Its origin is lithified sand dunes. There is a lot of that in the Colorado Plateau, because at one time this area was one of the biggest dune fields the Earth has ever known. But why it erodes in this pattern here, I don't know. I've been meaning to look it up. The lithified dunes are also where are you find the slot canyons.
It is interesting that the fracture pattern almost exactly resembles basalt columns and about the same size.
I enjoy looking at the geography, and geology of things. It's interesting when driving across the US and you can just see how the landmasses pushed up against each other to make the mountains.
@randynose
Are you familiar with John McPhee's five part series called Annals of the Former World? Hiiiighly recommended! He really makes plate tectonics and the specific forces that shaped the continent accessible and easy to visualize, especially when you are on site and can see these places.
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