clean up, update times per WV:Time and date formats, format listing addresses per WV:Listings, typos fixed: 4 hour → 4-hour using AWB
← Older revision
Revision as of 04:20, 26 April 2015
Line 1:
Line 1:
{{pagebanner|Archesnationalpark Landscape Arch banner.jpg|caption=Landscape Arch}}
{{pagebanner|Archesnationalpark Landscape Arch banner.jpg|caption=Landscape Arch}}
−
[[File:5028-arches-delicate-
arch_RJ
.JPG|thumb|250px|Delicate Arch]]
+
[[File:5028-arches-delicate-
arch RJ
.JPG|thumb|250px|Delicate Arch]]
'''[http://www.nps.gov/arch/ Arches National Park]''' is a [[United States National Parks|United States National Park]] that is in [[Utah]]'s [[Canyon Country]] near the town of [[Moab]]. It is home to the world's greatest concentration of natural arches, including Delicate Arch, one of the state's most famous icons.
'''[http://www.nps.gov/arch/ Arches National Park]''' is a [[United States National Parks|United States National Park]] that is in [[Utah]]'s [[Canyon Country]] near the town of [[Moab]]. It is home to the world's greatest concentration of natural arches, including Delicate Arch, one of the state's most famous icons.
Line 7:
Line 7:
==Understand==
==Understand==
−
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. This area contains the largest concentration of arches found anywhere in the world, including the world-famous Delicate Arch as seen on the Utah state license plate, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In some areas, faulting has exposed millions of years of geologic history.The extraordinary features of the park, including balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.
+
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. This area contains the largest concentration of arches found anywhere in the world, including the world-famous Delicate Arch as seen on the Utah state license plate, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In some areas, faulting has exposed millions of years of geologic history.The extraordinary features of the park, including balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.
===History===
===History===
Line 24:
Line 24:
===Flora and fauna===
===Flora and fauna===
−
The plants and animals in Arches have many adaptations that enable them to survive these conditions. Some species are found only in this area. The diversity of organisms reflects the variety of available habitat, which includes lush riparian areas, ephemeral pools, dry arroyos, mixed grasslands and large expanses of bare rock.
+
The plants and animals in Arches have many adaptations that enable them to survive these conditions. Some species are found only in this area. The diversity of organisms reflects the variety of available habitat, which includes lush riparian areas, ephemeral pools, dry arroyos, mixed grasslands and large expanses of bare rock.
−
Generally, the trees of Arches grow small and far away from each other. However, mixed stands of Pinyon pine and Utah Juniper, two trees that thrive in dry, rocky environments, can be found throughout the park. In Arches, there is more tree diversity in riparian environments where there is plenty of water. In such locales, trees such as netleaf hackberry, box elder, and Fremont's cottonwood can be found. Nine species of cacti can be found in the park, as well as many types of desert wildflowers and shrubs.
+
Generally, the trees of Arches grow small and far away from each other. However, mixed stands of Pinyon pine and Utah Juniper, two trees that thrive in dry, rocky environments, can be found throughout the park. In Arches, there is more tree diversity in riparian environments where there is plenty of water. In such locales, trees such as netleaf hackberry, box elder, and Fremont's cottonwood can be found. Nine species of cacti can be found in the park, as well as many types of desert wildflowers and shrubs.
[[File:Lizard Arches National Park Utah.JPG|thumb|200px|A lizard basks on a rock in the Devil's Garden.]]
[[File:Lizard Arches National Park Utah.JPG|thumb|200px|A lizard basks on a rock in the Devil's Garden.]]
−
Nearly 50 species of mammals can be found in Arches National Park. Among the more commonly sighted mammals are mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, desert cottontail rabbit, and kangaroo rat. Other large mammals, such as the mountain lion, are present but rarely spotted.
+
Nearly 50 species of mammals can be found in Arches National Park. Among the more commonly sighted mammals are mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, desert cottontail rabbit, and kangaroo rat. Other large mammals, such as the mountain lion, are present but rarely spotted.
−
Although Arches National Park is not a birding hot spot, 273 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Species such as Spotted Towhee and Canyon Wren can be found near water in spring and summer. In drier grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodlands of the park, Say's Phoebe, Black-throated Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon and Scrub Jays, and Lucy's and Black-throated Gray Warblers are present. Common Raven will likely be seen by nearly all visitors, and can be spotted throughout the park. Cooper's Hawk and Turkey Vulture are among the birds of prey that glide above Arches' desert landscape.
+
Although Arches National Park is not a birding hot spot, 273 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Species such as Spotted Towhee and Canyon Wren can be found near water in spring and summer. In drier grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodlands of the park, Say's Phoebe, Black-throated Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon and Scrub Jays, and Lucy's and Black-throated Gray Warblers are present. Common Raven will likely be seen by nearly all visitors, and can be spotted throughout the park. Cooper's Hawk and Turkey Vulture are among the birds of prey that glide above Arches' desert landscape.
Arches is home to many reptiles as well. These include 10 species of lizards and 9 types of snakes. Venomous rattlesnakes are present, but are reluctant to attack, so use common sense and caution when observing them.
Arches is home to many reptiles as well. These include 10 species of lizards and 9 types of snakes. Venomous rattlesnakes are present, but are reluctant to attack, so use common sense and caution when observing them.
Line 52:
Line 52:
Moab's '''[http://www.moab-utah.com/moabairport/ Canyonland Field Airport]''' has daily service to Denver on Great Lakes Airlines. The next closest major airports are:
Moab's '''[http://www.moab-utah.com/moabairport/ Canyonland Field Airport]''' has daily service to Denver on Great Lakes Airlines. The next closest major airports are:
−
* '''[http://www.slcairport.com/ Salt Lake City International Airport]''' in [[Salt Lake City]], about a 4
hour drive away by way of Interstate 15 and US Highway 6/191.
+
* '''[http://www.slcairport.com/ Salt Lake City International Airport]''' in [[Salt Lake City]], about a 4
-
hour drive away by way of Interstate 15 and US Highway 6/191.
* '''[http://www.gjairport.com/index.asp Walker Field]''' in [[Grand Junction]], approximately 2 hours from the park via Interstate 70.
* '''[http://www.gjairport.com/index.asp Walker Field]''' in [[Grand Junction]], approximately 2 hours from the park via Interstate 70.
* '''[http://flydenver.com Denver International Airport]''' in [[Denver]], about 5 hours 45 minutes via Interstate 70.
* '''[http://flydenver.com Denver International Airport]''' in [[Denver]], about 5 hours 45 minutes via Interstate 70.
Line 71:
Line 71:
* {{listing
* {{listing
| name=Moab Adventure Center | alt= | url=http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/nationalpark/ | email=
| name=Moab Adventure Center | alt= | url=http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/nationalpark/ | email=
−
| address=225 S Main Street, Moab
, UT 84532
| lat= | long= | directions=
+
| address=225 S Main Street, Moab | lat= | long= | directions=
−
| phone
= | tollfree=+1-888-622-4097 | fax=
+
| phone= | tollfree=+1-888-622-4097 | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| content=
| content=
Line 79:
Line 79:
==Fees/Permits==
==Fees/Permits==
−
Park entrance fees are $10 for private vehicles and $5 for individuals on foot, bike, or motorcycle. These fees allow entrance for seven days.
+
Park entrance fees are $10 for private vehicles and $5 for individuals on foot, bike, or motorcycle. These fees allow entrance for seven days.
{{USA national park passes}}
{{USA national park passes}}
Line 94:
Line 94:
===By foot===
===By foot===
−
There are numerous trails throughout the park, providing an alternative means of travel for those not wanting to spoil the nature experience with a vehicle. Hiking at or around sunrise (5-
6 am
) can provide a less crowded experience and easier parking.
+
There are numerous trails throughout the park, providing an alternative means of travel for those not wanting to spoil the nature experience with a vehicle. Hiking at or around sunrise (5-
6AM
) can provide a less crowded experience and easier parking.
===By bike===
===By bike===
Line 179:
Line 179:
==Buy==
==Buy==
−
{{buy
| name=Canyonlands National History Association Bookstore | url=http://www.cnha.org/ | lat=38.616429 | long=-109.619963 | directions=Located in the Visitor Center, just past the Entrance Station on the right. | phone=+1 435-259-6003 | fax=435-259-8263 | hours=Open every day except December 25th. Summer hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m / Fall: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Winter: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | lastedit=2015-04-25 | content=The bookstore is a cooperating association sales outlet in the visitor center that offers books, maps, postcards, posters, and a variety of other educational and interpretive items. For a larger selection, the town of Moab has everything necessary to satisfy your shopping needs.}}
+
{{buy
+
| name=Canyonlands National History Association Bookstore | url=http://www.cnha.org/ | email=
+
| address= | lat=38.616429 | long=-109.619963 | directions=Located in the Visitor Center, just past the Entrance Station on the right.
+
| phone=+1 435-259-6003 | tollfree= | fax=+1 435-259-8263
+
| hours=Open every day except December 25th. Summer hours: 7:30AM to 6PM / Fall: 8AM to 4:30PM / Winter: 9AM to 4PM | price=
+
| lastedit=2015-04-25
+
| content=The bookstore is a cooperating association sales outlet in the visitor center that offers books, maps, postcards, posters, and a variety of other educational and interpretive items. For a larger selection, the town of Moab has everything necessary to satisfy your shopping needs.
+
}}
==Eat==
==Eat==
Line 232:
Line 232:
[[commons:Category:Arches National Park]]
[[commons:Category:Arches National Park]]
−
[[WikiPedia:Arches
National_Park
]]
+
[[WikiPedia:Arches
National Park
]]
[[Dmoz:Regional/North America/United States/Utah/Travel and Tourism/Parks/National Parks and Monuments/Arches National Park/]]
[[Dmoz:Regional/North America/United States/Utah/Travel and Tourism/Parks/National Parks and Monuments/Arches National Park/]]