Weeping Rock

Continuous water "weeps" out of the Weeping Rock alcove, keeping lush hanging gardens moist. The weeping is from above where Echo Canyon, one of the parks many slot canyons is located. Sections of Echo Canyon can be seen along the shared path of the Observation Point and East Rim Trails. There are other seepage areas resulting from the "spring line" between the two rock strata, kayenta and Navajo sandstone, but Weeping Rock is an impressive one. An impermeable shal, the Kayenta layer, makes up the floor of the slot canyon that prevents water from absorbing into the ground and forces it to find a place it can penetrate, such as at Weeping Rock. This is not a quick process. The water has been in the rocks for a very long time, about 1200 years in fact. Weeping Rock This trail is a half-mile round-trip which is the shortest trail in the park, but the broken pavement and moderately steep climb make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers. To begin walk the footpath crossing over a drainage stream that is lined with cottonwood, ash and maple trees. The trail is well traveled due to its beauty, location and short length. At the top be prepared for slippery moss on the rocks and walkway as well as water dripping on the path. Steps culminate at a large eroded carved out area, something like a sponge soaking up water then releasing it slowly to feed the hanging gardens and dripping excess into the water hole below.