Delicate Arch

In the 1950s, the National Park Service wanted to cover the Delicate Arch in a clear plastic coating.

Why the plastic coating?

Well, the NPS thought that the arch was so beautiful that they wanted to protect it from erosion.

The thing is, the Delicate Arch was created by erosion in the first place! This freestanding, naturally-formed arch is 65 feet (20 meters) tall and part of the Entrada Sandstone formation. Deposited during the Jurassic period (between 180 and 140 million years ago), the Delicate Arch was originally in the shape of a fin, which was worn away over time by erosion and weathering. Fun fact: The Delicate Arch is featured on Utah license plates!