An intricate labyrinth of over 2,000 sandstone arches is the distinguishing feature of Arches National Park Utah. These arches were formed as a result of a unique combination of geological forces, which included the underground shifting of rocks and the above ground erosion of soil. In 1923, a prospector by the name of Alexander Ringhoffer contacted officials of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad about the tourism potential of the area he referred to as Devil’s Garden. Although the officials were impressed, it would be years before Arches National Park Utah would achieve its national park status.

The government decided to send research teams to investigate the possibilities for tourism in the area. Progress was made in 1929, when President Herbert Hoover signed the legislation that created the Arches National Monument. This protected the arches, spires, balanced rocks, and other sandstone formations. Finally, in 1971 Congress changed the status of Arches to a National Park in recognition of over 10,000 years of Utah’s cultural history. It is now one of the most famous Utah national parks.

Today, the Delicate Arch is one of the most well known features of the Arches National Park Utah. It is seen on many Utah license plates and postage stamps. Although strenuous, the mile and a half hike to the Delicate Arches is well worth the effort.

If you plan on fully exploring the area, you will want to look into Arches National Park lodging. The only lodging in the park itself is in the Devil’s Garden Campground. It is located eighteen miles from the park entrance and is open year-round. The campground has 52 individual sites. They are capable of accommodating up to ten people. If you would prefer backcountry camping, a permit is required. However, campfires are prohibited.

You should also keep in mind that there is a variety of wildlife that calls the Arches National Park Habitat their home. The nocturnal animals include kangaroo rats, wood rats (also called packrats), and most other small desert rodents, skunks, ringtails, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats and owls. In the daytime, big horn sheep are the animals that can be seen at the Arches National Park Habitat. In fact, big horn sheep are often seen at many of the other Utah national parks.

There are a variety of Arches National Park lodging options in the areas outside of the park. For example, the Big Horn Lodge in Moab is just four miles away. Amenities include:

• Heated Pool
• Lodge Style Rooms with Log Furniture & 2 Queen Beds
• Pet Rooms
• Refrigerators, Microwaves & Coffee Makers
• High Speed Internet Service

If you are looking for a more upscale Arches National Park lodging experience, take a look at the Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge. Located near the Colorado River, the lodge is close to some of the best white water rafting in Utah. They feature luxurious accommodations that are rustic in style, but provide the types of amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. There is also a movie museum with memorabilia of movies that were filmed in the area. Enjoy great amenities while exploring one of the exciting Utah national parks.