Introduction to the Valley

Hello,
My name is Sam Epperly and I am studying Environmental Science as a, "one semester left!" senior. I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and have always had a tremendous love for the natural sciences since as far back as I can remember. To that end I encouraged my family to leave our common destination for family vacations, Las Vegas, Nevada, and journey 50 miles to the northeast where we find the Valley of Fire. In this particular area of sedimentary sandstone deposition, a peculiar natural phenomenon stands out among the common yellow sandstone. What appears to be a raging fire in the distance, which can only be described in the eyes of a young explorer, as astonishing, transforms into a breath taking rock formation composed of relatively cool, and unthreatening clusters of red tinted sandstone.

When we finally managed to reach these impressive formations which stood hundreds of feet above my head, I would revel in no greater pleasure afforded by the simple excitement of climbing as high as I could without the assistance of ropes or proper climbing attire. In a matter of minutes I could reach the summit of these great geologic bodies and proclaim dominion over my newest conquest. This place holds special reverence in my mind and I will always remember the ignited passion for nature which took place there. I am excited and intrigued to learn about the natural processes which brought this sanctuary into existence and more than anything, to gain a new appreciation of its wonders.

Photo Citation: http://talkingtree.org/images/20090203100314_naturalarch.jpg