Ephraim Pectol was a Torrey storekeeper with a vision to introduce the Capitol Reef area to the world.  Together with his brother-in-law, Joseph Hickman, a local educator, Pectol organized efforts in the 1920’s to advertise the Wayne County wonderland to Americans and adventurous Europeans.  Their success is readily verified by the popularity of the park.

The shape of the ‘pyramid’ changes significantly depending on the perspective of the viewer.  Geologically, the pyramid is unique in its angled form – Navajo Sandstone formations typically acquire a smooth or rounded appearance.  Curiously, this sandstone monolith acquires its eponymous form only when viewed from the ridge across the Fremont River.  The Navajo Knobs trail departs from the Hickman Bridge Trail after about 1 mile, and heads northwest, mounting the ridge.  Walking westward along the trail brings the pyramidal shape into view, and provides opportunities for making a compelling image.

The strata here was laid down during the Permian through Cretaceous eras, about 270-80 million years ago. The dark basalt rocks that litter the Navajo Sandstone ridge are much younger, at 20-30 million years old.  These newcomers provide an important contrast element to the Navajo Sandstone in the foreground.

The image above was recorded at 17:30 MDT on July 23, 2010, using the Nikon D3s and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens at 34mm.  Exposure was f/16.0 and 1/60s, EV +1, ISO 200.  The best captures will be made in the late afternoon and later, when the main light falls at an acute angle from the west.

Copyright 2010 Peter F. Flynn. No usage permitted without prior written consent. All rights reserved.