THE RED-ROCK
wonderland
- ARCHES NATIONAL PARK -
Known as “the red-rock wonderland,” the
Arches National Park in Utah is a vast
land of mesmerizing rock formations,
breathtaking scenery, vivid colors, soar-
ing pinnacles, and so much more.
Named fittingly after its celebrity features,
Arches National Park is home to more
than 2,000 natural sandstone arches.
One of the most famous arches within the
park (and the world) is the Delicate Arch.
The Delicate Arch is depicted on every-
thing from postage stamps, to license
plates, and was even the site of the
Olympic torch relay in 2002, where the
torch was passed through the arch. The
Delicate Arch is said to look like cow-
14 | Spring 2018 | Adventure Outdoors
boy’s bloomers, with the top being flat
and narrow like a waist, and the bottoms
growing wider as they reach the ground. of the park’s other notable arches, the
Landscape Arch, the Dark Angel Arch,
and the Navajo Arch.
The park itself was established as a na-
tional monument, and spans over more
than 75,000 acres. While on the smaller
side when it comes to other national
parks, the acreage should not fool you.
This park is jam-packed with sights to see
and things to do. Arches National Park is a perfect spring-
time destination, because the drier air in
the southwest will allow for very comfort-
able temperatures during the season.
You will want to make your way out to the
park before the summer heat sets in and
it becomes almost unbearable. Of
course, the heat doesn’t stop other thou-
sands of tourists from visiting this park
any time of year, so if spring isn’t doable,
be sure to plan a trip in the coming
months.
All hikers, make your way to Devils Gar-
den, where you will be able to walk
through unbeatable views. Bring your
camera along, as the trail features some