|
James Cox - My Native Land
strives to describe the scene. Only those who have beheld it can realize its grandeur and magnificence."
Lovers of horseback riding regard the vicinity of Pike's Peak and Manitou almost in the light of a
paradise. A ride of a few miles in any direction leads to some specially attractive or historic spot. Crystal
Park is one of the popular resorts of this kind. It is enclosed by high mountains on all sides, with an
entrance which partakes of the nature of a natural gateway. In summer time this park is a profusion of
bloom, with wild flowers and vines seldom seen in any other part of the world in such splendor. There
are several elevated spots from which the surrounding country can be seen for miles. Above the park is
Cameron's Cone. This is a mountain of much interest, although it can only be reached and climbed by
hardy, athletic individuals. All around there are a profusion of canons. The Red Rock Canon was at one
time a popular resort. It took its name from the profusion of red sandstone on all sides. This natural
wealth finally destroyed the beauty of the canon, which is now a mass of stone quarries. Bear Creek
Canon has less of the practical and more of the picturesque about it. A very charming brook runs down
the center, and there are two or three small but very delightful falls.
The Ridge Road is a species of boulevard recently constructed for the use of visitors to Manitou. At
places the grade is so abrupt that timid ladies do not care to drive down it. Otherwise it is a very pleasing
thoroughfare, with fresh surprises and delights awaiting the tourist every time he passes along it. The
view in every direction is most charming and extensive. Pike's Peak can be seen to great advantage, and
in the forty miles of the road many different features of this mountain can be observed. The road also
leads to William's Canon.
Cheyenne Mountain, although dwarfed somewhat by Pike's Peak, is deserving of notice. It is very
massive in its form, and its sides are almost covered by canons, brooklets and waterfalls. Two vast
gorges, know as the North and South Canons, are especially asked for by visitors. The walls of these
gorges are of rich granite, and stand perpendicular on each side a thousand feet high. The effect is very
wonderful in a variety of ways. In the South Canon are the celebrated Seven Falls, which were
immortalized by Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson, the well-known poetess, whose remains were interred on
Cheyenne Mountain by her own request. The Seven Lakes must also be seen by all visitors to the
Manitou region, and there are so many more special features to be examined and treasures to be
discovered that, no matter how long one stays in the neighborhood, a pang of regret is felt when the visit
is brought to a termination.
There are other spots in America where more awful scenes can be encountered. There are few, however
where the combinations are so delightful or the general views so attractive and varying.
CHAPTER XVIII. INTO THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH.
The Grand Canon of the Colorado - Niagara Outdone - The Course of the Colorado River - A Survey
Party Through the Canon - Experiences of a Terrible Night - Wonderful Contrasts of Color in the
Massive Rocks - A Natural Wall a Thousand Feet High - Hieroglyphics which have Never been
Deciphered - Relics of a Superior Race - Conjecture as to the Origin of the Ancient Bearded White Men.
We have already spoken of Niagara as one of the wonders of the world, and one of the most sought-after
beauty spots of America. We will now devote a few pages to a description of a far more remarkable
natural wonder and to a phenomenon which, were it situated nearer the center of population, would have
long since outclassed even Niagara as a tourist's Mecca.
Reference is made to the Grand Canon of the Colorado.
|
