In the park
Arches National Park is known for its natural sandstone arches, carved by hundreds of years of wind, water, and weather. This park has over 2,000 of them!
Delicate Arch, featured on one version of the Utah license plate, is probably the world's most famous sandstone arch. An arch, by the way, is basically an exposed rock that has a hole in it formed by natural forces. A natural bridge is a type of arch, but it was specifically formed by water which may or may not still be flowing beneath. No matter how you define it, natural arches are beautiful and just plain cool. Most people head to Arches to get in some hiking and backpacking, biking, climbing, and photography. The first visitors showed up about 10,000 years ago. They're still coming to see the amazing features of this spectacular example of nature's complex and colorful rock designs, such as the popular
Fiery Furnace. And although one touring Frenchman left his name etched into the rock back in 1844, please don't do so today; while his graffiti is protected by law, yours will be prosecuted by it! A National Park since 1971, Arches is a common inclusion in a Southwestern loop tour that many visitors take. Explore
Balanced Rock or the super-thin, super-pretty
Landscape Arch if you have kids with you. For more challenging excursions, head to the Windows area and check out its
Primitive Loop Hike. And everywhere you, make sure to bring along your camera as you try to capture these most elegant natural structures.
Attractions
Klondike Bluffs
Double O Arch
Landscape Arch
Fiery Furnace
Dark Angel
Broken Arch
Delicate Arch Trail
Tapestry Arch
Private Arch
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Devils Garden Primitive Loop Hike
Junior Ranger
