Geologic Spots Explained in Depth

Quail Creek Reservoir Geology Overview

Quail Creek Reservoir, located in southern Utah near St. George, is surrounded by unique and striking geological features characteristic of the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province. The reservoir itself is a man-made lake created by the damming of Quail Creek, primarily for water storage and recreational purposes. The surrounding area showcases diverse geological formations, including colorful sandstone cliffs, volcanic rock, and ancient river channels, shaped by millions of years of geological processes.

How It Formed

1. Sedimentary Rocks: The predominant geological formations around Quail Creek Reservoir are sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone, and limestone. These rocks were formed from sediments deposited in ancient rivers, lakes, and deserts during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Over time, layers of sediment compacted and cemented to form rock.

2. Volcanic Activity: The region is also influenced by significant volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. Volcanic rock formations, such as basalt, can be found around the reservoir, resulting from lava flows and eruptions in the area.

3. Erosion and Weathering: The current landscape has been shaped by erosion and weathering, which sculpted the existing rock formations over time. The interplay of water, wind, and ice has exposed different layers of rock, creating dramatic cliffs, canyons, and valleys around the reservoir.

Interesting Facts

1. Colorful Rock Layers: The geology around Quail Creek Reservoir features vibrant colors ranging from deep red and orange sandstone to lighter beige and white limestone. These colors result from the mineral composition of the rocks and can change dramatically depending on the time of day and the angle of sunlight, creating stunning photographic opportunities.

2. Habitat Diversity: The geological features surrounding the reservoir create diverse habitats for various plant and animal species. The area supports desert flora and fauna, as well as aquatic ecosystems within the reservoir itself, making it an excellent location for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

3. Paleontological Significance: Like other areas in southern Utah, the region around Quail Creek Reservoir holds potential for paleontological discoveries. Fossils of ancient marine life and dinosaurs have been found in the sedimentary layers, providing insight into the prehistoric environment and the types of life that existed millions of years ago.

Quail Creek Reservoir not only serves recreational needs but also offers a window into the complex geological history of the region, making it a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Quail Creek Reservoir

Glitter Mountain Geology Overview

Glitter Mountain is a striking geological feature located near St. George, Utah, notable for its sparkling mineral deposits that reflect sunlight, giving the mountain its name. The area is primarily composed of volcanic rock and is a part of the surrounding geological formations that make up the region’s varied landscape. You can dig for your own rocks here!

The owners prefer that people do not go down into the pit, but as long as you use common sense and stay safe, it is okay. Of course, make sure you stay away from any machinery when they are mining.

When we visited, we did not go down into the pit and instead walked around the outside. There was so much selenite on the ground outside of the pit that we didn’t feel the need to go down into it.

We started seeing pieces as soon as we got out of the car!

Bring plenty of water, especially if visiting during the hotter months. There’s no shade.

First of all, there IS an active mining claim on Glitter Mountain, so make sure you read and follow the posted signs when you arrive.

The Feller Stone family holds the claim and has the exclusive right to remove the selenite for commercial sales. They ask first and foremost that you use common sense when visiting the site and use caution around the pit area.

There’s no fee to visit the site, but the owners ask that people pay for any selenite that they take home. There’s a sign on site with pricing information for paying through PayPal or Venmo. We had service out there, so it was really easy to send the money on-site.

It is okay to bring a small hammer, chisel, (or garden tools), and a bucket. They do not allow “mining”, power tools, or heavy digging.

If you plan to use a hammer or chisel or do some light digging, I highly recommend a pair of safety glasses. They’re cheap and a good idea to have on hand if you’re digging around. You can find them easily at hardware stores or on Amazon.

How They Formed

1. Volcanic Activity: Glitter Mountain is primarily composed of volcanic materials, including basalt and other igneous rocks. These volcanic rocks were formed from lava that erupted from ancient volcanoes in the region. Through various volcanic activities, including explosive eruptions and lava flows, these materials accumulated and solidified over millions of years.

2. Mineral Deposits: The sparkling appearance of Glitter Mountain is due to the presence of various minerals, particularly certain types of quartz and other reflective minerals that form in volcanic environments. As magma cooled and crystallized, these minerals were formed, contributing to the unique sheen of the mountain's surface.

3. Erosion and Weathering: Over time, erosion and weathering processes have exposed the surface of Glitter Mountain, revealing the shiny mineral deposits. Wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations gradually wear down the rock, leading to the distinct geological features seen today.

Interesting Facts

1. Unique Sparkling Appearance: Glitter Mountain gets its name from the significant presence of glittering minerals like mica and quartz. From a distance, the mountain appears to shimmer, especially in sunlight, making it a visually stunning landmark that attracts photographers and nature lovers.

2. Mining History: The area around Glitter Mountain has a history of mining activity, particularly for minerals. The presence of valuable minerals, such as gypsum and other deposits, has drawn attention for potential extraction, influencing the local economy and geology studies.

3. Cultural Significance: Glitter Mountain holds cultural significance for local Native American tribes and the surrounding communities. It is often considered a landmark and a point of interest in local folklore and history, adding to its value beyond geology.

Nearby Glitter Mountain is the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site.

This is a great stop if you have time for a little detour. There’s a nice walking path to various petroglyphs on the rocks representing 6,000 years of human habitation and use in the area.

Glitter Mountain