Courtesy of Public Domain
The sudden collapse of “Double Arch” over Lake Powell on August 8 serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of even the most enduring natural formations.
The cause of the collapse of this renowned arch, which dates back to either the Triassic or Jurassic periods, remains unclear, according to the National Park Service. Also known by names like “Toilet Bowl,” “Crescent Pool,” or “Hole in the Roof,” the arch was once a prominent feature in Rock Creek Bay within Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
“The fascinating aspect of geology is its gradual nature—until it’s not,” remarked Karen Garthwait, spokesperson for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Garthwait pointed out that natural arches, such as “Double Arch,” likely collapse more frequently than we realize. Arches National Park alone is home to over 2,000 arches, and many of these collapses may go unnoticed due to their remote or less famous locations.
While these events can be surprising, park officials view them with a sense of acceptance and appreciation.
“Arches National Park is not in the business of preserving individual arches,” Garthwait explained. “Our goal is to maintain the natural processes that both create and eventually dismantle arches.” She emphasized that the park’s mission is “not to stop time.”
This philosophy was evident in the decision to reject a proposal in the 1940s to stabilize the slender leg of the park’s iconic “Delicate Arch.” Since then, arches have been left to their natural course of standing or falling.
The most recent notable collapse was that of “Rainbow Arch” in early 2018. Positioned just above the Arches National Park visitor center, it had been monitored by a research team from the University of Utah, who noted a crack through its center. Although the team had observed no significant changes for a year, they concluded the arch was stable and ceased monitoring in 2017. The arch’s absence was only discovered by a hiker in February 2018.
On August 4, 2008, the collapse of “Wall Arch” was marked by a thunderous sound, according to campers at Devil’s Garden Campground. The sandstone arch, despite its massive size, could not withstand the forces of gravity and time. The rocks fell and slid onto the Devil’s Garden hiking trail.
The fall of this once 12th-largest arch in the park illustrates how the strength or weaknesses of these ancient structures can be elusive. When asked about predicting future collapses, Garthwait acknowledged, “You can’t tell just by looking at them.”
On September 1, 1991, “Landscape Arch” showed signs of its fragility when it began cracking and making ominous noises. Michael Müller, a visitor hiking nearby, climbed up a slope behind the arch and captured footage of the rockfall, which he shared with the National Park Service.
Müller described feeling the ground shake as the stones fell. “For a moment, I felt paralyzed,” he recounted in an October 1991 interview. “Then I wondered: Was anyone beneath the arch just minutes ago? Is more material likely to fall?”
The arch lost a significant chunk of red rock but remained standing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Today, “Landscape Arch” is thinner but still stands, though the trail beneath it is now closed as a precaution, Garthwait noted.
Garthwait reflected on the nature of arches, stating they possess both “power” and “fragility.” Their evolution, including their collapse, creates space for new natural formations and changes within the landscape.
Delicate Arch, one of the most iconic landmarks in Arches National Park, is renowned for its strikingly graceful silhouette against the backdrop of the Colorado Plateau. Standing 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, this natural sandstone arch is celebrated for its delicate, yet resilient, structure that has become a symbol of the park and a must-see for visitors. Its unique shape, framed by the distant La Sal Mountains, provides a stunning visual contrast that has made it a favorite subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The arch’s precarious appearance belies its durability, as it continues to captivate and inspire awe despite the forces of nature that shape and reshape the landscape around it.
Double Arch, a striking feature in Arches National Park, captivates visitors with its two gracefully intersecting spans of rock that form a dramatic and symmetrical gateway against the rugged desert backdrop. This natural wonder, formed from Entrada Sandstone, boasts a unique configuration where two massive arches share a common base, creating an impressive and visually intriguing formation. The larger of the two arches stretches 144 feet across, while the smaller arch extends 48 feet, together forming a breathtaking spectacle that showcases nature’s architectural artistry. Easily accessible via a short, well-maintained trail, Double Arch provides an exceptional vantage point for observing the interplay of light and shadow, making it a favorite spot for both casual visitors and avid photographers.
Mesa Arch, a quintessential feature of Canyonlands National Park, is renowned for its stunning panoramic views framed by its natural sandstone arch. Perched on the edge of a mesa, this iconic arch spans 27 feet and offers a striking vantage point that overlooks the vast canyons and rock formations of the Island in the Sky district. The arch is particularly famous for the way it frames the rising or setting sun, casting a vibrant glow across the surrounding landscape and creating a picturesque scene that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Its relatively short and easy trail makes it accessible, allowing visitors to experience the dramatic interplay of light and geology in one of Utah’s most picturesque settings.
Rainbow Bridge, a majestic natural arch in Rainbow Bridge National Monument, is renowned for its colossal, gracefully curved span and its breathtaking beauty. Standing 290 feet high and 275 feet wide, this immense sandstone bridge forms a stunning rainbow-like curve that spans across the lush valley below, creating a dramatic contrast against the surrounding red rock landscape. Carved by the erosive forces of wind and water over millennia, Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest natural bridges and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for several Native American tribes. Accessible only by boat or a strenuous hike, this awe-inspiring formation continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur and the serene natural setting in which it resides.
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