Salt Valley Overlook
Forces of nature have exposed layers upon layers of the earth's strata.
Plan Around Salt Valley Overlook
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Salt Valley Overlook Details
At the heart of the park, just north of the turnoff to the Delicate Arch road is the Salt Valley Overlook. From this vantage point, look Northwest to the collapsed Salt Valley ringed with Jurassic sandstone. A friendly ranger may be at the lookout to explain the geology of this anticline. Surrounded by cliffs and fiery bluffs are gray and yellow hills of gypsum, divided by the Salt Valley Wash. Millions of years of erosion, plate tectonics and other natural forces have exposed almost 20 unique layers of the earth's strata. Tens of millions of years ago, frequent ocean flooding and draining in the region produced a 4,000-foot-thick layer of salt over Arches. This layer was later covered by layers of stone. As the salt shifted from below, the ground buckled and cracked, eventually forming the rock formations we see today. An exploration of the Salt Valley coupled with a stop at the Visitor Center will bring the unique geology to life.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Salt Valley Overlook
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Salt Valley Overlook
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Salt Valley Overlook while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
15 miles past the Visitor Center.
