82 EXPLORATIONS ACROSS THE GREAT BASIH OF UTAH. 



the south branch of Putnam's Creek. The ascent of this minor ridge is steep, and the 

 descent on the west side still more so. To accomplish the latter without accident we 

 had to lock and rough-shoe the wheels. A good grade is possible, with the labor of 

 some twenty men one day, on left side of track. Two and one-half miles thence up 

 Putnam's Creek by a good grade brought us to summit of pass, 7,741 feet above the sea, 

 and 3.7 miles more down Gibraltar Creek (a small stream) to a point in the canon, 

 where, at, half past 4, we encamped. The road on the west side of the pass is very 

 rough, on account of its frequent crossings of Gibraltar Creek and large, loose rocks 

 scattered around, but by bridging the creek and removing the rocks— no very great 

 work— it could be made good. Met with two upsets, and the breaking of a wagon- 

 tongue, hound, and coupling in this canon. 



On right of canon, descending from summit, some stupendous granitic and por- 

 phyritic rocks, probably 500 feet above the valley, are noticeable. Journey 8.7 miles. 

 I continued 7 miles farther down the canon to examine it, returning about 9 o'clock p. 

 m., and finding the command uneasy about me, as I was alone. The guide, Mr. Reese, 

 found his mule where he had left him the other day, saddle and everything safe. 



The canons of this mountain abound in pure water and splendid grass. The 

 mountain-mahogany is also seen. Cedar and pines are also found, as they have been 

 in nearly>very range since we left the Great Salt Lake Desert, These cedars branch 

 immediately from the ground, are 12 or 15 feet high, and present in the mass a rotund 

 form. The pines are generally on the summits of the ridges, and are generally not 

 more than 25 or 30 feet, though some attain a height of 50. 



The rocks of the Se-day-e Mountain are porphyritic and trachytic, also semifnsed 

 stratified rocks. AVest of summit they are white granite, lower down red and brown 

 porphvritic rocks. 



June 3, Camp No. 28, Gibraltar Creek— Thermometer at 5.10 a.m., 48°. Morning 

 pleasantly cool, and as usual clear. Mr. Reese, with Pete, Sanchez, and two dragoon?, 

 left this morning to be absent for several days, probably four or five, to examine the 

 country in advance, and keep me advised daily of route and camping-places. Raised 

 camp at 6.15, and continued down Gibraltar Canon. For about a mile it continued 

 rough from isolated rocks ; after this no difficulty. Creek sinks 1.7 miles below camp. 

 Five and a half miles farther strike a small creek and a spring, which might be called 

 an extension or re-appearance of Gibraltar Creek, though strictly it is a continuation of 

 its more northern branch, which comes in from the mountain at this point. Half a 

 mile farther pass through a gap. or gate between some stupendous rocks of a dark- 

 grav and brown porphyritic character, which form a range of narrow breadth per- 

 pendicular to our course. This defile from the canon to the valley I call the Gate of 

 Gibraltar. It is about 50 yards vide, and of champaign character. From this gate, 

 following the course of Gibraltar Creek (very small) in a southwest direction, we cross 

 in 7.2 miles a valley or plain, and arrive at a second gate or gap in a low range, run- 

 ning north and south, where, at 4 p. m., we encamp near the sink of Gibraltar Creek. 

 A limited amount of grass is found at the gap; more in vicinity <>a west side. The 

 mountain range which crosses here is perfectly devoid of timber. Rpad to-day rough, 

 the first 2 miles down Gibraltar Canon, and subsequently somewhat soft on account of 



