Many of us immediately recall memories of mountains and hillside when we look back upon family vacations and scenic landscape. We sometimes forget, however, the incredible impact that nature has had on the planet over time. The natural erosion of the earth, caused by winds and harsh weathers, has resulted in the creation of some of the most incredible rock formations on the globe.

The next time you plan a vacation, include one or two of these breathtaking destinations on your list of things to see. These spectacular rock formations will leave you ready to hunt for more.

Delicate Arch – Utah

Delicate Arch can be found in Arches National Park in the Utah in the United States. The arch stands alone at a height of 52 feet and is considered one of Utah’s most important landmarks. In 2002, the Olympic torch passed through this arch to mark the beginning of the winter games.

Karlu Karlu – Australia

Also known as the Devil’s Marbles, Karlu Karlu consists of a series of rounded boulders that can be found in Wauchope, Australia. Wauchope is still the home to several Aborigine tribes, who consider the site of the rock formations to be an important religious site. The myth is that the boulders are the eggs left behind by the rainbow serpent.

The Pinnacles – Australia

Image credit: huwp

In Namburg National Park, found in Western Australia, you’ll come across The Pinnacles. These incredible peaks are the result of limestone formations that have evolved over thousands of years. Seashells eventually broke down into sands rich with limestone and eventually found their way into the mainland where, after being rained upon and packed into the ground, they formed the dunes we see today.

The Wave – Arizona

If you’re willing to embark on a moderate hike you’ll be astounded by The Wave formation in Coyote Buttes, Arizona. The heat in Arizona dictates an early morning hike, but you’ll have to plan in advance. Only 20 permits allowing access to the area are issued each day. Ten of those can be reserved in advance and the other 10 are issued via a lottery system daily.

Brimham Rock – England

Brimham Rock is an astounding rock formation found just inside of Brimham Moor in North Yorkshire. The formation stands over 300 meters high and is a very popular tourist attraction. Brimham Rock itself stands amongst a number of other odd rock formations, all of which are part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The rocks, which are spread out over 50 acres, take on a number of incredible shapes, including some that resemble animals, plant life, and a few that hint at the existence of the druids.

James Bond Island – Thailand

James Bond Island can be found in Ao Phang-Nga National Park in Thailand. The needle-shaped limestone formation was nicknamed James Bond Island because it was featured in a Bond flick back in the mid-1970’s. Visits to the island are conducted by guided tour, but you’d better bring your own informational guidebook as the signs explaining the creation of the island aren’t written in any form of legible English.

Devil’s Tower – Wyoming

The formation known as Devil’s Tower can be found in Wyoming. Also known as Bear Tower, the formation is actually the neck of a volcano, standing over 1,200 feet above the surface. Believe it or not, at one point it was not possible to see Devil’s Tower, but years of erosion slowly revealed the monstrosity, which is now considered a national monument.

Goreme Valley Fairy Chimneys – Turkey

The Goreme Valley Fairy Chimneys can be found in Cappadocia, Turkey. They are the result of volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years previous to today. The tops are made of a hard rock, while the actual pillars were formed from a softer rock. It is said that small houses have been carved into the pillars, which remain an incredibly popular tourist attraction to this day.

Perce Rock – Canada

Perce Rock, in Canada, is considered to be amongst the largest natural arch formed from rock in the world. Perce Rock, which translates to “pierced rock,” is located in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It stands over 1,400 feet long and almost 300 feet high.

The Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is located in Northern Island and is comprised of a series of over 40,000 columns made of basalt. Each column is connected and the formation is believed to be a result of volcanic ash. Believe it or not, when this formation was first discovered, scientists argued as to how it was formed. Some thought it was natural, others thought it was manmade – and the mythical though that perhaps it had been created by a giant!

Each of these incredible formations is a sight to behold. No matter when you visit, or which one you choose to see, you’re guaranteed the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy!

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