Images

Trickling water from the Emerald Pools in Zion National Park.

Angel's Landing, one of the more popular hiking destinations in Zion National Park.

Wind and water combine to create unique patterns in the sandstone.

One of Zion National Park's most defining features is its sandstone peaks.

From about 300-1300 CE, ancestors of the Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Paiute Tribe lived in Capitol Reef. They are known by various names-archeologists call them the Fremont Culture; the Hopi Tribe calls them the Hisatsinom, or the "People of Long Ago;" and the Paiute Tribe calls them the Wee Noonts, or the "People Who Lived the Old Ways."

From about 300-1300 CE, ancestors of the Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Paiute Tribe lived in Capitol Reef. They are known by various names-archeologists call them the Fremont Culture; the Hopi Tribe calls them the Hisatsinom, or the "People of Long Ago;" and the Paiute Tribe calls them the Wee Noonts, or the "People Who Lived the Old Ways."

Navajo Dome, one of the more notable features within Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef is primarily made up of sandstone formations within the Waterpocket Fold, monocline that extends nearly 100 miles. A monocline is a step-like fold in rock strata that can resemble an enormous wrinkle in the earth.

This area, known as the Fruita, is made up of three primary layers. The bottom sandstone layer is known as the Moenkopi Formation and is about 245 million years old. The middle gray-green layer is known as the Chinle Formation and was laid down as volcanic ash about 225 million years ago.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A sandstone cliff near the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef is primarily made up of sandstone formations within the Waterpocket Fold, monocline that extends nearly 100 miles. A monocline is a step-like fold in rock strata that can resemble an enormous wrinkle in the earth. This land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A sandstone cliff within Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef is primarily made up of sandstone formations within the Waterpocket Fold, monocline that extends nearly 100 miles. A monocline is a step-like fold in rock strata that can resemble an enormous wrinkle in the earth.

A sandstone cliff within Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef is primarily made up of sandstone formations within the Waterpocket Fold, monocline that extends nearly 100 miles. A monocline is a step-like fold in rock strata that can resemble an enormous wrinkle in the earth.

A detail view of some sandstone strata within Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef is primarily made up of sandstone formations within the Waterpocket Fold, monocline that extends nearly 100 miles. A monocline is a step-like fold in rock strata that can resemble an enormous wrinkle in the earth.

A view of the Castle, a prominent sandstone formation in Capitol Reef National Park. This area, known as the Fruita, is made up of three primary layers. The bottom sandstone layer is known as the Moenkopi Formation and is about 245 million years old.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A landscape view from State Route 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante encompasses the largest land area of all U.S. National Monuments.

A panorama view of the Fruita, which is made up of three primary layers. The bottom sandstone layer is known as the Moenkopi Formation and is about 245 million years old. The middle gray-green layer is known as the Chinle Formation and was laid down as volcanic ash about 225 million years ago.

A view of the Castle, a prominent sandstone formation in Capitol Reef National Park. This area, known as the Fruita, is made up of three primary layers. The bottom sandstone layer is known as the Moenkopi Formation and is about 245 million years old.