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Arches National Park, Utah


Arches National Park is in Utah and is bordered by the Colorado River. Arches is known to have more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Some well known formations are the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devils Garden and Balanced Rock.

The national park lies atop an underground evaporite layer or salt bed, which is the main cause of the formation of the arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths in the area. Under great pressure, salt can flow like a glacier. Salt was squeezed into a dome in the Moab area, elevating the rocks above it then cracks formed in the rock over the dome of salt. Weather-eroded arches begin their formation as deep cracks and erosion occurring within the cracks wears away exposed rock layers and enlarges the surface cracks isolating narrow sandstone walls which are called fins.

The Delicate Arch

The Delicate Arch is one of the most popular sights to see within Arches National Park. This world famous natural sandstone arch can be seen by hiking to it, the trail starts at Wolfe Ranch, making its way through Slickrock or it can been seen from the road as well.

Fiery Furnace

This geologic formation is a beautiful place to hike to see the sunset and sunrise views. The Fiery Furnace is a natural labyrinth of narrow passages between towering sandstone walls. To enter the Fiery Furnace, you must accompany a ranger-guided hike or obtain a hiking permit at the visitor center.

Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch is the largest arch on the planet. The 290-foot long Landscape Arch is an impressive sandstone arch located in the Devils Garden region of the park.

Double Arch

Double Arch consist of two arches in the same stone. It was formed differently from most of the arches in Arches National Park. It is what is known as a pothole arch and it was formed by water erosion from above rather than erosion from the side.

Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch is located in a shady, sandy-floored ravine between vertical rocks and has a large pile of soft, wind-blown sand underneath.

The Park Avenue Towers

The Park Avenue Trail is most aptly named for New York City’s famous street. Early travelers noticed a similarity between these sandstone spires and the famous skyscrapers along New York’s Park Avenue. One mile in and there are the Courthouse Towers.

Skyline Arch

The Skyline Arch is visible from the road when approaching the Devil's Garden. A large block of sandstone fell from Skyline Arch in 1940, doubling the size of the arch overnight.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is an iconic feature that stands 128 feet tall and is near the road so it's easily seen. Balancing Rock appears to be balancing, but rather the Entrada Sandstone bolder sits attached to it's eroding pedestal of Dewey Bridge mudstone.

Explore the quirky adventures and misadventures as I take you on a journey of the United States National Parks. These journeys inspired me to explore even more about the history of the United States, the good, the bad and the ugly. These journeys are encouragements to explore, or re-examine these beautiful lands. From mountain roads with hairpin turns to stunning seaside escapes to exploring good old American history, these are amazing journeys to take in this lifetime.

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