| Arches National Park | |
|---|---|
| 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 (latest) | 1.8 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
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