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19 images Created 29 Apr 2020

Wahweap Hoodoos

The deserts of the southwest United States have more than their share of magical landscapes. A few have such beauty that they cause one to feel a reverence for the earth. These are places where you find yourself whispering to others in respect for the feeling that you are in a scared place. They are mother nature’s cathedrals. The Wahweap Hoodoos in southern Utah is one of these places. The hoodoos consist of soft white sandstone pillars topped with dark harder sandstone caprock. They intrigue scientists and stir the spirit of all who visit. “Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” - Rachel Carson. To see the text that goes with each photo view in the largest format possible. To remove the text from the image click the chevron at the bottom of the page.
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  • I hiked for a little over two hours and arrived at the Wahweep Hoodoos just as the sky was beginning to show first light.  This was my first look at structures that have been forming for 100 million years.  Photo DSC_9413
    DSC_9413.jpg
  • Just before sunrise the golden light of early morning gave the white Entrada sandstone a golden tone.  The Dakota sandstone which forms the erosion resistant cap glistened in the morning light. Photo DSC_9451
    DSC_9451.jpg
  • The first rays of sunlight revealed a field of a multitude of hoodoos of many different sizes.  Most of them still had hard sandstone caps.  The Dakota sandstone layer is visible at the top of the bluff in the background.
    DSC_9454.jpg
  • The first rays of sunlight revealed a field of a multitude of hoodoos of many different sizes.  Most of them still had hard sandstone caps.  The Dakota sandstone layer is visible at the top of the bluff in the background.
    DSC_9464.jpg
  • As the sun clears the horizon, the Estrada sandstone becomes white.  The size of the Dakota Sandstone cap determines the size and shape of the underling pedestal.
    DSC_9465.jpg
  • The stone on the top has a major influence on how the bottom layer erodes.  Notice the shape and size of the two capstones in this photo and the look at the shape and size of the bottom layer.   Photo DSC_9466
    DSC_9466.jpg
  • As I stood below this tower, I was filled with awe.  Photo DSC_9474
    DSC_9474.jpg
  • The Estrada sandstone in the foreground gives an idea of just how vulnerable it is to erosion when not protected by a capstone.     Photo DSC_9480
    DSC_9480.jpg
  • Towers stand in silence except for an occasional bird song and the shuffle of my feet and the sound of my breathing.  Photo DSC_9484
    DSC_9484.jpg
  • One hundred million years ago, these towers were part of a cliff like the one in the background.     Photo DSC_9486
    DSC_9486.jpg
  • Visitors are asked not to walk on the white sandstone because it is fragile.  Unfortunately, you can find photos and videos on the web of people posing and walking on the fragile substrate.  Photo DSC_9488
    DSC_9488.jpg
  • The people in this photo help to grasp the scale of these structures.  Photo DSC_9493
    DSC_9493.jpg
  • Hoodoos can be found at a number of places nearby.  This one is in the alcove next to where the previous photos were taken.  Photo DSC_9496
    DSC_9496.jpg
  • Hoodoos can be found at a number of places nearby.  This one is in the alcove next to where the previous photos were taken.  Photo DSC_9496
    DSC_9499.jpg
  • “If you sing of beauty, though alone in the heart of the desert, you will have an audience.” -Khalil Gibran.  Photo DSC_9501
    DSC_9501.jpg
  • The caprock must weigh a few tons.  How do you suppose it stays in place?  Photo DSC_9504
    DSC_9504.jpg
  • Big capstone, big pedestal.  Photo DSC_9514
    DSC_9514.jpg
  • As the cliff erodes, new hoodoos are forming, but it will be a lengthy process.  Photo DSC_9521
    DSC_9521.jpg
  • Magic of the shadows can best be seen in the deserts.  Photo DSC_9509
    DSC_9509-2.jpg