Arches
230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT
1971
Established:
Size:
76,679 acres
Visitors:
1,460,652 in 2022
Summary
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, USA, is renowned for its stunning natural rock formations, particularly its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Established as a national monument in 1929 and later designated as a national park in 1971, Arches spans over 76,000 acres of high desert terrain. The park's landscape is characterized by its red-rock canyons, towering pinnacles, and balanced rocks, all sculpted by millions of years of erosion and weathering. Delicate Arch, perhaps the park's most iconic feature, stands as a symbol of Utah and is depicted on the state's license plates.
Wildlife
Arches National Park hosts a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the harsh desert environment of southeastern Utah. Mammals such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes roam the rugged terrain, while birds including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks soar above. Lizards like the collared lizard and various snake species are common sightings, along with desert amphibians such as the canyon tree frog. Invertebrates such as desert beetles and tarantulas add to the park's biodiversity. Visitors can appreciate these fascinating creatures while exploring the park, remembering to observe from a respectful distance and to avoid disturbing the natural balance of this unique desert ecosystem.
Sounds of the Park
Things to Do
Visitors at Arches National Park can partake in hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, or stargazing. Note that reservations are required to enter between April 1 and October 31.
When to Visit
Arches National Park has a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers. Precipitation is rare year round. To avoid extreme temperatures, the best time to visit is either the spring or fall, though these are also the most crowded times of the year. Due to the park's popularity, it is best to arrive early in the day and to plan your visit in advance.
Ties to Stephen Mather
Though Arches became a national park in 1971, it was first established as a national monument in April 1929, just a couple months after Stephen Mather resigned as Director of the National Parks Service. The area was made into a national monument after Frank A. Wadleigh suggested such to Stephen Mather.
Fun Fact
The park's Delicate Arch is commonly seen as a symbol for the state of Utah, and is on its license plates and postage stamps.