Am back in the Redwood Empire! Great Basin National Park is one of those unknown diamond's in the rough. Located in central Nevada near the Utah border, this park has much to offer. I have climbed Wheeler peak, 13,065 feet(3,982 m) and it's glacier. Walked amongst the Ancient Bristlecone groves, and took in Lehman caves. The name is miss leading as it is only one long cave, but it does sport some rare shield formations. In the south reaches of the park were even fewer venture is Lexington Arch. Again, another (possible)miss leading name as the theory of it's creation classifies it as a natural bridge rather an arch. This Limestone bridge stands next to Lexington creek at six stories in height. Most arches and bridges are formed from sandstone, though Limestone is not uncommon, above ground arches carved from Limestone are rare. This is one of the largest Limestone arches in the western United States. Why call it a bridge rather than an arch? Arches are formed by the weathering of wind and water erosion. Bridges are created by the flowing of water. Flowstone is a smooth glassy deposit that forms in caves, and is found at the base of Lexington Arch. It is speculated that once the canyon was not as deep and Lexington creek was higher. The creek waters flowed through a cave in the canyon wall enlarging the tunnel and formed the arch we see today. If this is correct, then it is not a true arch, but a natural bridge. This was a fun hike along Lexington creek up into the arch. It was all of 830 feet(250 m) in elevation gain, and a short distance of 1.7 miles (2.7 k). It was a warm summer day and when stepping into the arch to take in the view out across the valley. I was meet with natural air conditioning as the cooler winds from higher elevations funneled through the arch. To the kind souls that leave their mark whether a comment, rating, or save the image as a fav, you are very much appreciated, thank you!!! Thank you all that viewed my last image below.

"Spiral sandstone"