Redwall Cavern

Having arrived at mile 20 (32km), I entered what is referred to as the Roaring Twenties Rapids. As the river cuts through the canyon, the cliff-forming Redwall Limestone comes into view. At 350 million years of age, the limestone was part of an ancient sea environment and the fossils of marine life, such as nautiloids, can be found in the rock formations. Rapids are larger and more frequent in these ten miles (16km) stretch, hence its name, the Roaring Twenties.

Around mile 32 (51km), I came across a large patch of vegetation growing up the side of the rock face and just as I passed it, I could see a gentle spring cascade down the cliff face as it was pouring out the side of the rock halfway up. It seemed odd and out of place this abundance of greenery amongst so much desert rock. The spring, Vasey’s Paradise, was named after George Vasey, a late 19th century Chief Botanist of the US Department of Agriculture and creator of the National Herbarium.

The final bend for the day brought me to Redwall Cavern. An enormous cavern, that prior to the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam (upriver from Lees Ferry), used to flood and when the water receded, it would leave beach sand inside the cavern. Now that the dam is built, it remains relatively dry providing river runners a great place to rest and shield from the sun or heavy rains. No dimensions can be found regarding the cavern to indicate the enormity of it but when football or baseball can be played within it, it gives a pretty good idea of how large it is. I could imagine too, that on heavy rainy days, sheets of water would pour down the entrance of the cavern creating pretty spectacular waterfalls.

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