The narrow dark band in the center of the Paria Plateau in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is Marble Canyon where the Colorado River is downcutting through the plateau. Marble Canyon is the start of the whitewater journey through the Grand Canyon. The photo, looking north, was taken on the descent to Lees Ferry from Page, Arizona. What is a magnificent canyon when you are in it appears as a relatively minor scratch across the extensive plateau.
tagged: vermilion cliffs national monument grand canyon paria plateau colorado river arizona marble canyon lees ferry
