Welcome to the high desert of southeastern Utah, a red rock wonderland known as Arches National Park. Just south of Moab, this 76,679 acre national park is comprised of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures that bring will bring your senses to life! Arches National Park is situated on the Colorado River and is best known for its over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of pinnacles, massive firs, and giant balanced rocks. Guests travel here from all over the world to see some of the nation’s best formations, trails, and sunsets! This is also the location of the greatest density of natural arches out of anywhere else on the continent.
Some of the most unique and interesting information you will learn here has to do with the geological history in the form of rock layers. Millions of years of history are captured within these rocks, as is seen through the various deposition, erosion, and geological events. The soil chemistry and water flow are interesting here as well, as is the weather patterns. The summers are hot, the winters are cold, and very little rain is received here. There can even be as much as a 50 degree fluctuation in temperature on any given day. All of these factors together make for an extremely variable habitat, from riparian and ephemeral pool dotted landscape to dry arroyos, mixed grasslands, and large expanses of bare rock.
While here your group has several opportunities for recreation, including but not limited to backpacking, biking, camping, canyoneering, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, photography, and scenic auto tours. Your group can also choose to opt in for a ranger-led tour, complete with historical information on the park regarding the Pueblo, Fremont, and Hopi Mesa Native Americans. Be sure to visit the Delicate Arch landmark before you leave, the iconic 65 foot tall freestanding natural arch that is so loved within the state it serves as the license plate photo and stamp photos!
Protip: Try to stay long enough to see the unbelievable night sky. The low light pollution gives way to insanely bright stars, taking your outdoor experience to the next level!
