Stunning red rock formations in Arches National Park, Utah

Did You Know?

Did you know that the national park system in the United States encompasses a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems? From the towering cliffs of Yosemite National Park to the pristine beaches of Virgin Islands National Park, the national park system protects a wide variety of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural treasures.

Did you know that the largest national park in the United States is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska? Covering an area of approximately 13.2 million acres, it is larger than the country of Switzerland. The park features stunning mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.

Did you know that the most visited national park in the United States is Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. It is known for its lush forests, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.

Did you know that the United States was the first country in the world to establish a national park? Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the United States and the world. It is renowned for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Did you know that the Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also a national park? Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers breathtaking views of the iconic, massive canyon formed by the Colorado River. It is one of the most famous and visited national parks in the United States.

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Arches National Park

It looks like a bunch of basket handles,” one tourist said of Arches National Park’s peculiar rock formations, all in the shape of arches (hence the name), albeit in varying lengths and widths. Visitors flock here in the spring and fall to observe and photograph the more than 2,000 natural arches; summer is unbearably hot.

Arches National Park is situated in eastern Utah and was opened to the public in 1929; the dramatic Colorado River borders it to one side, adding to its majesty.

Several hiking trails wind their way through the park where these strange geological formations delight and amaze. Check out the Devil’s Garden, which contains sandstone sculptures, not in arched configurations, but also naturally occurring; it looks very much as though someone planted a garden on Mars! You’ll also find a few balancing rocks, which seem to have one horizontal rock atop a vertical one. Winds will eventually topple them, but for now, they seem to be a magic trick!