Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah
Over 100 million years ago, erosion forces began to wear away at the landscape near present-day Moab, Utah. Under extreme temperatures, water, ice and movement from an underground salt bed (left behind when a prehistoric sea dried up), a series of natural sandstone arches emerged.
Today, Arches National Park (established in 1929) is home to the highest concentration of naturally occurring stone arches in the world. Visitors are awe-struck by the amazing landscape, which holds over 2,000 cataloged natural arches. This park will be featured on the 2014 National Park quarters, as the third release of the year (23rd in the series).
In 1991, a large slab of rock fell from underneath Landscape Arch, leaving just a thin ribbon at the top. Measuring 306 feet from base to base, it currently holds the record as the longest arch in the park.
More information on Arches National Park.
