Iconic ‘Double Arch’ and ‘Toilet Bowl’ Rock Formations Crumble in Southern Utah

PAGE, Ariz. (AP) — A significant geological landmark in southern Utah, known by several names such as the “Double Arch,” the “Hole in the Roof,” and the “Toilet Bowl,” has collapsed, according to the National Park Service officials on Friday. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The famed arch within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area fell on Thursday. Park rangers believe changing water levels and erosion caused by waves in Lake Powell were likely factors in its collapse.

Michelle Kerns, superintendent of the recreation area that straddles the border between Utah and Arizona, emphasized that the incident is a stark reminder of the need to protect the lake’s surrounding mineral resources. “These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions,” Kerns noted in a statement.

The arch was made of Navajo sandstone, dating back approximately 190 million years from the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods. This fine-grained sandstone has undergone extensive erosion due to weather, wind, and rain over the centuries, leading up to its eventual collapse.

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area spans nearly 2,000 square miles (5,180 square kilometers) and is a popular destination for boaters and hikers alike.

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