After we return to Rim Rock Drive, a double left turn brings us to a
large parking lot. We are now at the Visitor Center and Monument
Headquarters, which is well worth a visit. In the front of the building
are modern restrooms and a drinking fountain. Inside the lobby may be
purchased film, slides, post cards, maps, booklets, and reports. A
narrated slide show and museum help materially in conveying just what
the Monument has to offer. I was pleased at being asked to contribute
several of the geologic exhibits, partly with the aid of former Survey
artist John R. Stacy. From the back door a path leads to a fenced
overlook for viewing an arm of Monument Canyon. The overlook also is the
beginning of Canyon Rim Trail which connects about half a mile to the
northeast with Window Rock Trail at Book Cliff View.
[Illustration: WINDOW ROCK, a window eroded along a vertical joint
near the top of the Wingate Sandstone. Telephoto view looking
northeast from Canyon Rim Trail. Note fenced overlook on Kayenta
Formation to left of window to keep people from crossing joint above
window, for someday the monolith to the right will fall, as did
Fallen Rock (fig. 35). Note light-colored Roan Cliffs of Green River
Formation beyond Book Cliffs. (Fig. 48)]
[Illustration: PIPE ORGAN, looking southeast across Monument Canyon
from Canyon Rim Trail, and Independence Monument to left beyond.
Photograph by Darrell Arnold, Grand Junction. (Fig. 49)]