Art in Sand and Stone

The “Coyote Buttes” is an area in extreme southern Utah and northern Arizona of extravagant and intriguing geologic formations in sandstone.

The most well-known of these is the small area called, “The Wave.” Close by are some other areas of great interest and viewing called “Paw Hole,” “Cottonwood Cove” and “White Pocket.” All of these require extensive driving on loose, sandy, single-track, 4WD roads that are then followed by desert hiking across sandy, sometime trackless terrain and slickrock walking. 

This particular photo was taken September, 2017 on a very windy, late afternoon visit to “Paw Hole,” where we continue to find sights that amaze us. The sculpting of the rock is simply beautiful and stunning. More of that sculpting is accomplished by wind, rather than water, as many would guess. The sweeping lines seem to suggest an artist’s brush taking wide strokes against a grainy palette. And though the scene seems somewhat impressionistic, the sand-dune on the left offers a softening effect to the roughness of the sandstone walls and the softer yellow bands have a glistening, satin appearance from the setting sun that offers a contrast not only in color but texture as well. 

HDR Image