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Double Arch At Glen Canyon NRA Collapses

Author Shawn Tempesta
This is the aftermath of the Double Arch at Glen Canyon collapse.

There are so many incredible sights within a day’s drive of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, one of these outstanding sights has been erased from existence. The victim of gravity, receding water and human intervention, the double arch at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has met its end.

The natural double arch at Glen Canyon, maybe better known to some as the “toilet bowl,” fell to the floor and water below on Thursday, August 8th. The National Park Service can’t place it on one particular reason, but says formations like this are legendary, long lasting and temporary.

“This event serves as a reminder of our responsibility and need to protect the mineral resources surrounding Lake Powell,” says Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Michelle Kerns. “These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions. While we don’t know what caused this collapse, we will continue to maintain our resource protection efforts on Lake Powell for future generations to enjoy.”

Things like waves, receding water, hotter than ever weather and human interaction with the arch and more are all partially to blame over time, unfortunately.

How Do Formations Like Double Arch At Glen Canyon Form

It is crazy to think that something like the Double Arch at Glen Canyon is temporary, considering it stood for an estimated 190 million years, preceding even the Jurassic era. Somehow a dinosaur didn’t knock this down.

The formations almost look like they could only be put there by aliens or by God. But there is an explanation for it. As the video above illustrates, it all began with ocean waters that once covered the area millions and millions of years ago. Every time it would recede, the salty water would leave deposits behind.

Do that countless times over millennia, and well, things happen. Rock forms atop the salt left behind and while the salt may flow away, the rock remains.

Thankfully there are plenty of rock arches that remain, particularly in Arches National Park, also in Utah. But as with the Double Arch at Glen Canyon, these fragile rock anomalies are not here forever. See them when you get the chance. Just don’t try to test their strength. Leave no trace, and take plenty of pictures.

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

Kanarra Falls: A Hike Worth The Trip (PHOTOS)

You occasionally hear the saying “the pictures don’t do it justice” in regards to something or somewhere beautiful. Kanarra Falls, just north of St. George, Utah, is one of those places.

It was actually the pictures that drew me to the spot many years ago. This low-to-moderately challenging hike that had stunning views, gorgeous waterfalls and promises to make your boots slightly muddy.

Lets start with booking, because you’ll need to pay $12 to be one of 150 permitted guests to the hike per day. The falls were becoming so well-traveled that the community decided to institute a permitting system. When you take the trip, you’ll greatly appreciate the beauty of the trail being unmarred by countless spectators. It’s quiet, calm and peaceful.

Beginning the hike

I began my journey around 11am. The four-mile round trip hike starts with a “dry mile” or so. Up an incline, down and around until you eventually come across the water you’ve been hearing. While you aren’t in the water for much of this, I considered it the more difficult of the two miles due to the elevation changes. Doable by nearly all, though.

The second mile is the “damp” mile. You’ll be dipping in and out of sometimes ankle-deep water. Eventually you’ll turn a corner and stare down a slot canyon. This is where the fun begins and the jaws drop. You’ll see pictures below, but know that as beautiful as they and the video above are, they do not hold a candle to being there.

Despite it being high-noon, the shadows were plenty in between these towering rocks, water under my feet. As I continued into the mountain, I could hear the distant rumbling of a waterfall. This is the picture I have seen and wanted to experience in person. Around the corner I went and… there it was. Water is incredibly powerful and majestic and seeing it rush past me was awe-inspiring.

The way past the waterfall has gotten an upgrade recently. Formerly a piece of lumber and some metal “steps” with a support rope, the climb is as simple as a step up a metal staircase. If that seems a little too boring, don’t worry. A little further down you’ll pass “the boulder”, which is a quasi-second waterfall. That climb requires stepping on knotty tree trunks to maneuver your way upwards.

Walk a little further and you’ll get to an absolutely stunning amphitheater-like finish point for most. Trees, places to sit down and have yourself a picnic, and all the serenity you could ask for. I planted myself down here for 30 minutes, took pictures (for you to see) and munched on a granola bar, all while taking in the view I had just earned.

There is a second “falls” behind a slot canyon with deeper waters just beyond this point that I didn’t catch but… there’s always next time.

It’s for (mostly) everyone

While I wouldn’t suggest this for younger kids (1st grade or below), it is not a treacherous rapid. It’s the loose or slick rock you may step on that will get you. I had a couple near misses, but mainly due to not paying attention. Otherwise, wow. You’ve got to find a way to see this.

I would gladly take the trip up again this weekend to do it again. If you find yourself with a free day and a sense of adventure, book your required permit and get ready to head west on Interstate 15. It will be one of those experiences you think of fondly for years to come.

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