Kalighat Temple | Kolkata

Information

Landmark: Kalighat Temple
City: Kolkata
Country: India
Continent: Asia

Kalighat Temple, Kolkata, India, Asia

Hams Fork Canyon is a geological formation located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, near the city of Kemmerer.

Visual Characteristics

The canyon walls are primarily composed of sedimentary rock layers exhibiting shades of tan, brown, and grey. Erosion has sculpted these layers into varied formations, including buttes and mesas. Vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of sagebrush, juniper, and grasses adapted to arid conditions. The canyon floor is a mix of gravel and sand, with the Hams Fork River flowing through its base.

Location & Access Logistics

Hams Fork Canyon is situated approximately 10 miles east of Kemmerer, Wyoming. Access is via Wyoming State Highway 233 (Fossil Butte Road). The highway provides direct access to the canyon's northern entrance. Parking is available at designated pull-offs along the highway. No public transport services operate directly to the canyon.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Hams Fork Canyon is a product of fluvial erosion acting upon sedimentary rock deposited during the Eocene epoch. These rock layers contain significant fossil deposits, particularly from the Green River Formation, known for its exceptionally preserved fish and plant fossils. The canyon's formation is a result of the Hams Fork River carving through these ancient lakebed sediments over millions of years.

Key Highlights & Activities

Fossil hunting is a primary activity, with designated areas allowing for amateur paleontological exploration. Hiking trails follow the canyon rim and floor, offering views of the rock formations. Photography of the geological strata and arid landscape is possible. Birdwatching for species adapted to high desert environments can be undertaken.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are not present within the canyon itself. Shade is minimal, provided only by natural rock overhangs. Cell phone signal is unreliable and generally absent within the canyon. No food vendors are located within the immediate vicinity of Hams Fork Canyon; visitors should bring provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the low sun angle accentuates the rock formations' textures and colors. The months of May through October offer the most favorable weather conditions, with daytime temperatures generally ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). Winter months can bring snow and ice, making access difficult.

Facts & Legends

Hams Fork Canyon is renowned for its rich fossil record, particularly the discovery of the world's largest fossilized fish, a Knightia eocaena, found in this region. Local lore sometimes speaks of prospectors searching for mineral wealth in the canyon's more remote sections during the late 19th century, though no significant finds were ever officially documented.