Man-made arches have been used for centuries in construction. Structures like the Roman aqueducts, the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris are recognizable uses of the arch over time. But what about natural arches that form in the world? Arches National Park provides around 2000 examples of arches that have formed naturally. Less than a mile and a half off Arches Scenic Drive are Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch. Sand Dune Arch is appropriately named because the walk to the arch is short but it is through deep and very fine sand. Here is a video of part of the walk.
When you exit Sand Dune Arch, walk straight to Broken Arch. Some of the trail has some tricky footing so be careful. You will be rewarded with a gorgeous arch at the head of the trail. This trail continues to Devils Garden Campground. The trip to Broken Arch from the roadside parking lot (near Sand Dune Arch) is approximately 1.3 miles.
The Devils Garden area provides many great views of multiple arches. My favorite is Tunnel Arch. I was lucky enough to be there near the end of the day when the sunlight was glowing directly through the arch. Not sure is I like the picture in color or black and white better. What do you think?
Around the corner from Tunnel Arch is Pine Tree Arch. This is, by far, the thickest arch I saw. It looks like someone punched a parallelogram through it to create the arch. Just outside of the arch provides a view of rock formations.
Delicate Arch is one of the premiere locations for photography in the park. I did not have time to take the long trail to see the arch up close but I was able to snap a few pictures from the main viewing area.
Skyline Arch lives up to its name, sitting atop a massive rock formation and peering down at us mere mortals. It looks like an ice cold blue eye with the sky illuminating its opening.
Finally, North Window, South Window and Turret Arches. This is a fantastic location for sunset. The three arches face the west and the La Sal Mountains are to the south.
Have you visited Arches National Park? What were your impressions? For more information about Arches National Park, click the link below.