Roberts Rift

Named after J.E. Roberts by geologist Robert J. Hite, this strange rift trends from the southwest to the north east in an attenuated sine curve centered on Upheaval dome. It contains material including large rocks and identifiable fossils that were forced up from the Hermosa formation 2,500 feet below. The reddish rocks on both sides of the rift have been bleached to a pale yellow color, most likely by steam venting.

My Home Page Upheaval Dome Salt Domes 1. Sand Jets 2. Compaction Cones 3. Center 4. Fractures 5. Rim Rocks 6. Roberts Rift 7. Roberts Rift Photos

The best information I have found on the rift is in the book shown above by Fran Barns. On page 161, he says "To the west of U.S. 191, Roberts Rift is clearly visible on both sides of Little Canyon .... also cuts across the two main tributaries of the Bull Canyon system." "... the rift heads across Grays Pasture, in the Island In The Sky District." I highly recommend the book!

On the 13th of June 1999, Fran and Terby Barnes invited me to come along as they re-visited Roberts Rift. It was a pleasure to spend a day with them as they freely shared their knowledge and warm personalities! If you would care to see a few of the photos, please click on "Next."