Landscape Arch at Sunrise

The Grand-daddy of Arches

The Grand-Daddy of All Arches

No, I am not talking about McDonald’s Arches.

There are arches other than those golden ones which have become an American icon.

These natural beauties are the arches that should be one of our icons.  Landscape Arch is surely one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

It has the greatest span of any natural arch documented, over 290 feet long. At its narrowest, the rock is only 6 feet wide. This is an arc natural arch, a geological specimen very old and near the end of its life cycle. The arch could collapse any day or it could last another century. You have to remember we’re talking about arches made from eroded sandstone here – they have an incredibly long life span, but can collapse without warning.

In the last 17 years, sizable chunks have fallen from Landscape Arch.

In September of 1991, a 73-foot slab of rock crashed to the earth from underneath the narrowest part. This rock fall may have actually prolonged the life of the rest of the arch, as the piece was considered structurally unimportant and it reduced the weight of the suspended rock. In June of 1995, a 47-foot mass fell from the front of the thinnest section , soon to be followed by a third rock 2 weeks later. Since then, the trail that once wound beneath the arch has been closed by the Park Service. Smart move!

Landscape Arch is in Devil’s Garden in Arches National Park, a few miles north of Moab Utah.

The hike to see this arch is just over a mile, but it really is an easy hike to this point on extremely maintained paths. If you can walk 2 miles in your mall, you can walk the 2 miles in and out to see this giant arch. If you are ever in this area, consider getting out of your car and really look at the rocks. This is a must see, and the Park Service has made it as easy as possible to see Landscape Arch. I saw toddlers carried on their parents’ backs and I saw octogenarians walking with canes, all checking out the magnificent view.

There are other arches in Devils’ Garden – it has the largest number of significant natural arches in the world.

However, once past this landmark, it gets a mite more rugged (ha!) and it is almost easy to feel that you are an intrepid explorer in the wilderness if you are visiting at an off-peak time. Next post, I’ll share with you the other arches in the area – the ones I had to crawl up and down rocks to see. Ah, but they are so awesome. Such a wonderful experience to have filed away in my brain for further consideration.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Thanks for the beautiful photo and the information! Great way of learning new things about other countries.

  2. It is truly amazing. It looks so fragile. Lets hope it lasts many more years. Beautiful shot here.

  3. Very nice post. The sky is amazingly blue.

  4. Beautiful shot, Bo.

    I recently saw a news story about this arch and the chunks of rock that have fallen. It looks so fragile that I’m amazed that it’s still standing.

  5. So very cool! Amazing to me that nature actually created arches like this. Love the colors. I’d forgotten what summer looks like!!!!

  6. That is really a beautiful sight, Bo! Makes me want to hike to it!

  7. The southwest is such an incredibly beautiful place to visit, Bo. Living there would be a dream come true for me. The light is different there – almost shimmery. I love this post and the feeling I get deep inside looking at that photo. Hiking amid such majesty must make you feel all giddy!

  8. Love all of these..this is my favorite. I want to experience it!! Someday, someday!! 🙂

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