Reptile Trackway in Sandstone near Sedona
Arizona is no stranger to desert environments and this holds true for the long distant past as well. Sandstone deposits near Sedona reveal that this area was once covered in vast, wind-swept dune fields, much like the modern Sahara Desert. On the fringes of these dunes or near desert oases, where water was available, reptiles roamed and left their mark. This trackway is preserved in the Permian Schnebly Hill Formation and clearly shows front and rear foot pads, digits (toes and fingers) and even claw marks. Such preservation brings to life the ancient world as it existed near Sedona some 280 million years ago. Note the faint wind ripples ripples that trend from lower left to upper right. (Photo by Wayne Ranney)
