It is the last member of the Permian Cutler Group, and overlies the major Organ Rock Formation and Cedar Mesa Sandstone; and again overlies thinner units of the Elephant Canyon and Halgaito Formations.

It is the continental geologic formation deposited at the time of marine transgressions during the Early to Middle Permian Period.

The coeval Toroweap Formation was laid down under marine conditions along the southwest margin of the North American continent and is found in northwest Arizona layered between Coconino Sandstone and the Kaibab Formation.

The cliffs also extend north-northwest adjacent the west perimeter of the Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park.

The fold is traversed by Burr Trail Road-Straton Road which has views toward the Circle Cliffs, southward, or westward.