50 FORT YUMA TO MOJAVE CANON — THE SLEEPER. 
out from Chimney Peak, and appears to form a part of the Purple Hills. North of these, 
rendered conspicuous by lines of serrated peaks, is a range of chocolate colored mountains, 
from which the river emerges through a gate formed by a huge crag of vivid red rock. 
| 
| 
Fig. 5.—Red Rock Gate, 
While turning a bend, a little while after passing the gate, we suddenly noticed upon the 
summit of a little hill on the left bank a ludicrous resemblance to a sleeping figure. The 
outlines and proportions were startlingly faithful, and the following sketch, hurriedly taken 
as the steamer passed, scarcely gives a true idea, and certainly not an exagg aie ites <of the 
accuracy of the likeness which presented itself from different positions for nearly a bite, 
This portion of the river assumes almost the character of a cafon, and the navigation was 
attended with some risk to us who knew nothing of the obstacles that were ahead. In one of 
the bends too sharp rocky points extended from the banks, and another point jutted out midway 
from the opposite side. The channel glanced by all three, and a lone rock near the middle of : 
— — embarrassed the passage. Not far above a circular pinnacle of rock, which at a 4 
distance resembles a light-house, blocks the centre of the river, leaving a ver MurKw but : 
fortunately unobstru+ted channel. A short hazardous pass followed. At its si fhaen sitsints Fe 
are high cliffs of porphyry, through which the Colorado breaks into the range below. Passing 
these solid portals, we issued from the Chocolate mountains into the great vall ‘ . ri 
noticed after leaving the Purple Hills. great valley that was 
For the first time since entering the Explorer's Pass, we are in the desert re 
river looks very much as it did immediately above Fort Yuma, dissipating any ho 
have entertained of finding the navigation improve with the ascent. The enti was d 
out, and the sand bars and snags so numerous, that I was a little adiprohensive of div so se 
a premature head of navigation, but one or two miles were accom lished with ng reac . 
before reaching camp. = F without any trouble 
gion, and the 
pes we might 
