Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Arches National Park contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world! Millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events have created over 2,000 natural windows, pinnacles, spires, strangely shaped rocks, and sandstone arches. The world-famous Delicate Arch is among these formations. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Laura JossPhone Number: 435-719-2100
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $10; Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $5; Local Passport (valid for 1 year and applies to Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep): $25
Sights: Fiery Furnace; Wolfe Ranch; Delicate Arch
Endangered Species: Colorado Pikeminnow; Razorback Sucker; Humpback Chub; Bonytail Chub; Southwest Willow Flycatcher
Important Dates
Established as Park: November 12, 1971By The Numbers
Acres: 76,359.00Highest Point: Elephant Butte (5653 feet)
Annual Visitation: 833,049 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :38.708330 / -109.562500 (map it)
State: UT
Nearby Big City: Moab, UT
Gateway Communities: Moab, UT; Thompson, UT; Cisco, UT
Nearby Airports: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY); Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Courthouse Towers
Michael Hare
Courthouse Wash
Mike Norton
Delicate Arch
Mike Norton
View More Arches Photos
In Detail
5 Things to do in Arches UPWARD MOBILITY Despite sandstone's soft crumbly consistency, the park offers a variety of excellent rock climbing ventures. Climbs here require advanced techniques. Permits are not required with the ... read more.
Activities Arches is located in a high desert region that is subject to a wide range of temperatures and climatic conditions. The summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) during m ... read more.
Flora & Fauna "A rock garden. Despite the great variety of living things to be found here, most of the surface of the land, at least three-quarters of it, is sand or sandstone, naked, monolithic, austere and unado ... read more.
History Arches is a park of contradictions. Like pieces of fine pottery, the arches stand in fragile impermanence amid this rugged landscape. Bearing the creative imprint of time and the elements, they will, ... read more.
Sights To See In some cultures, the naming of a place is an attempt at capturing its essence. People have given the wonders at Arches colorful and descriptive names: Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Courthouse Towers ... read more.
Visitor Services Drive north on Route 24 from Capitol Reef, past Goblin Valley, and then east on Interstate 70. Travel south on U.S. 191 to reach Arches National Park, just five miles north of Moab. A free newspape ... read more.
Recent News
- Obama Administration Will Act Quickly to Reverse Bush’s 11th-hour Rulings November 12, 2008, 11:09 am
- Another Parting Gift November 10, 2008, 10:39 am
- U.S. to Open Public Land Near Parks for Drilling November 10, 2008, 10:17 am
- Iconic arch, popular spot for photographers, collapses at Arches National Park in Utah August 11, 2008, 11:11 am
Arches In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
