The collapse of Double Arch, one of Utah's majestic geologic arches, stunned park visitors and deprived the state of a popular natural landmark forever. But geologists say its demise was inevitable.

A common line of questions has emerged from visitors to Utah’s Arches National Park in the week since an iconic rock arch at Lake Powell known as the “Toilet Bowl” collapsed.

This photo provided by the National Park Service shows the Double Arch, center, after the collapse, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Rock Creek Bay of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah.

Planning a trip to Moab, Utah? Discover the top things to do in and outside of the national parks, including hiking, river rafting, and exploring Main Street.

UDOT utilizes drones and LiDAR to monitor and preserve the Red Canyon Arches to prevent erosion and ensure road safety below.

Delicate Arch, the most widely recognized of Utah’s more than 6,000 natural arches, is seen in Arches National Park near Moab, Sept. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) ...

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A common line of questions has emerged from visitors to Utah’s Arches National Park in the week since an iconic rock arch at Lake Powell known as the ...

This combination of photos provided by the National Park Service shows the Double Arch intact in Rock Creek Bay at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, left, and after its collapse ...

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A common line of questions has emerged from visitors to Utah’s Arches National Park in the week since an iconic rock arch at Lake Powell known as the ...

Delicate Arch, the most widely recognized of Utah’s more than 6,000 natural arches, is seen in Arches National Park near Moab, Sept. 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) ...