Almost Unbelievable

Another area of unique formations and exquisite beauty in the South Coyote Buttes unit on the Paria Plateau is called "Paw Hole."

Limited permits must be obtained to visit this unique and fragile area. In addition, there are numerous miles of dirt road driving and about 2.5 miles of driving up a steep, sandy road, but the reward is certainly worth the effort. While we had seen numerous images of Paw Hole, most of which tended to focus on the "teepee" formations easily seen from the road, we found ourselves both unprepared and surprised by what is pictured here: tilted sandstone beds with alternating colors of rust and cream. The "rust" colored layers erode at a slower rate and protrude outward as much as a foot from the softer cream-colored layers.

We were so surprised and pleased to find this, that we prolonged our stay by several hours in order to capture better afternoon lighting. Our feeling was that we had found an extraordinary, secret treasure.

Photo was taken mid-February 2014.