the magazine y - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

Echo flrch
Marguerite Schmidt of Moab, Utah, is the
winner of the $5.00 award offered by the
Desert Magazine in May for the correct
name and the best descriptive ariicle about the landmark shown in
the accompanying photograph. He:' winning story is published on this
page.
By MARGUERITE SCHMIDT
rHE landmark pictured in the May
number of the Desert Magazine
is one of hundreds of arches, or
"windows," or "bridges," carved in sandstone
by the elements wind and sand,
and not by water, and found in southeastern
Utah. It is known as Echo Arch
and is located in the Colorado river canyon,
about 10 miles downstream from
the bridge crossing the Colorado river on
U. S. Highway No. 160, near the town
of Moab, Utah.
According to the writer's knowledge
no actual measurements have ever been
taken of the arch. It is estimated to be
about 30 feet from the floor of the arch
to the ceiling and the width, at the widest
point, is estimated to be 62 feet. Local
authorities differ as to the type of sandstone
in which the arch is formed; some
maintain the sheer cliff is composed of
Wingate sandstone, while others say it
is Entrada.
Although many fishermen and hunters
intent upon their particular sport, cowboys
searching for lost cattle in the canyon
and perhaps a dozen students interested
in geology or exploration of the
great river canyon, have viewed and admired
the massive structure and scenic
grandeur surrounding Echo Arch, the
tourist who frequents the highways but
not the byways will not soon experience
the thrill of visiting this beautiful arch
and hearing his voice or other sound reverberate
down the high-walled canyon.
Ordinary conversation, in or near the
arch, can be heard to echo and re-echo
many times.
Echo Arch is accessible by boat or
trail, going down stream from the Colorado
river bridge, on U. S. Highway No.
160. If the trip is made by boat, the
sight-seer may become so engrossed with
the sheerness of the canyon walls and
ever-changing panorama of scenery, the
arch may be missed entirely, unless the
party knows the location or is guided by
some one familiar with the river. The
most magnificent view of the arch can
be had by walking less than a quarter of
a mile from the river bank to the base of
the arch and by climbing into the huge
opening, taking in a view of the Colorado
river on one side and an expanse of
rugged, broken plateaus and gorges on
the other.
The trail on the right bank, on which
the arch is found, is rough and partly
obliterated in spots, but the trail down
the left bank of the river is fairly well
traveled and easy to follow. However, a
crossing near the arch would be quite
hazardous except by boat.
The nearest railroad stop, on the Denver
and Rio Grande, is at Thompson,
Utah, a distance of 32 miles from the
Colorado river bridge.
Located in the same general area is
Arches national monument, easily accessible
by automobile, within the boundaries
of which are found numerous
arches, natural bridges and many other
superb examples of wind erosion.
P L A N T O S T O P A T . . .
BEHCOfl TflVM
BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
AT THE GATEWAY
TO DEATH VALLEY
and BOULDER DAM
The beauty and quiet of Air Cooled
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a promise of relaxation and comfort in
the surroundings of luxurious appointments.
. . . RATES . . .
Single $3.00 and $4.00
Double $4.00 and $5.00
All rooms are with private combination
tub and shower.
TOM R. WILSON, Resident Manager.
B E A U T I F U L
D E S E R T
PHOTOS
ORIGINAL SALON PRINTS
BY
WILLIAM FOX
"THE DESERT PHOTOGRAPHER"
11x14 inch Mat Type Prints of the
Following Prize Photos
PALM CANYON
DESERT OASIS
SAND VERBENAS
THE JOSHUA
THE YUCCA
SMOKE TREES
SAND DUNES
MT. SAN JACINTO
THE CHOLLA
THE SAGUARO
DATE GARDENS
POPPY FIELDS
Beautifully finished on illustrator's special
double weight paper—each print enclosed
in folder of heavy book paper with authentic
legends and interesting descriptions
in offset printing—all enclosed in professional
art photo-mailer! Ready to send
as a gift.
GOLD TONED PRINTS $1.00
BEAUTIFULLY HAND COLORED ..„ $2.00
California buyers add 3% Sales Tax
Postage prepaid anywhere in the U. S. A.
Your money cheerfully refunded if not satisfied.
WILLIAM FOX
P. O. Box 1478 Banning, California
"ON THE DESERT'S EDGE"
The DESERT MAGAZINE