During recent excavation work on the Bright Angel Trail, a rare 290-million-year-old specimen was discovered! The Equisetalean strobilus is the spore-producing reproductive organ of an extinct species of horsetail. While these fossils are not uncommon, finding the fruiting body is! Yet another new find to add to Four Corners Mapping’s Geologic Trail Maps of the Grand Canyon!
This photo shows approximately the first 2 miles of the Bright Angel Trail, from Grand Canyon Village to Two Mile Corner, as seen from First Trailview Overlook. The drop in elevation is around 1,300 feet/ 400 m. NPS photo by Michael Quinn
Mile and-a-Half Resthouse is a popular day hike destination on the Bright Angel Trail. Round trip is 3 miles ( 4.8 km ) and takes between 2 and 4 hours. The change in elevation from the South Rim Village is 1,131 feet ( 345 m ) Water is available (subject to pipeline breaks) between May and September. NPS Photo by Michael Quinn
With water available (subject to pipeline breaks) between May and September, and restrooms, Mile and-a-Half Resthouse is a popular day hike destination on the Bright Angel Trail. Round trip is 3 miles ( 4.8 km ) and takes between 2 and 4 hours. The change in elevation from the South Rim Village is 1,131 feet ( 345 m )
From Mile and-a-Half Resthouse, we are looking up at the Coconino sandstone wall and the Kaibab limestone layer, where the trailhead starts. NPS Photo by Michael Quinn
The Equisetalean strobilus fossil specimen on the left, and a modern horsetail Strobilus on the right (source: National Park Service).
