The fact that this geology has remained unchanged is especially impressive considering its surrounding environment. To the East the Rocky Mountains were formed through gradual plate transgression. On the West side, basin and range formations formed by plate tectonics. The volcanic activity around the plateau had virtually left geology unchanged. This is largely due to the extensive sedimentary rock layers that are several miles thick. These layers were formed from piles of sediment that built pressure upon itself and formed a think layer of rock.

The Colorado Plateau is also unique, and provides complex evidence of nature's history. This is do to its fantastic geology. The animal and plant life on the plateau also represent the history of the region. The unchanging geology allows animals to lie dormant in dry potholes for up to 25 years, waiting for the rain to come. There are trees and plants that grow on the cliffs of the plateau that are 1,000 years old. Presently 80 different species of fish and 340 species of plants, including 80 species that are protected as threatened or endangered, are also found in this eclectic environment. Evidence also existst of 12,000 years of human occupation from groups such as the Anasazi who mysteriously disappeared over 700 years ago. It's because of this unique geology that all this evidence is so well preserved and so easy to study.