Nature & Science

Natural forces created the landscape of Arches, which contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Rock layers tell a story of deposition, erosion, and other geologic events. Arches is in a "high desert" environment, with hot summer temperatures, cool winters, and infrequent precipitation. Desert conditions determine the kind of life forms that live here. We can witness natural process and conditions thanks to the park's isolation from major urban areas.

Explore the links below to learn more about the nature of Arches.

 
  • a deer with short antlers in velvet
    Animals

    Learn about the different animals that live at Arches.

  • a flower with a yellow center and purplish petals
    Plants

    Learn about the variety of plants that live at Arches.

  • black bumpy soil with cracks
    Other Life Forms

    Learn about other life forms on the landscape including lichens and biological soil crusts.

  • a small, brown bird stands on a rock slope
    Species Lists

    View species lists of various plants and animals that have been observed at Arches.

  • two broad stone arches
    Geology

    Throughout the park, rock layers tell a story of millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events.

  • A giant rock monolith reflected in a still pool of water in the foreground
    Deserts

    Learn more about features, life forms, and ecosystems of the desert. You may be surprised by what you find.

  • a silhouetted arch with the Milky Way arcing overhead
    Environmental Factors

    Various factors including air quality, dark skies, disturbed lands, and exotic species contribute to our experience at Arches.

 
Pale yellow flowers with papery petals and fuzzy yellow centers sit atop green cactus paddles.
Prickly pear flowers

NPS

Explore Biodiversity

Have you ever taken a picture of a flower, or butterfly, or an unusual mushroom? You can also keep track of the biodiversity you see when you are in a national park, or where ever you go, with iNaturalist. Learn more about how you can help document the various life forms in our national parks. Explore Biodiversity.
Check out the Arches iNaturalist project.

Last updated: July 29, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

435 719-2299

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