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Storm Rider · Last edited by Storm Rider on Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

Day 8 - Potash / Shafer Trail - Nov. 8, 2004
Our group took the 30-minute hike to Corona Arch (or is it called Little Rainbow Bridge?). It seems the name is not entirely agreed upon. There was a light sprinkle with a heavy, dark sky, but pictures were taken anyway. After a lot of looking at the arch and just being somewhat overwhelmed at this spot, people didn’t seem ready to leave. Standing under the span looking up, the quiet discussion was about how could the arch stand there for probably many centuries, would it withstand a earthquake, how much does it weigh, and what accident or quirk of geology occurred to create and form this wonderful natural span? Discussion at Bowtie Arch asked what determines usage of the term ‘arch’ or ‘bridge’ when naming a span? We could use some help with that question. And today in the daily newspaper Corona Arch appears to be in the background of a Lexus SUV ad. Check for it in your local paper. Utahredrocks.com has excellent details for this hike under 'explorations'. Again, Robert, - Thank you!
Long Canyon Trail had numerous places for views down the canyon as we were traveling up the canyon. Of course photos had to be taken where the trail goes under ‘the rock’. What an energizing and scenic canyon to explore without using a whole day or even a half day.
After passing the potash plant the Shafer Trail, or Potash Trail, (again two names for the same route), plays hide and seek with the Colorado River with plenty of opportunities for hikes and overlooks. An hour-long hike was taken up the East Fork of Shafer Canyon with towering walls all around and more dark, thickening rain clouds to the southwest. Another side trail led to a spire called Chimney Rock. (There seems to be numerous Chimney Rocks in Canyon Country.) Yet another side trail ended at the brink of a 60-ft. dry waterfall. Oh, to be at this spot during a good rainstorm! Just to be able to see and hear it would be an adventure. On the other hand, perhaps we should be careful what we wish for. It was again sprinkling as we returned to the vehicles and drove in the gathering darkness toward Moab.
Discovery of the day: The trail leading to the waterfall.

FlyingDutchman

Figured I'd just jump in here for a moment, Storm Rider. A bridge, in geologic terms, spans a watercourse, while an arch doesn't. Moisture and frost action work to form an arch, landforms that usually stand on the skyline. Running water is the principal force that forms a natural bridge, which are usually located in canyon bottoms. At least that's what I recollect from my reading. Enjoy the rest of your trip