In the mid-1800s, a young surveyor in what we now know as Colorado Springs named Rufus Cable stated that an array of whimsical red rock formations that he had stumbled upon while in the line of duty were so stately and beautiful that they looked like a meeting place for the gods. Thus, one of…
When most people think of Texas, they think of cattle, football, and cowboy hats. Most travelers are unaware that Texas is home to one of the world’s greatest geological wonders. The Caverns of Sonora—which is located approximately 15 miles outside of the town of Sonora—is a spectacular cave system that is home to some of…
In the Shinto tradition—which is an ancient Japanese belief system—the practice of iwakura venerates sacred stones that are thought to be inhabited by Shinto gods. The two rocks of Meoto Iwa—otherwise known as the Wedded Rocks—honor the gods Izanagi and Izanami, who Shinto devotees believe created the island of Japan. The larger rock represents the…
Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand is home to one of the most curious rock formations in the world. Geologists are endlessly fascinated by Split Apple Rock, a large granite boulder that appears to be perfectly split down the middle. Scientists are puzzled by the formation of this distinctive cleaved boulder. The most plausible…
Few places in the world exhibit as stark a difference between high and low tide as Spain‘s Cantabrian Coast. At low tide, a series of rock formations, resembling the stately buttresses of a towering cathedral, emerge on the seafloor. As soon as high tide rolls in, the rock formations are almost entirely obscured by water….
Much like clouds, the true identity of a rock formation lies in the eye of the beholder. The Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, Canada—a series of distinctive coastal rock formations—have been likened to bears, elephants, and dinosaurs. Most commonly, they are classified as a collection of stone flowerpots, fully visible when the tide recedes. The…
Saudi Arabia is home to one of the most picturesque stretches of desert in the Middle East. A sweeping valley known as Wadi Al Disah—or “Valley of the Palm Trees”—stands out as one of the most celebrated locales in Saudi Arabia’s arid regions. Wadi Al Disah boasts natural springs with pristine water, towering red rock…
Visiting the quaint town of Cuevas del Agua demands dedication. Travelers are beckoned by a narrow road that intricately winds its way through a vast natural cave. Known as La Cuevona, this cave witnesses not just the passage of vehicles but also awestruck pedestrians, who walk alongside, captivated by the impressive rock formations. What sets…
