Inside Arches National Park
A trip to Arches National Park is a step into another world for most of us — a world of sloping desert sands, wind ravaged cliffs, and sandstone canyons carved over thousands of yearsby water- – all tinged red and brown against a deep blue sky. It is a trip that should not be missed, while traveling through the southwest. A journey that once taken, not long forgotten. Though larger parks like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, attract millions more annually, Arches has it’s own unique signature – one that should not be missed for it will linger in the mind.
The canyons, arches and spires in Arches National Park are formed of slick rock, sandstone, and reddish desert sand. Over thousands of years, Wind rain and water slowly carved the formations that we see today. It is a landscape that is always changing.
The park entrance is located on Highway 191, just five miles north of Moab, Utah. Upon entering the park, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to collect a park map, before exploring further. Guides for rock climbing, and permit passes for back country hiking and camping are available, also. Entrance fees range from $5 for an individual seven day pass to $10 for a seven day vehicle pass. Higher fees apply for commercial tours.
The beauty of Arches National Park is perhaps, best explored on foot. Days, even weeks can be spent hiking the rugged desert terrain. But, if you’re pressed for time, a drive through the park will both stun and delight you with its panoramic beauty.
Highlights of the Park:
The main road, winds for 22 miles past spectacular sandstone rock formations –Park Avenue, The Court House Towers, The Windows, Wolfe Ranch, and the Fiery Furnace– before looping back around at Devils Garden Trailhead.
The Windows
Be sure to turn at Balanced Rock, a large boulder towering precariously on a sandstone spindle to reach the Windows section of the park, where several arches and exotic rock formations are easily accessible. Turret Arch, The North and South Windows, Cove Arch and Garden of Eden are just a few of the marked rock formations located here. The trails around the Windows are relatively flat
and easily navigated.
Delicate Arch
World-famous, Delicate Arch, located near Wolfe Ranch is not easily accessible, although, one may drive to the overlook to get a view of Delicate Arch, and the snowcapped, La Sal Mountains in the distance. For the more adventurous, a 3.5 mile hike through rugged sandstone country leads you up a sandy trail, along rock ledges to shadow of Delicate Arch. The last few hundred yards of this trail narrows severely. Steep drops will be on your left, as the trail climbs around a cliff toward the Arch. While this hike is not extremely strenuous, it does require sure-footing.
Wolf Ranch
Wolfe Ranch, located inside of the park, is named for John Wolfe who came to Moab and staked a claim in this remote desert land in the late 1890’s. The Ranch consists of a hand hewn log cabin, corral and outbuildings, all evidence of the primitive life, early settlers to the west encountered.
Fiery Furnace
Further into the park, past Wolf Ranch, The Fiery Furnace towers off the desert floor – an enormous configuration of multicolored sandstone rocks and slender, winding canyons. Park rangers offer guided tours through these narrow-fingered rocks for $8. Information on the tours is available at the visitor’s center at the entrance to the park.
Devils Garden Campground
The Campground at Devils Garden, hosts 52 camping spaces, picnic tables and facilities for group camping. Tent and trailer campers are both welcome in the park. Making advance reservations is highly recommended. Trails reached near the campground area
lead to Broken Arch and Sandstone Arch. The campground at Arches is wonderful for group outings and family camping.
Devils Garden Trail
Just past Devils Garden Campground, the road through Arches National Park loops around at Devils Garden Trailhead. This trail winds for seven miles through desert landscapes, ending at a towering edifice named Dark Angel. Other features along the trail include: Landscape Arch, Double O Arch and Private Arch. The Devil’s Garden trail is very isolated and primitive. Rock cairns and handholds help to mark the trail. This trail is moderately strenuous, though some portions of the trail are flat and sandy.
Weather Conditions at Arches
Due to extreme fluctuations in desert temperatures, spring and fall are the optimal times to visit Arches National Park. Summertime temperatures in the desert can soar high above 100 degrees. In the winter months, the park may be subject to extreme winds and blowing snow. Plan accordingly and be sure to bring ample drinking water when you visit.
Quick Facts – History of Arches National Park
1880’s-1890’s – Ranchers and farmers settled in Moab.
1898 – John Wolfe came to Moab and carved out a homestead in the desert landscape.
1929 – Arches National Monument was formed.
1968 – Edward Abbey published Desert Solitaire, based on his experiences as a seasonal ranger at Arches National Park.
1971 – Arches National Monument became Arches National Park.
Additional Information:
Reading:
Desert Solitaire- A Season in the Wilderness by Edward Abbey
Arches -The Story Behind the Scenery by David W. Johnson
Arches National Park – Janet Lowe
Web Resources:
National Park Service – Arches National Park
The Moab Information Site
