The Upheaval Dome Crater is over 2 miles wide, ringed by downwarped rock layers called a Syncline. Rocks in the center of the crater have been pushed up into a circular structure called a dome, and in this case more specifically, an Anticline. Geologists are not sure how this oddity was formed, but two strong theories have emerged involving meteorites and salt.

The Meteorite Theory postulates that the resulting crater eventually collapsed, and later rocks deep within the earth thrust upwards and filled the void

The Salt Theory suggests that underground salt layers were placed under great pressure and oozed upwards to form a salt bubble

The Crater View Trail runs across an expansive slickrock landscape to reach the overlooks

Indian Paintbrush belongs to a genus of 200 species of partially or fully parasitic plants that derive nourishment from the roots of other plants

The Crater View Trail is a compelling destination in itself for endless miles of open slickrock

Whale Rock, a rounded sandstone fin, is located near Upheaval Dome and is an easy side trip

Tadpole shrimp can grow up to 1.5" in a pothole

There are very deep rock layers exposed in Upheaval Dome that are not exposed anywhere else in this area

Though less than a mile, it's not hard to lose track of the trail in this open landscape

Geologists estimate that 60-160 M years ago, a meteorite 500 - 1000' wide hit the earth at this location

Potholes harbor drought resistors that have waterproof-like exoskeletons that prevent bodily tissues from losing too much water

Collared lizard tails do not automize regrow like many other lizard species

Entrada sandstone benches connect the first and second overlook