Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In some areas, faulting has exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of Arches National Park, including balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.History & Culture: Rocks have attracted visitors to Arches National Park for thousands of years. However, sightseeing has not been the main activity for very long. Hunter-gatherers migrated into the area about 10,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age. As they explored Courthouse Wash and other areas in what is now Arches, they found pockets of rock perfect for making stone tools.Nature & Science: The forces of nature have acted in concert to create the landscape of Arches National Park, which contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Throughout the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events. These layers continue to shape life in Arches National Park today, as their erosion influences elemental features like soil chemistry and where water flows when it rains.When visiting Arches National Park, plan on spending at least a few hours in the park, exploring the scenic drive and several of the viewpoints and short trails. If time permits, longer hikes lead to many spectacular rock formations, including Delicate Arch, and the Devils Garden Campground provides an excellent base camp for multi-day trips. Also, consider attending an interpretive program. Guided walks, short talks and campfire programs are offered daily March through OctoberScenic Drives in Arches National Park
The road system in Arches National Park passes many outstanding natural features. As Arches National Park' popularity has increased, people have begun to park in areas that damage plants and sometimes endanger other visitors. Please park in established lots only. Generally, parking spaces are easier to find before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.If the visitors' time at Arches National Park will be limited, try one of the following itineraries:If you have 1.5 hours: Drive to the Windows Section and see some of the park's largest arches. (Add one-half hour to stroll beneath either North Window or Double Arch.).Alternatively, drive to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and see the world's most famous arch, a mile distant. Stop at Wolfe Ranch on the way back and imagine what it would have been like to homestead this relatively barren area in the late 1800s.If visitors have 3 hours: Do both of the above!If visitors have 4.5 hours: Drive all of the paved park roads, spending ten minutes at each viewpoint, and be sure to visit the Windows Section, Wolfe Ranch and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint.Backpacking in Arches National Park:
Arches National Park is a relatively small park, with very few areas far enough from roads to qualify as backcountry. Outside the developed areas there are no designated trails, campsites, or reliable water sources.In order to backpack in Arches National Park, visitors must obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center. The maximum group size is twelve, but smaller groups are strongly recommended to reduce impacts. Permits may not be reserved in advance. Backpackers should know how to navigate with a topographic map, recognize safety hazards and practice low-impact camping specific to the high desert. Primary safety considerations include steep terrain, loose rock, lightning, flash floods, and dehydration.Pets may not accompany groups in the backcountry.Biking at Arches National Park:
Arches offers great opportunities for both road and mountain biking. Though there are no bike lanes and traffic can be heavy at times, riding the scenic drive is a great way to see the park. The Salt Valley and Willow Springs roads are less traveled but are more suited to mountain bikes due to washboards, deep sand and other obstacles.Bicycles are only permitted on roads: there is no single track or trail riding in the park. When biking on the main road, please use caution and ride single file on the edge of the lane.Interpretive Programs at Arches National Park:
The following interpretive programs are offered mid-March through October:Fiery Furnace Walks: Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice each day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. These 2.5 to 3 hour hikes are moderately strenuous, requiring the occasional use of hands to scramble through narrow cracks and along narrow ledges. Visitors are encouraged to accompany a ranger for safety and to reduce impacts. In order to visit the Fiery Furnace without a ranger, visitors must obtain a permit (fee charged) at the visitor center.Other Guided Walks: Rangers lead easy, one-hour walks each day at different locations throughout the park. Check at the visitor center or on any park bulletin board for current schedules.Evening Programs: Join a ranger at the Devils Garden campground amphitheater (next to Canyon Wren group campsite and across the road from campsite #25) nightly. Programs last about forty-five minutes. Check at the visitor center or on any park bulletin board for current schedules. |
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