Embedded Files
🚙 Located 9.2 miles up the canyon from the intersection of Colorado Bvd. and US 14A at Spearfish
GPS Coordinates N 44.26.619 W 103.54.704 4,796 ft.
Site Access
When traveling from the north, this Lesson Site (Eleven Hour Gulch) is located along the right (west) side of US Hwy14. The gulch is somewhat hidden behind a canopy of trees but will come into view when you are directly alongside. Two paved parking turnouts are located a short distance either side of the gulch – both will be on your left-hand side. The first turnout lies just prior to the gulch and the second is located a short distance further just past two gigantic boulders lying in the Spearfish Creek bed. For safety reasons we would advise you to perform a “drive-by” to identify the turnouts and then return with parking safety in mind. More importantly, one cannot easily see the approaching traffic from the turnouts so use EXTREME CAUTION when crossing to access Eleven Hour Gulch. If you decide to enter the gulch please read the safety advisory below.
You're All Cracked Up Update 3.pdfIn–Depth Geology Lesson pdf
A great document to print for those who want to dig deeper into the geologic story.
Both fascinating and unique
A chasm straight and true.
But how it formed and why right here
A mystery made for you.
Field Exploration
Field Exploration
Eleven Hour Gulch – the hidden gem of Spearfish Canyon. Because of its slot-like form and steep, vertical walls, sunlight reaches its boulder-strewn depths for only a few moments each day. In this exciting exploration we'll take you into this rocky chasm and delve into the story of its formation as well as the geology behind its dramatic form and appearance.
This pdf Lesson Guide contains the specific directions for reaching our featured site as well as a detailed explanation of its geologic story for those desiring more depth. Mileage and coordinates are provided in each document and roadmaps and other learning aids can be found at the Geologic Resources link in the sidebar menu. The document is most useful if you have it in hand at the geologic site. Exercise extreme caution at the lesson site and along roadways.
Are you ready. . . . Let's Go! S. V. Fogarty & W. R. Stevens
Special Safety Advisory!
One can easily reach the mouth of Eleven Hour Gulch by way of a short path that leads from the shoulder of the highway but it’s also possible to go further up into the gulch than is necessary if you're following the pdf lesson posted above. If you choose to do so, it will require that you climb up and over a staircase of large, chaotic boulders that are both unstable and slippery. Your decision to go further should be made thoughtfully, especially if children are accompanying you. Even a minor slip can result in serious injury. If you or anyone in your party is in the least way physically limited, uncoordinated or impaired we strongly urge you to STOP at the entrance! In the event of an accident it’s unlikely that you will have a cell signal at this location. If you decide to venture up into the gulch it may be wise to have both hands free to assist you in scrambling up and around the boulders and maintaining your balnce.
Use great caution should you decide to enter!
Eleven Hour Gulch
Eleven Hour Gulch
Eleven Hour Gulch access point. Parking is located just out of the photo in the lower left corner. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION when crossing roadway!
Eleven Hour Gulch access point. Parking is located just out of the photo in the lower left corner. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION when crossing roadway!
A chaotic assortment of boulders greet your entry into the gulch. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION if you decide to enter! Do not do so if you are not completely comfortable with hands and feet scrambling on slippery, unstable surfaces.
A chaotic assortment of boulders greet your entry into the gulch. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION if you decide to enter! Do not do so if you are not completely comfortable with hands and feet scrambling on slippery, unstable surfaces.
The Narrows
As one proceeds upstream through the gulch its vertical, igneous rock walls begin to narrow until eventually the chasm closes completely.
Continuation beyond this photographic point is not advised.
Eleven Hour Gulch (Fault?) viewed at 120ft. above road level. Note the linear trend of the gulch and its relatively smooth walls. Earthquake??
Eleven Hour Gulch (Fault?) viewed at 120ft. above road level. Note the linear trend of the gulch and its relatively smooth walls. Earthquake??
The chasm walls are extraordinary smooth and create a vertical rock face. This photo is looking back toward the road.
The chasm walls are extraordinary smooth and create a vertical rock face. This photo is looking back toward the road.
The gulch becomes more difficult to traverse as we travel upstream and eventually closes.
The gulch becomes more difficult to traverse as we travel upstream and eventually closes.
Gulch Map Annotated.pdfTopographic map showing Gulch drainage relationships and location.
Gulch Topographic Map. Print out for use at Lesson Site.
Gulch Topographic Map. Print out for use at Lesson Site.
There's more to this story than meets the eye. Download our In-Depth Lesson pdf above if you desire a more thorough coverage.
Send comments to: partial.melting@gmail.com
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse