You may recognize this place from blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Thelma and Louise. Arches National Park has a very dinstinct look that you will not find anywhere else on earth. In all, there are over two thousand stone arches here of every imaginable size and shape. Making this the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches. Also it is home to the second longest arch in the world, Landscape Arch, measuring three hundred and six fragile feet long. And it’s absolutely breathtaking.
How were the arches created?
Over 300 million years ago this area was a sea which refilled and evaporated twenty-nine times. The results were salt beds, thousands of feet deep. Over the years debris that was carried in by wind and nearby streams accumulated on top and created thick levels of sandstone over these salt beds. Eventually, the pressure created by the weight of the debris caused the salt beds to liquefy and it pushed the sandstone upwards as the salt accumulated into pockets below. Water got into these pockets and froze further expanding these into domes. Afterwards, the salt and water eventually washed away leaving behind fragile domes within the rock which collapsed over time. Wind and water eroded what was left of these domes creating the beautiful arches that we see today.
Early civilizations
Humans have passed through this area as far back as 10,000 BC. What they left behind was rock art, fire pits used in hunting camps and evidence of tool-making. First the Navajo, Ute and Paiute Indian lived here from 1200’s to late 1800’s. Then the first white settlers to attempt settlement was the Mormon Elk Mission in 1855, they abandoned the area a few years later. Since the temperatures are so hot and dry, this area was a difficult one to settle in. On top of the heat, Arches National park gets very little precipitation. Which ranges from eight and a half to ten inches of precipitation annually. In the 1880’s a few farmers and prospectors starting settling in the area. Finally on April 12, 1929, the park was named a national monument and it was later redesignated as Arches National park on Nov 12, 1971.
Don’t Miss These Arches
Balance Rock
Balance Rock: This giant rock is the size of three school buses and it towers at 128 ft high, eventually it will topple over. A good third of what was holding the base of the rock on it’s pillar has eroded away. In 1976 it’s smaller cousin, “Chip off the Old Block” fell to the ground.
Courthouse Towers
Courthouse Towers: A beautiful collection of tall stone columns.
Turret Arch
Turret Arch: Looks like a big hand making a giant ok sign.
Devil’s Garden
Devils Garden or the Klondike Bluffs: A collection of arches and columns scattered along a ridge.
Double Arch
Double Arch: Two of the parks most beautiful arches that meet at a common point forming a giant dome underneath.
Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace: Maze-like narrow passages through tall rock columns, this place got it’s name from the Fiery Furnace mentioned in the bible.
Travel Secret!
- There are hidden petroglyphs near Dark Angel. They are not on any map, don’t bother asking the rangers where they are cause they won’t tell you their location. There is no established trail to these petroglyphs. You have to hike a bit west of the spire.
- Since it’s so hot here, you may not sweat so it’s a whole lot easier to exert yourself without realizing it. Drink lots of water.
Things to do at Arches
ROCK CLIMBING:
Since there are such nice rock facades here, as you might have guessed, Arches National Park is an excellent place for Rock climbing. There are some excellent routes here. Please get a free permit online or on site before you go. Be advised that use of white chalk is strictly prohibited. However, it’s so hot and dry here, you probably won’t need it.
Off-roading
If you like off-roading, Moab is one of the best places in North America to 4X4. But if you don’t want to use your own vehicle, you can book your adventure below.
From USD$91.89
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Duration:
5 hours
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Departs:
Moab, Utah
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Visit Arches National Park on a 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour that features …
From USD$107.51
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Duration:
2 hours 30 minutes
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Departs:
Moab, Utah
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Cruise off the beaten path by UTV (utility terrain vehicle) to explore …
From USD$138.05
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Duration:
8 hours
-
Departs:
Moab, Utah
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Explore Canyonlands National Park by 4-wheel drive (4WD) and go white-water …
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Admission
$25 per vehicle.
Plan at least a full day, it’s a 36 mile scenic drive round-trip.
Trails
Most of the stops along the route have trails that you can explore along the way. almost all of them are relatively easy trails. There are restrooms along the way but the only place you can purchase anything is at the visitors center. Bring lots of water, camera, hat, good walking shoes and sunblock.
Directions
Arches National Park
Located five miles north of Moab, Utah on US 191.
From Moab, drive five miles north on Main Street/US 191. The entrance to the park is on the right.
From Interstate 70, take exit 182 (Crescent Junction), then drive south 28 miles on US 191. The entrance to the park is on the left, just before Moab.
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