The warm variegated landscape of Arches National Park covers 199 square miles. Very near Moab, Utah, the park houses more than two thousand sandstone arches and thousands of years of geological history. 
The area was designated a National Monument in 1929 and ultimately a National Park in 1971.
Human beings have inhabited the region for the last 10,000 years beginning with various tribes and missionaries. Today, our presence in Arches National Park is felt in the way of recreational exploration. 
Delicate Arch is 40 feet high and 35 feet wide. As the Utah state symbol, it is probably the most recognizable of the arches. A short trail to Delicate Arch viewpoint is only about 100 yards roundtrip, but to visit the arch, it’s a three-mile hike. The trail begins at Wolfe Ranch parking area and is moderately strenuous.
The remarkable Balanced Rock can be seen along the main park thoroughfare, a marvel to the law of gravity. A spherical trail leads around the base taking about 15 to 30 minutes of travel time.
Landscape Arch, stretching across 306 feet, is one of the longest natural stone arches in the world. With recent decay, this marvelous arch should not be overlooked as its future is uncertain. This two-mile graveled trail is an easy hike with short side walks to Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches.
The well-hidden maze of Fiery Furnace requires a knowledgeable guide and sufficient stamina for the demanding two-mile hike. This sandstone labyrinth requires a permit and viewing of a minimum impact video located in the visitor’s center.
Double Arch is situated in the Windows section and has two arches almost parallel to one another creating a spectacular scene. Plan on spending a good 20 to 30 minutes on this flat, sandy trail.
Dark Angel can be found at the end of Devils Garden Trail. The dark sandstone column reaches a soaring 150 feet. Similarly, The Courthouse Towers are a collection of tall columns that form a veritable wall of red rock along the Park Avenue Trail. A scene from the movie “Thelma and Louise” was filmed in this area.
For the one-day traveler, tours can be arranged with a guide or taken independently. A 48-mile auto tour leads to the foremost arches by way of a paved road complete with readily accessible viewing areas. Parking in designated areas is essential to the preservation of local vegetation.
Across the road from The Great Wall, hardened mounds of sand make up The Petrified Dunes. This unique site can prove a tricky hike with its uneven terrain. For a fee and with reservations, ranger-guided walks can be arranged three times daily. With so many trails to choose from, researching the level of difficulty and available attractions is adviseable before embarking on area hikes. Some of the most popular trails are Park Avenue, Windows, Double Arch, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, and Tower Arch. Always bring plenty of water and sunscreen.   
Backpacking, camping, hiking, biking and auto touring activities are all encouraged with required permits.
Backpacking requires a free backcountry permit at the visitor’s center, and purchasing a topographic map is encouraged. Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
Mountain biking is popular in the varied terrain of Salt Valley and Willow Springs.
Rock climbing is allowed only in specified areas of the park. Climbing on named arches is strictly prohibited.
For lodging accommodations, Moab offers a grand selection of hotels.
Inside the park, Devils Garden Campground houses 52 sites costing $15 per night.
Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation System for an additional $9, and each space can hold up to ten people. Sites provide picnic tables, grills, potable water, and flush toilets. As an alternative, the Bureau of Land Management operates campgrounds in the Moab area that can accommodate sizable groups.
For additional Arches National Park information contact:
435-259-8161, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
435-259-5279
www.nps.gov
National Recreation Reservation System:
(877)444-6777
(877)833-6777
www.reserveusa.com
Arches Bus Tours:
(435)259-7000
1861 N. Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532
www.archesbustours.com