Arches National Park

Arches_National_Park_Map

Tunnel_Arch,_one_of_the_formations_in_Arches_NP

Delicatearch

National park in Utah, United States

class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%;"

Arches National Park
[[File:|250px]]
The Delicate Arch
IUCN category
Location	[[Grand County, Utah, United States]]
Nearest city	[[Moab]]
Area
Established	April 12, 1929
Visitors
Governing body	[[National Park Service]]
Website	[ Arches National Park]
This protected area related article is a stub.

Arches National Park is a national park in eastern Utah, United States. The park is adjacent to the Colorado River, 4 miles (6 km) north of Moab. It is known for preserving over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

Crossbedding_in_Entrada_Sandstone

Aerial_image_of_Devils_Garden_in_Arches_National_Park_(view_from_the_southeast)

Horse_Rider_Ute_Tribal_Rock_Art_at_Arches_National_Park

Landscape_Arch_Utah

Geography

Arches National Park covers an area of 76,679 acres (31,031 ha). Its highest elevation is 5,653 feet (1,723 m) at Elephant Butte, and its lowest elevation is 4,085 feet (1,245 m) at the visitor center. The park contains the highest density of natural arches in the world.

Geology

The park's geology is characterized by a series of sedimentary rock layers that have been eroded over millions of years. The primary rock formations in the park are the Entrada Sandstone and the Navajo Sandstone. The unique arch formations are the result of the erosion of these rock layers, which were deposited during the Jurassic period.

History

Arches National Park was originally designated as a national monument on April 12, 1929, by President Herbert Hoover. It was later redesignated as a national park on November 12, 1971, by an act of Congress. The park has been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ute and Ancestral Puebloans.

Flora and Fauna

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Common plants include yucca, juniper, and cactus. Wildlife in the park includes mule deer, red fox, desert cottontail, and various species of lizards and birds.

Recreation

Arches National Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Popular trails include the Delicate Arch Trail, the Devil's Garden Trail, and the Fiery Furnace. The park also offers ranger-led programs and educational opportunities.

Conservation

The park is managed by the National Park Service, which works to preserve its natural and cultural resources. Efforts include monitoring and protecting the park's arches and other geological features, as well as managing visitor impact.

Related Pages

• National Park Service
• List of national parks of the United States
• Geology of the United States
• Moab, Utah
• Colorado River

External Links

   This article is a  stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!