The rocky ‘reef’ of Utah

We’re in Capitol Reef National Park, in the western US state of Utah, which was established as a national monument (protected land usually created by the president) on this day in 1937. Its name comes from its massive sandstone domes, which reminded explorers of the famous domed Capitol Building in Washington DC. And where does the reef bit come from? Those imposing formations were a major obstacle to travellers through the region, in much the same way as a coral reef is an obstacle to sailors.
© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures