The destination of a relatively short and easy hike at the end of a spectacular dirt road through a dry wash in Capitol Reef National Park is a series of potholes in the sandstone. Now, just said like that everyone's like: who cares, it's a pothole. Let me explain. These potholes collect and hold precious water after the infrequent rain showers that roll over the area. They are the lifeblood of the animals that call the desert home. This series of potholes had multitudes of life in them, from tiny insect larvae to full grown water beetles and dragonflies, there were the tadpoles of spadefoot toads, and there were even tiny silver fish! These animals are able to exist because of potholes, but they are also trapped in their little oasis, unable to leave until the next rare rain brings enough water to overflow the pothole. Those little buggers have an extremely quick life cycle, and most are able to go dormant until the pool fills again. Getting to see this phenomena in person was awesome, and well worth baking in the desert sun to get there!
Leave me a comment below and tell me about a time you've witnessed something as cool as this on your own travels or in your backyard!
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