Cottonwood Canyon/Faults/Spring Deposits
NP4d. Location/Access:(36o 34.000’N; 117o 19.648’W) Site NP4d is located 0.6 miles up canyon from the megabreccia or a total of 16.6 miles from Stovepipe Wells. In the spring, this portion of the canyon may have flowing water. This will definitely be true at some point between here and the end of the canyon. However, for travel beyond here to the end of the canyon to see the cottonwood trees, there will be deep sand, flowing water and if you wish to visit the trees, it may be best to walk. The road is blocked and ends at the trees.
Best Time: Anytime in the cool half of the year.
Geology: At this location, there is a great deal of white travertine on the north canyon wall precipitated by spring action along several faults. One of these faults, a high angle dip slip fault can be seen several hundred yards up the canyon from this spot on the left side. Just below the travertine is a large thrust fault on the north side wall of the canyon. Note also the smooth rivulet in the canyon wall carved by flowing water just to the left of the travertine and thrust. Travel from here to the end of the canyon is problematical at best. There is very deep sand, huge boulders and lots of vegetation on the canyon bottom. It is about a mile to the end of the canyon to the cottonwood grove.
