NABSQNO 12S-686453-4334580
Cedar Tree Arch, Mesa County, Colorado
Photo by Jay Wilbur
Example Pothole Natural Arch
NABSQNO 12S-686453-4334580. Cedar Tree Arch is an old pothole natural arch eroded through Entrada sandstone. In this case, when the pothole reached a harder layer of sandstone (still Entrada) it was laterally diverted and almost immediately breached the cliff wall. Since the lintel is arched and the opening is semicircular, this arch is considered old.Cedar Tree Arch is also known as Rainbow Arch. It is one of several arches found in the cliffs above the outer gorge of Rattlesnake Canyon in Mesa County, Colorado. This area is managed by the BLM, but has been frequently considered for annexation by Colorado National Monument. Check with the BLM office in Grand Junction for information and directions before accessing.
This natural arch is listed in the Vreeland catalog as 18-16. It has a span of about 50 feet.
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Other Pothole Natural Arch examples:
| Pritchett Arch | Window Rock | Gold Bar Arch | Rainbow Arch | Honeymoon Arch | Flying Eagle Arch |