Search Menu

PPA

Welcome to Arches National Park!

Park History

Arches National Park's history includes both geological and human elements. Geologically, the park's iconic arches formed over millions of years through erosion of sandstone fins. Human history at Arches spans at least 10,000 years, with evidence of early hunter-gatherers and later settlers like John Wesley Wolfe. The park was initially established as a national monument in 1929, later gaining national park status in 1971.

Geological Formation:
Ancient Salt Bed: Around 300 million years ago, the area was a massive salt bed.

Sandstone Deposition: Over time, erosion from surrounding mountains deposited layers of sandstone on top of the salt.

Salt Movement and Erosion: The salt then moved and shifted, pushing up the sandstone layers and creating the fins that eventually eroded into arches.

Erosion Agents: Water, wind, and freezing temperatures are the primary forces that shaped the arches. Not Permanent: The arches are not permanent features and will eventually erode away.

Human History:

Paleo-Indians: Evidence suggests human occupation in the area dates back 10,000 years.

Early Settlers: John Wesley Wolfe, a Civil War veteran, settled in the park in the late 1800s.

National Monument: President Herbert Hoover established Arches National Monument in 1929.

National Park: In 1971, Congress changed the designation to Arches National Park. Park Expansion: The park's boundaries have been expanded several times since its initial establishment.

Park Protection: The park was created to protect the unique sandstone arches, spires, balanced rocks, and other formations. -- Source Google



Gallery