Mosaic Canyon gets its name from the rock debris that washes down the narrow canyon. It is composed of small pieces of Noonday Dolomite that have bound together in a sandy matrix to form a rock mosaic. Over time these deposits are polished by succeeding debris flows. The canyon walls, rich in geologic features, offer many opportunities for close-up photography . Direct sunlight is present in the canyon during the midday hours and it is reflected strongly off the marble. For this reason mid-morning and afternoon are perhaps the best times to photograph the area. Mosaic Canyon is easily reached from Stovepipe Wells, just a quarter of a mile southwest on highway 190 a two mile graded dirt road ends at the parking area. A short hike leads you into the canyon. Caution flash floods can rage through Mosaic Canyon . Avoid this area if any storm activity is in the vicinity.