Paria Mountains: Rainbow Mountains in Utah

Paria Rainbow Mountains in Utah

The Paria River Canyon (Paria Rainbow Mountain) is a stunning geological wonder located in the heart of Utah. The mountains are known for their colorful rock formations, which range from red and orange to purple and white. The canyon is also home to a variety of other geological features, including sandstone arches, wooded terraces, and hanging gardens.

The side of the mountains have spectacular colors (better that the Grand Canyon, Bryce, the Painted Dessert, the slot canyons and even White Pocket) due to their encrusted minerals like iron oxides, manganese, cobalt and others that geologists describe.

Formation of the Rainbow Colors

Paria Rainbow Mountain or Paria River Canyon is a slot canyon located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Utah. It is known for its stunning colors, which range from red and orange to purple and white. The colors are caused by the presence of different minerals in the rock, which have been exposed by erosion.

The Stunning Colors Of Paria River Canyon In Utah. The Chinle Formation, Paria valley badlands, Utah

The canyon is formed from the Chinle Formation, which is a layer of sedimentary rock that was deposited during the Triassic Period. The Chinle Formation is made up of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone. The different colors in the canyon are caused by the presence of different minerals in these rocks.

For example, the red and orange colors are caused by the presence of iron oxides. The purple and white colors are caused by the presence of manganese oxides and gypsum, respectively.

The Paria River has been carving its way through the Chinle Formation for millions of years. Over time, the river has eroded the rock, exposing the different minerals that create the canyon's stunning colors.

In addition to the different minerals, the colors of Paria River Canyon are also affected by the way that the light interacts with the rock. The canyon is narrow and deep, and this creates a unique lighting environment. The light is reflected off the canyon walls, creating a variety of colors and hues.

Visiting Paria River Canyon

Paria River Canyon is located in a remote area of Utah. It is accessible by a dirt road that is only open during the cooler months of the year.

Location: 18 miles from Kanab, UT in Hwy 89. Paria Wilderness. Utah. USA 

These mountains are found beside a dirt road that connects to Highway 89 just before the Paria River.

Paria Rainbow Mountains Photos

The Stunning Colors Of Paria River Canyon In Utah Amazing Geologist Page On facebook

A panoramic view of the colorful sandstone formations in the Paria River Valley.

Close-up of the stunning colors of sandstone in the Paria River Valley, Utah. Photo by: Heidi J

Hiking through the colorful sandstone of the Paria River Valley Photo: Gina @gsand06/Tripadvisor

 

 

Paria Rainbow colors Mountain in Utah. Photo © copyright by Joseph C. Filer.

Colorful sandstone in the Paria River Valley, Kane County, Utah.

The Paria River Valley is home to some of the most colorful sandstone formations in the world. Photo: Y0andavidg/Tripadvisor

Sandstone stripes in the Paria River Valley, Kane County, Utah. Photo: RainerM565/Tripadvisor