Geology Vista offers not only outstanding views of the desert below but also some fine examples of the weathering process. Wind and rain loosen tiny specks of rock and clay from the mountain's many cracks and fissures. Ice and snow force rock to part as the roots of hardy plants help the process of erosion by releasing acids to further break down the rock. All this weathering, scraping, and crumbling produce the fanciful formations lining the Byway.