Located just outside of Moab in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is a
geological treasure of America's Southwest. The park is home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches. It includes the world-famous Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock in addition to a variety of
unique geological resources and formations. Arches National Park contains the greatest density of natural sandstone arches in the world.
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| Arch National Park |
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| Double O Arch |
Administered by the National Park Service, Arches National Park spans across an area of 76,679 acres. The highest elevation within the park is 5,653 feet at Elephant Butte and the lowest elevation is 4,085 feet at the visitor center. The area was originally created as a National Monument on April 12, 1929 and was enlarged in 1938 to include the world famous Delicate Arch. The monument was re-designated as a US National Park on November 12, 1971.
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| Delicate Arch |
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| Double Arch |
The most famous landmark in Arches National Park is the Delicate Arch. It is a 65 feet tall freestanding natural arch, formed of Entrada Sandstone. The original sandstone fin was gradually worn away by weathering and erosion, leaving the arch. Other arches in the park were formed the same way but due to placement and less dramatic shape are not as famous.
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| Three Gossips |
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| Balanced Rock |
Located next to the park's main road, at about 9 miles from the park entrance, the Balanced Rock is another popular feature of Arches National Park. The total height of Balanced Rock is about 128 feet, with the balancing rock itself rising 55 feet above the base. The big rock on top is the size of three school buses. The Balanced Rock can be seen from the park's main road as well as through a short loop trail leading around the base of the rock.
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| Skyline Arch |
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| Elephant Butte |
Climbing on many famous arches within the park has long been banned by park regulations. However, climbing on other features in the park is allowed, though regulated. Recreational activities which are approved in Arches National Park include auto touring, backpacking, biking, camping, and hiking. Some of these recreational activities may require permits from the authority. Guided commercial tours and ranger programs are also available in the park area.
Source:
Wikipedia
