Zion Geologic Formations - Freestanding Arches

Photography by
Walter Feller

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Zion National Park
Freestanding Arches

The incredible geology of Zion has created environments as widespread and diverse as the topography of the park itself. Included in this geologic grandeur are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of freestanding arches of all shapes and sizes. Finding arches in Zion is part of an ever changing exploration of the natural world. Indeed, while finding an arch in Zion is a wonderful experience, one may be even more surprised with the many other natural wonders encountered along the way.

Although freestanding rock can be found in many different geologic formations, the Navajo Sandstone formation found in Zion is home to many arches. Dune-bearing formations like Navajo Sandstone and Entrada Sandstone (found in Arches National Park) offer up many rock spans as they give way to the unceasing forces of erosion.

Kolob Arch, The largest arch in the Western Hemisphere is located in the Kolob Canyons of Zion. Accessible only by a minimum of 14 miles hiking, Kolob Arch is a crown jewel in the Zion Backcountry. For years, geologists and scholars have debated whether Kolob Arch in Zion or Landscape Arch (in Arches National Park) is the world's largest freestanding arch. At an estimated 310 feet long, Kolob Arch is certainly one of the freestanding largest arches in the world.

features - ecology: wildlife - plants - geography: places - region map - map/sat - roads & trails: route 66 - old west - communities - miscellaneous

ghost towns - gold mines - parks & ...: joshua tree - death valley - mojave preserve - wilderness - native culture - history - geology: natural features - glossary - comments

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