Located just outside of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is named for the over 2,000 rock arch formations within the park boundaries. The national park is also home to a variety of other rock formations. With hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing and canyoning amoung the many varieties of things to do in this park there are plenty of adventures to be found within Arches. Today we're going to look at just a few.
Fiery Furnace Ranger Led Adventure Hike
The Fiery Furnace hike is a strenuous three hour ranger led hike designed to show off the best of this natural labyrinth. Within the Fiery Furnace formation there are no signs, trails or cairns to lead a loan hiker through the maze and gps is largely ineffective within the rock walls, thus those who enter without a ranger must get a permit. First time visitors are encouraged to take the ranger led hike instead.
Devil's Garden Primative Loop
The Devils Garden Primative trail is one of the longest maintained trails in the park at 7.2 miles. Along the way, Hikers are treated to views of eight different arches and other geological points of interest, including Black Arch, Delicate Arch, Dark Angel Monolith and Fin Canyon. Hikers should be prepared for the primative nature of the route which includes scrambles across slick rock and navigation across narrow ledges and sandstone fins.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is available in the park for those with the proper experience. For interested climbers, routes can be found on the National Park's website which also lists the applicable rules and regulations. Climbers should be aware that white chalk is not allowed due to the red color of the sandstone rocks.
Courthouse Wash Rock Art Panel
The trail into courthouse wash is a shorter easier trail, however it leads to a stunning rock art panel. For more adventurous rock art seekers, look for the Dark Angel Petroglyphs located in the national park's backcountry. There is no trail leading to the actual rock art panels which are marked only by a simple sign stating "You've found something unique, please preserve it."
Star Gazing
Hidden away from the pervasive light pollution that invades the populated areas where almost everyone lives, Arches National Park provides a unique opportunity to the night sky as it truely is. Here the sky is dark enough that viewers can look up into the night and see the star filled band of the milkyway stretching overhead.
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