Page 514 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

512  THE SOUTHWEST

0 Arches National Park

Arches National Park has the the highest
concentration of natural sandstone arches in
the world. More than 80 of these natural wonders
have formed over millions of years. The park
“floats” on a salt bed, which once liquefied
under the pressure exerted by the rock above
it. About 300 million years ago, this salt layer
bulged upward, cracking the sand stone above.
Over time the cracks eroded, leaving long
“fins” of rock. As these fins eroded, the hard Devil’s Garden
This area contains several of the park’s most
overhead rock formed arches, which range beautiful arches, including Landscape Arch, a
today from the solid-looking Turret Arch to the slender curve of sandstone more than 300 ft
graceful Delicate and Landscape Arches. (91 m) long, which is thought to be the
longest natural arch in the world.

Sunset Watch at Delicate Arch
A natural amphitheater surrounds the arch,
creating seating from which vistas of the
La Sal Mountains are framed.

The Windows Section
In the park’s Windows Section, a one-mile
loop trail leads to Turret Arch, then the North
and South Windows Arches, located side by
side. With excellent viewing spots available,
many visitors photograph the North and
South arches framed by the sandstone
Turner Arch, as seen here.

Exploring Landscape Arch
The Park
The scenic drive to
these spectacular
arches starts at the Delicate 0 km 5
visitor center at the park’s Arch 0 miles 5
south end, just off Highway
191. Several easy trails start Balanced
from parking lots at the road’s Rock
viewpoints. The loop at Balanced Key
Rock is a suitable trail for children, Windows
and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint Section Highway
Trail has disabled access. Although Unpaved road
permitted, camping is not popular 4WD only
because of the heat and water
scarcity in the area. Hiking trail
Moab
For keys to symbols see back flap

512-513_EW_USA.indd 512 11/2/16 2:47 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm