Last updated on August 17th, 2016 at 04:17 pm
In the American southwest, the forces of nature have worked together to create a dramatic and mysterious landscape.
Arches National Park lies at the very heart of the famed Red Rock Country of Southeastern Utah. It covers over 76,000 acres of semi‐desert terrain and contains more natural stone arches than in any other area of the country.
Interesting Facts
- Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches.
- Although over 2,000 arches are located within the park’s 76,518 acres, the park also contains an astounding variety of other geological formations.
- When a new arch is discovered, the name is provided by the discoverer. No one else may claim this right.
- Each natural arch will fall someday.
- Hundreds of species of wildlife dwell in Arches National Park, including the cottontail rabbit, mule deer, and a host of reptiles.
Things to see in Arches National Park
Park avenue
The park road of Arches National Park initially leads visitors to an area with sheer walls, known as Park Avenue, which resembles a city street with tall buildings.
La Sal Mountains
In the southeast area of the park you can see the La Sal Mountains that rises to an elevation of over 12,000 feet.
Courthouse Towers
The Courthouse Towers can be found in the Northeast of Park Avenue.
Three Gossips and Sheep Rocks
Three Gossips and Sheep Rocks is an example of the formations and arches in the park. They are the remains of ancient monoliths.
Balanced Rock
With a total height of 128 feet , Balanced Rock is an example of countless spires, pinnacles and rocks of unique forms.
Double Arch
Another formation, the marvelous Double Arch, is 153 feet in length and 105 feet in height. It is the second largest arch in the park. This amazing formation features two unique archways naturally formed over time.
Turret Arch
The distinctive Turret Arch is set against the splendid background of La Sal Mountains.
North Window and South Window
Arches National Park is also home to two spectacular arches side by side, the North Window and South Window.
Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a maze of fins, spires and narrow passages. It was named as such because of its Entrada Sandstone which gives out a reddish glow in the late afternoon sun.
Park road arches
Skyline Arch can be seen alongside the main park road while Devil’s Garden formation lies at the end of the park road.
Broken Arch
Broken Arch is one of the many arches found in this scenic area along with the Partition Arch.
Landscape Arch
The Landscape Arch, an incredible arch formation that creates a bridge like structure, with a size of 306 feet, is the longest arch in the world.
Delicate Arch
The Delicate Arch may well be the most famous natural span in the world. Its delicate, natural beauty is reflected in its name and it has become the symbol of the park.
Dark Angel
Another popular sight that overlooks the South Valley.
Camping in Arches National Park
Campgrounds
Arches National Park has only one campground, the Devils Garden Campground. This campground is open year-round and is located 18 miles from the park entrance. It offers park guests and visitors an intimate connection with the amazing geography of the park. The Devils Garden Campground is strategically located to enjoy activities such as sightseeing, rock climbing, hiking and photography.
Devils Garden Campground has 2 group campsites and 50 individual campsites. Facilities in the campground includes the following: potable water, pit-style and flush toilets, picnic tables, and grills. There are no showers or RV dump stations at the campground. Campsite rentals cost $20 per night (up to 10 people).
If you are interested in backcountry camping, do note that there are no backcountry campsites in the park and this activity requires permit which is available at the Visitor Center. Low-impact camping techniques are important.
Pets
Pets (leashed) are allowed in campsites and on the road only. Owners are advised to clean up after their pets.
Weather
Weather in Arches National Park varies significantly with the seasons. The spring season brings cool nights, strong winds and warm days. During summer, strong monsoons strike without notice making hiking activities in the park a major challenge. Spring and fall are the most temperate seasons.Most people visit this park from April through May and between mid-September to the end of October.
Tips for Planning a camping trip
- Reserve in advance here or by calling (877) 444-6777
- Reservations must be made no less than four days and no more than 180 days in advance.
- Reservations are not accepted by the park, and the park does not maintain information about site availability.
- Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Bring your own wood or charcoal for the grills as it is not available for sale
- Carry your own water and no fires allowed for backcountry camping
- Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Arches National Park may just seem like a land of exotic land formations to some, but there is much more to it, and it has many rare qualities.
UPDATE :
Devils Garden Campground will be closed March 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. Arches National Park will be undergoing extensive road construction during that time and the Devils Garden area will be inaccessible. Please visit the park’s website for more road construction and trip planning information.
Resources:
https://www.nps.gov
http://www.discovermoab.com
http://www.desertusa.com
http://www.visitutah.com
http://www.escapehere.com
www.traveladvisortips
