De Beque Canyon, Canyon in western Colorado, United States
De Beque Canyon is a gorge in western Colorado that runs along the Colorado River with distinctive step-like cliffs. These walls are made of sandstone layers stacked in a formation that creates a striking visual pattern as you move through the valley.
The canyon became important as a mining area when coal deposits were found and extracted from its walls. This industrial activity shaped the growth of nearby towns and remained central to the area's development.
Ancient rock carvings showing hunting scenes and animals mark the canyon walls with images made over centuries. These petroglyphs remain visible on the dark stones of the northern slopes, offering a window into the lives of past peoples.
Interstate 70 cuts directly through the canyon, making it easy to reach and explore the area. The highway runs between De Beque and Palisade, allowing visitors to view the landscape from multiple vantage points.
The coal found here has an unusual quality that sets it apart from other deposits in the region. Unlike many coal seams, the soft bituminous coal was never heavily compressed by the weight of rock above it, keeping its original form.
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