Sites and Attractions in Arches National Park

Petroglyphs in Arches, near Delicate Arch.
Photo by ginsnob on flickr, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.

Arches is listed in the book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and with good reason. The magnificent sandstone arches aren't collected in this small area just by coincidence. The salt layer underneath all of the sandstone in Arches pushed upward around 300 million years ago, causing the sandstone crack, and eventually erode. Some of those cracks eroded into the arches that are left today.

The Courthouse area of Arches.
Photo by Paraflyer on flickr, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.

The park has a small collection of Native American petroglyphs to compliment the amazing scenery. Each of the arches in the park can be reached via a short hike, or long hike in some instances. Loop trails will provide views of several arches, while others are easily seen right from the scenic drive. You'll see the most arches if you plan a hike or two in the park. Hiking is best reserved for the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight best compliments the sandstone.

Broken Arch lies in the Fiery Furnace area of the park. Named because of the crack that runs down the center of the arch, it looks structurally sound for now. This arch is best photographed during the early morning hours, when the reds, oranges, and browns of the sandstone look their most colorful.

Sand Dune Arch is an easy 0.4 mile roundtrip hike in a slot canyon of sorts. From the same trail, you can also access Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch.

The ground surrounding the arch is made of fine pinkish sand, making an enjoyable departure from the rest of the wide open park.

Ring Arch is located near the Courthouse Towers area and is only viewable by hiking to the area. You're unlikely to see much of a crowd flocking to this arch. The formation is on a giant piece of rock sandstone, and is an easy 1 hour hike.

Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is located in the southwestern portion of Utah, and is home to the famous red and white hoodoos spire formations, with remarkable hiking trails and scenic opportunities.

Capitol Reef National ParkA 70 mile wrinkle in the earth's crust resulted in the massive Capitol Reef area and National Park. Giant sandstone domes line the tops of this beautiful Utah plateau.

Canyonlands National ParkWind and water carved stone resulted in the area near Arches known as Canyonlands. The area boasts impressive, wide canyons, unique desert wildlife, and unmatched hiking.

Zion National ParkThe majestic Zion region has been eroded over time by the Virgin River, which slims down to the challenging hiking area of the Narrows.

Mesa Verde National ParkRemnants of a long lost culture can be found in the Colorado ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. Visit to gaze upon the incredible Puebloan Cliff Palace and ancient petroglyphs.

Monument ValleyDeep in the four corners region of the southwest is the often filmed Monument Valley reservation area. Now under the rule of the Navajo tribe, the area is open for touring, hiking and photography.

Arches National ParkSee the most natural sandstone arches anywhere in the world in Arches National Park of Moab, Utah. Erosion has left thousands of these unique stone structures standing in the park.

Black Canyon of the GunnisonDeep, black canyons leave a lasting impression in Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with an impressive 2700 foot drop over into the Gunnison River.

Great Basin National ParkGreat Basin National Park contains the beautiful underground Lehman's Cave, and the mammoth peak of Mount Wheeler. Hike the area from its 13,000 feet peak, to beneath the earth's surface.

The Grand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, with an unforgettable hiking, photography, and road trip experience.