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In the southwestern United States there
is a world of stone and sky, where between the eye and the horizon lies a
colorful panorama of buttes, canyons and plateaus. Life can be challenging
in this desert environment, yet many animals have adapted to the extremes
of temperature and topography. Rare perennial streams and seeps support
explosions of vegetation and echo with the songs of water-loving
wildlife. A portion of this land was set aside in 1929 as Arches National
Monument, and then declared a national park in 1971. In Arches, the forces
of nature have, over an immense span of time, created a wondrous landscape.
Slickrock caps of Navajo Sandstone cover layers of sediment from ancient
oceans, shores and deserts.
Arches NP possesses a beauty both grand and strange.
Some who visit will want to know more about geologic or natural history.
Others may be inspired to creative expression. The sublime beauty of the
land, however, speaks to everyone. The naturalist Edward Abbey wrote in
his 1968 devotion to the park, Desert Solitaire, "If Delicate Arch
has any significance it lies, I will venture, in the power of the odd and
unexpected to startle the senses and surprise the mind out of their ruts
of habit, to compel us into a reawakened awareness of the wonderful — that
which is full of wonder." The Internet Brothers have visited this wonder of
nature on many occasions, it always startles us anew. No trip to Utah is
complete without it.
In summer, June through September,
temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter, December through
February, temperatures often drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures
may range 50 degrees in a 24-hour period. Very dry! Carry drinking water at
all times. The 48 mile round trip paved road in the park travels through
spectacular scenery and leads to major park features. Hiking trails of
varying length and difficulty lead to and through arches and into the heart
of the park. Regularly scheduled walks, guided hikes and evening campfire
programs by rangers, mid-March through October. Check bulletin boards in
the park for details. Reservations must be made for the popular Fiery
Furnace guided hike in person at the Arches Visitor Center, up to 48 hours
in advance.
National Parks Conservation Association -
The gradual, accelerated warming of our planet will have disastrous consequences for America's
national parks. But all is not lost. Although the situation seems dire, NPCA's report,
Unnatural Disaster, says we
can still halt the most severe effects of climate change if we take action now. The national parks offer
a unique opportunity to draw attention to America’s priceless resources at risk, and to showcase
opportunities to act to protect them.
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