On 309 sq. km of the state of Utah there is an amazing area of the earth’s surface, formed at the bottom of the former sea with a sandy bottom, which was here millions of years ago. Wind and water worked hard on the thickness of sand and salt deposits after the disappeared sea, creating miraculous arches from them (more than 2 thousand). In addition, the forces of nature and the factor of time, having transformed sand into quartz, gold and other valuable minerals, made a real treasure of minerals and stones here. No wonder that in the 18th century, conflicts between Europeans and Indians developed over the possession of this territory.
The decree on the creation of a national park was signed by Nixon in 1971 and was intended to protect the miracle of nature from looting. Now thousands of tourists have the happy opportunity to admire the unsurpassed creations of petrified sand and salt – arches of various sizes and configurations (the longest is 85 m, the shortest is 1 m).
Among them, the recognized masterpiece is the Graceful Arch or Cowboy Pants (comic name), which in its configuration resembles legs of different thicknesses, “dressed” in orange-red pants. The bright arch looks stunning against the purple background of the Salt Mountains. A true miracle is the “Balancing Stone”, which is held by an unknown force on a narrow elevation. Of interest is the object called Three Gossips – 3 figures resembling women, standing close to each other, as if whispering among themselves. The labyrinth of rock towers invariably attracts everyone’s attention – the Fiery Furnace, which creates the impression (especially at sunset) of a blazing furnace. Many of the arches have become the backdrop for Hollywood movie shots, and those who have not been to this land of wonders will be able to appreciate their uniqueness by watching the movies.