Just driving into the entrance of the park, four miles north of Moab, is a thrilling introduction to what lies ahead. The park contains more than 2,000 natural arches, more than any other area in the world. The arches were created by the effect of wind and rain on Entrada sandstone, which was laid down as coastal sand dunes some 150 million years ago.

Every year, more than half a million people come here for the spectacular scenery and the simple joys of hiking through soft sand and over slickrock.

The longest series of maintained trails in Arches can be enjoyed in the Devil’s Garden area at the end of the paved road, just north of the campground. The 5-mile loop trail, with only a gentle 200-foot gain in elevation, leads through narrow fins to Double O Arch and Landscape Arch. At 291 feet long and 188 feet high, Landscape is the longest span in the park and the second longest in the world. No fewer than 60 arches, in fact, are found in this area. Take time to enjoy views of the fins, Salt Wash, and the La Sal Mountains.