Shallow holes you see here in the cliff are being excavated as erosion removes more weakly cemented sand grains. A few small, weather sculpted arches can be seen in Shinob Canyon, which cuts in the south wall of Grand Wash to your right. Cassidy Arch is nestled high in the cliffs to your left. There are more plants in Grand Wash than on the red hills at the start of the Scenic Drive. Although the channel beyond the bank to your right carries no water most of the time, it does occassionally.
Many plants thrive nearby.
Some, like Apache-plume, are rarely found away from washes such as this. Other species here like rabbitbrush also tolerate drier environments. There can be too much water. In the continuing process of erosion, flash floods roar down the canyon carrying debris that crushes and smothers vegetation. In effect, plant life survival means a compromise between a demand for water and a need for protection from floods.