Mesa Arch at sunrise, one of the most visited and most photographed places in Utah if not the world. Just Google it and you will see beautiful sun stars and landscapes through the 27-foot arch. No worries, we are not going out that early, too much sand in the air from the 24-hours of sandstorms across Utah. No sun stars today, but let’s not miss the arch, up close and personal in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.
Death Valley has at least one hidden treasure in plain sight—Mushroom Rock. Along Badwater Road heading to Badwater Basin there are so many wonders to see, especially the gorgeous mountain colors and formations. However, it is hard to find the 7-foot tall Mushroom Rock along Badwater Road, and for good reason.
This is a 1938 picture of Mushroom Rock, originally called Devil’s Throne. We will get to its geology momentarily–and no “oh nos” in the audience please. 😉
Today the rock’s strange shape is not only thanks to million of years of windblown sand and salt, but also two-legged creatures’ abuse. The formation was heavily damaged by visitors climbing on it, carving and defacing it, breaking off small chunks as souvenirs, and groups posing on it for pictures. Well, the Park Service finally had enough. The exact date is hard to find, but the large parking area along the road was done away with, there are no signs for Mushroom Rock, and it no longer appears on any park maps or in any brochures. Although only about 150 feet off Badwater Road, it is tough to see as driving along. It sure blends into the background! Thanks to the discerning eye of Susan.
So its geology–stay with me. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but a good place to start is easy. There are three types of rock. Yup, only three:
Igneous–formed from melted rock deep inside the Earth.
Sedimentary–formed from layers of sand, silt, dead plants, and animal skeletons.
Metamorphic–formed from other rocks that are changed by heat and pressure underground.
Thanks to American Museum of Natural History–Ology Home. Take a look! Never too proud to explore simple sites designed for kids. Need simple as a jumping-off place.
Still with me?
Mushroom Rock is an Igneous rock, a type of basalt. Now that wasn’t so painful, was it? 😂
Until next time my friend . . .
On the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold in Utah we find Goblin Valley State Park. Wait–what fold, what valley? Well, come on along and see!
