Arches National Park Desert Features

Moab Utah
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Other Features

Arches National Park is an unusual landscape that has been created by the combination of various forces of nature working together. Everywhere within the Park, you can see examples of millions of years of erosion, deposition and other geological events. As the geology of the Park continues to change, it in turn dictates the constitution of the soil and the flow of any rainfall. Arches National Park is an excellent location for enjoying and/or research on natural and cultural history and the flora and fauna of this desert region.

Although known for the unique and one-of-a-kind geological features, Arches National Park has many other features. Among these are the remnants of the earliest inhabitants of the region. While no actual dwellings have been found in Arches, this area was the northern edge of Puebloan territory, rock inscription panels have been found. Like earlier people, the ancestral Puebloans left stone writings. This can be found in areas where waterholes may have once been located. The Ute and Paiute came to the Arches area following the Puebloans and it is felt that the petroglyph panel, which can be found near Wolfe Ranch, may be Ute in origin as it shows people on horseback.

Due to the high desert environment of Arches, the plants and animals here have adapted in order to survive. Some species can only be found here. The diverse habitat, from lush riparian area and mixed grasslands to large expanses of bare rock is home to diverse life. Desert bighorn sheep are making a tentative comeback in southeast Utah due to reintroduction efforts by the National Park Service. There are roughly seventy-five sheep in Arches National Park and these sheep, as well as other animals, are often sighted near the visitor center.

There is more to see in Arches National Park than the amazing geological formations. While in Arches, be aware of the unique plants and animals that make this area their home. Also, be on the watch for historical and cultural remnants of prior inhabitants.

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