The Layered Cliffs of Capitol Reef

At Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, cliffs rise in bands of red, orange, and pale cream. From a safe public viewpoint, visitors can see that the rock is stacked in layers, like the pages of an enormous history book.

The layers began forming millions of years ago. Sand, mud, and other loose material collected in places such as deserts, rivers, and shallow seas. Over long periods, more material piled on top. Pressure and minerals helped turn these deposits into rock. Because conditions changed over time, the layers formed with different colors and textures.

Later, movements deep within Earth bent many of the rock layers into a giant wrinkle. Geologists call this wrinkle the Waterpocket Fold. It stretches for nearly 100 miles through the region. The bending happened slowly, over millions of years, rather than in one sudden event.

Afterward, water, wind, and changes in temperature helped wear away the rock. This process, called erosion, exposed layers that had once been buried. Some kinds of rock resist erosion better than others. Harder layers can form steep cliffs, while softer layers may wear into slopes beneath them.

A viewpoint gives visitors a chance to notice these patterns without climbing on the cliffs. Park visitors should stay on established trails and in designated viewing areas, and keep back from edges. From there, the colorful rock offers a remarkable view of a landscape shaped over immense stretches of time.