The Wave is composed of ancient petrified sand dunes that have been eroded by wind and rain to expose the extremely unique and varied layers that appear now. The Navajo sandstone comprising The Wave is approximately 190 million years old.
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The soft sandstone of The Wave is soft and fragile. At the edge of every exposed layer is a tiny undercut edge. These flake off when stepped on, so one needs to walk very carefully here. Those who feel the need to climb like monkeys on everything climbable should save these urges for less unique and fragile surroundings.