I have always had an interest in the National Parks and the geologic forces that created many of them so I was excited to visit Arches National Park in southern Utah.
| The park is in a high desert area, the only large plants being gnarly juniper trees which can survive on the sporadic rainfall. |
| Sediments which would one day become the formations in Arches were laid down millions of years ago and over time have been compressed into sandstone, the most famous being the Navajo Sandstone, recognized by it's bright red color seen here. | 
|
 | Huge salt deposits beneath Arches raised the surrounding land, exposing it to further erosion from wind and water. |
| Some formations resemble the spires created when building a sandcastle. | 
|
 | How in the world does that thing stay up there? |
| Stronger areas of rock resisted erosion, creating fascinating towers and spires. | 
|