Interesting and Easily Accessible by russellviii
Imagine this, two layers of sandstone. On top, a hard durable layer of Entrada Sandstone. Underneath, a softer, more crumbly layer of Navajo Sandstone. Add millions of years of erosion from wind and water, and what happens?
For a while the harder upper layer will protect the soft lower layer, but eventually the lower layer will begin to erode away at more rapid rate.
This is the case at Balanced Rock. The “rock” is Entrada Sandstone, sitting on top of, and protecting a pillar of softer Navajo Sandstone beneath it. Eventually it will give way and the whole thing will come tumbling down.
But until that time, for the next several thousand years or so, you can reach Balanced Rock from a short, easy trail. The main road in the park passes right next to this spectacle, so even if you don’t want to get out of the car, it’s easy to enjoy.
over 4 years ago
