Minera Terrace
These terraces inside Yellowstone National Park are made of variously colored travertine, a form of calcium carbonate, which has been dissolved from the limestone beneath the ground and carried to the surface by rising springs of hot water. Although some springs and terraces die, the total flow of water at this point inside Yellowstone is surprisingly constant as new, surprisingly active flows spring to the surface. About 500 gallons of water flow from the side of the mountain each minute and an estimated two tons of limestone are brought to the surface each day. Over the millenia, the uncanny likeless of an ornately carved staircase continues to rise upward as the formation is added to by the mineral-rich waters.
Wyoming may be one of the newer states (became the 44th state in 1890), but the land within its borders can take you back millions of years, revealing long-extinct animals and the beginnings of mountain ranges. read more
The North Platte River has influenced Wyoming's history and development since the beginning of civilization. The Oregon, California and Mormon Pioneer trails all followed the river through eastern Wyoming, as did the first Overland Stage route, the Pony Express and the first transcontinental telegraph line. The river’s valley supplied the grass, water and gentle grade that were critical to the success of the emigrant trails.
read more
