View source for Arches National Park

{{Infobox national park
| name         = Arches National Park
| image        = Delicate_Arch_Arches_NP.jpg
| caption      = Delicate Arch, the iconic symbol of Arches National Park
| location     = Utah, United States
| coordinates  = 38.7331°N, 109.5925°W
| area         = 119 sq mi (310 km²)
| established  = November 12, 1971
| visitors     = 1.8 million (2023)
| website      = https://www.nps.gov/arch
}}
'''Arches National Park''' is located in eastern [[Utah]] near the town of [[Moab]], and is world-renowned for its spectacular **'''natural rock arches'''**, towering **fins**, and massive **'''balanced rocks'''**. It was designated a national park on **'''November 12, 1971'''**, after first being protected as a national monument in 1929.

== Geologic Marvels ==
The park contains over '''2,000 documented natural stone arches''', including:
* '''Delicate Arch''' – the park’s most famous landmark
* '''Landscape Arch''' – the longest natural arch in North America
* '''Double Arch''', '''Balanced Rock''', and '''The Windows Section'''

These formations were sculpted by millions of years of erosion, freezing, and thawing in sandstone layers.

== Terrain and Climate ==
* A rugged desert environment with sandstone plateaus, canyons, and slickrock trails
* Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C)
* Best visiting seasons: spring and fall

== Hiking and Exploration ==
Popular hikes include:
* '''Delicate Arch Trail''' (3 miles roundtrip)
* '''Devils Garden Trail''' – includes Landscape Arch and other formations
* '''The Windows Loop''' – easily accessible with multiple arches
* Ranger-led stargazing events, photography tours, and geology programs

== Flora and Fauna ==
Despite its dry climate, Arches supports:
* Desert wildlife: '''lizards''', '''rabbits''', '''bighorn sheep''', '''coyotes'''
* Plant life: '''juniper''', '''sagebrush''', '''yucca''', and '''cryptobiotic soil crusts'''

== Cultural History ==
* The area was once inhabited by '''Ancestral Puebloans''' and later used by the '''Ute''' and '''Paiute''' peoples
* Petroglyphs can be seen in nearby areas like '''Courthouse Wash'''

== Nearby Attractions ==
* Located just 5 miles from downtown [[Moab]], Utah
* Close to other natural wonders like [[Canyonlands National Park]] and [[Dead Horse Point State Park]]

== Fun Facts ==
* Delicate Arch appears on Utah license plates
* Some arches form and collapse naturally — Landscape Arch has thinned noticeably over the years
* Arches is designated as a '''Dark Sky Park''', making it ideal for stargazing

== See Also ==
* [[National Parks in the United States]]
* [[Zion National Park]]
* [[Bryce Canyon National Park]]
* [[Moab, Utah]]
* [[Geology of the United States]]