Arches

Arches National Monument

Arches was originally created as a National Monument on April 12, 1929 and was designated as a National Park November 12, 1971. The Monument/Park contains the worlds largest concentration of natural stone arches, sandstone formations, fins, pinnacles, spires, and balancing rocks. Forty-three arches have collapsed since 1970, due to erosion.

It is easy to overlook the lower geological wonders when you are surrounded by the lofty creations throughout the park. So, don't forget to look down and notice all the wonderful petrified sand dunes. I am constantly amazed at what nature is able to preserve.

Not all the formations have arches or windows. And not all of the arches or windows are grand. Some are very small and you have to look closely to even find them. Look very closely at the left hand picture, in the third row, for the tiny window in the dark area between the second and third pillars at the left of the photo. It is very small, but it is there.

The Courthouse Towers is a row of very hard sandstone fins that managed to resist the erosion that happened on both side of them.

The Windows and Turret Arch are vey recognizable arches. The Windows remind one of windows in the corner of a building. The Turret Arch reminds us of a castle watch turret.

Probably the most famous arch, is Delicate Arch. Getting close to this arch requires a little effort. The hike to Delicate Arch is one and a half miles (each way) and is somewhat strenuous. The trail is marked along the way. Some of it is over hard rock and some along a dirt trail. You definately would not want to be on it in failing light. Along the way to Delicate Arch you may notice huge seams of agate/common opal. Nice to look at, but I don't think collecting is allowed.

The name Balancing Rock is an obvious name for this structure. Skull Arch looks as though you are looking out through the eye openings of a skull.

The Three Gossips look like three people standing together talking. The Organ looks like a large pipe organ in a church.

Again, don't forget to look down while you are walking. You just might see some of the critters that make this park their home. They don't always let you know they are there. The photo at the right shows a snake about four feet long. I am not sure whether it was a bull snake or a rattle snake. I didn't get close enough to determine which.

There is also an area, near Delicate Arch, which contains Ute petroglyphs. Try not to miss these.

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