Some 200 million years ago, this area was covered by extensive sand dunes. Over time, the sand drifts were covered by other layers of sediment. They were compressed and cemented into Navajo Sandstone. Erosion has since washed away the overlying layers, revealing these ancient dunes.
Balanced Rock:
The caprock is composed of a hard layer of rock known as the Slick Rock Member of Entrada Sandstone. The softer mudstone on which it is balanced is the Dewey Bridge Member of the Carmel Formation. Eroding at different rates (the softer stone eroding faster), eventually Balanced Rock will fall.
Chip-Off-the-Old-Block then...
... and now.
The surrounding area
Windows:
There were many stages of arches here... some just beginning, some completely formed. We hiked around North Window, South Window and Turret Arch, taking a 'primitive' trail (one marked only with cairns) back to the parking lot.
This was now the third time we encountered the two couples from before. We chatted again for a while and one of the women handed us a business card, hoping we would come for a visit someday in New York. Hmmm... you never know.
Click for larger image
North Window
Turret Arch
A spectacular area!
Evolving arches
North Window
Regan at North Window
Turret Arch with people for scale
Going through the arch. Note the small window to the left.
On the other side of Turret Arch, looking at South Window
Regan on the cliff
Heading back to North (left) and South (right) Windows
South Window with a person for scale
Heading back on the primitive trail...
For the most part, the trail was easy to follow, either as a path...
... or by cairns...
... or sometimes a sign when it wasn't quite so obvious.
Signs imploring people to respect the desert and stay on the trail were completely ignored, as indicated by the numerous footsteps.
The backsides of South (left) and North (right) Windows
So many fun shapes!
Larkspur is also a hardy mountain plant.
