Wall
Arch Destroyed
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - One of the largest and most
photographed arches in Arches National Park has collapsed. The arch is along Devils Garden Trail, one of the most popular
in the park. For years, the arch has been a favorite stopping
point for photographers.
Like
others in the park, Wall Arch was formed by entrada sandstone
that was whittled down over time into its distinctive and
photogenic formation. The arch, first reported and named
in 1948, was more than 33 feet tall and 71 feet across.
It ranked 12th in size among the park's estimated 2,000
arches.
Rock
has continued to fall from the remaining arms of the arch
forcing the closure of a portion of the trail.
Officials
from the National Park Service and the Utah Geological Survey
visited the site Thursday, noting stress fractures in the
remaining formation. The trail won't be opened until the
debris is cleared away and it's safe for visitors.
Link
to high res photo.
The
Arches National Park photo gallery |
