in the two lakes and it makes for a very popular outdoor recreation area for this region.

It’s an incredibly beautiful picturesque spot.


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