Arches National Park
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Geology
Beneath Arches lies an underground salt bed that is thousands of feet thick in some places. It was deposited in the area some 300 million years ago, when a sea flowed into the region and eventually evaporated. Over millions of years, due to erosion of the landscape that surrounds the park, the salt bed became covered with layers of debris, sandstone deposits, and windblown sediments. The weight of this cover caused the salt bed below it to liquefy, resulting in pressure that thrust layers of rock above the ground to form domes of salt and stone.As subsurface movement shaped the landscape, erosion removed younger rock layers from the surface and faulting
shifted the earth to reveal millions of
years of geological transformation. The stacked layers of rock visibly exposed throughout most of the park are evidence
of this seismic activity. Over time, water collected in the surface cracks of these layers and froze to ice, thus
expanding the surrounding rock and breaking off bits and pieces that were swept away by the wind.The remaining collection of free-standing fins were weathered by wind and water until, in some cases, the cementing material gave way and chunks of rock tumbled out. Many collapsed entirely but others, with the necessary degree of hardness and balance, survived despite their missing sections. These became the famous arches that can be seen today. Except for isolated remnants, the major formations visible in the park today and most of the arches are made of Entrada and Navajo Sandstone.
What to See
Arches National Park sports the following features.Park Avenue
Park Avenue is an easy, one-mile trail that winds through the bottom of a steep-walled canyon. Many hikers prefer to be dropped off at one end of the one-way trail and picked up at the other to eliminate the need for a round-trip.Petrified Dunes
View the petrified dunes from an overlook that lies on the side of the park road between the Courthouse Towers and The Windows. These colorful formations are ancient sand dunes, hardened into stone throughout millions of years of deposition and erosion.The Organ
Delicate Arch
The most famous arch in the park (and perhaps the world), Delicate Arch can be seen two different ways. Choose to either take a 0.8-mile trail from a roadside turnout, or take a three-mile round-trip by way of a trail that starts at Wolfe’s Ranch to view this natural wonder.The Windows
The North and South Windows are a perfect place to watch and photograph the sunrise. Along with Turret Arch, they are located on an easy one-mile round-trip trail.Double Arch
Devil's Garden Trail
Devil's Garden is home to some of the most notable geological formations in the park, such as Landscape Arch (the park’s largest), Double O Arch, and many more. They are connected by a series of trails, with Landscape Arch only a 1.6-mile round-trip from the trailhead, and Double O Arch a more challenging 4.2-mile round-trip.Fiery Furnace
You will be awed by this spectacular maze of sandstone fins and formations. The area is accessible only on ranger-led tours, which can be reserved at the visitor center for a fee. Tours sell out quickly, so book one as early as possible.
How to Get There
By Plane
Moab's Canyonland Field Airport is the closest major airport to Arches.By Car
The entrance to Arches National Park is located 8 kilometers north of Moab along US Highway 191. A car is the most common way of exploring the park; most visitors will drive to sites and then take short walks to view the geologic formations of the park. There are several four-wheel drive roads in the park's backcountry that may appeal to those with appropriate vehicles.By Foot
There are numerous trails throughout the park, providing an alternative means of travel for those not wanting to explore it by vehicle. Hiking at or around sunrise (5-6 AM) can provide a less crowded experience and easier parking.By Bike
Although not ideal in the summer heat, in cooler months biking can be a popular option. Though there are no bike lanes and traffic can be heavy at times, biking the scenic drive is a great way to see the park. The Salt Valley and Willow Springs roads are less traveled and the terrain is more suited to mountain bikes. Bicycles are only permitted on roads.When to Go
The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April through May) and fall (mid-September through October), when daytime highs average between 16 °C to 27 °C (15°C to 27°C) and lows average between -1 °C to 10 °C (-1°C to +10°C). Summer temperatures often exceed 38 °C (38°C), making strenuous exercise difficult. Late summer monsoon season brings violent storms that often cause flash floods. Winters are cold, with highs averaging -1 °C to 10 °C (-1°C to +10°C), and lows averaging -18 °C to -7 °C (-18 to -7°C). Though large snowfalls are uncommon (except in nearby mountains), even small amounts of snow or ice can make local trails and roads impassable.
Planning Tips
Remember: Stay on the path - footprints erode the soil and destroy years of growth. Do not take rocks or any other type of souvenir from the park. Regulations prohibit slacklining park-wide. Approved recreational
activities include auto-touring, backpacking, biking, camping, and hiking, some of which require permits. Guided
commercial tours and ranger programs are also available. 
Camping
Devil’s Garden Campground is the only campground within the park and reservations are highly recommended. Located at the end of the park road, this campground has 52 individual sites and two group sites. Cost per site is $ 10 USD per night. Stop at the visitor center when it opens at 7:30 AM for the best chance at a site.Rock climbing
Climbing is not allowed on features named on USGS maps, but is allowed on other formations. Many of the formations in the park will easily crumble when disturbed. Know your limitations – many individuals must be rescued each year after they scale a formation only to discover they cannot get back down.Backpacking
In order to backpack in Arches, you must obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center. The maximum group size is ten, but smaller groups are strongly recommended to reduce impact on the environment. Permits may not be reserved in advance. Summer temperatures can reach or exceed 43 °C (43°C), so it is important to carry (and consume) enough liquid to keep you hydrated.Pets
As the climate indicates, there is extreme heat in the summers and the environment is not conducive to domesticated pets.Fees
Park entrance fees are $ 10 USD for private vehicles and $ 5.00 USD for individuals on foot, bike, or motorcycle.Dining & Lodging
There is no food or lodging available within the park, but the nearby town of Moab offers numerous options.Nearby Landmarks
Canyonlands National Park, also near the town of Moab, features a colorful landscape of countless canyons, mesas and buttes that have been carved by the Colorado River and the Green River.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: kristen7225. Last updated: Jun 15, 2015
Pictures of Arches National Park
