Top 9 Natural Arches in the U.S.

Arches National Park (Utah)

It might be hard to believe that there’s an entire park filled with these natural wonders, but this unreal expanse in Utah delivers with more than 2,000 of them. Some of the most popular itineraries include hikes to Turret Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch. For the complete experience, you can camp out in the park from March through October.

Outlaw Arch (Colorado)

Amazingly, this arch was only discovered 10 years ago by a team of four hikers who dared to explore a little-known area of Dinosaur National Monument.

Snake Bridge (New Mexico) [no public access]

With an opening that’s over 200 feet wide and 61 feet high, Snake Bridge is located near Sanostee, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. This area is currently closed to public access, according to NationalArches.org.

Daniel Boone National Forest (Kentucky)

There’s plenty to see in Daniel Boone National Forest, but the 100-foot sandstone arch is the star of the show here. You’ll get a panoramic view at the park’s overlook, so bring your cameras.

Wrather Arch (Arizona)

By BLM Photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Located in a canyon of the same name, Wrather Arch is accessible only through a 35-mile trek that winds through Pariya Canyon, which begins in Utah. While the area is extremely popular with hikers, it can be challenging to find Wrather Canyon, so consult the trail map to make sure you’re on track.

Mantle Rock (Kentucky)

A photo posted by Jacqueline Pretti (@jacqueline_pretti) on Sep 14, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

Mantle Rock holds the distinction, at 154 feet, of being the longest arch east of the Rockies. The surrounding nature preserve, with flowers, forest, and glades, is worth exploring as well.

The Big South Fork River National River and Recreation Area (Kentucky and Tennessee)

Much like Utah’s park, this area contains almost too many arches to count, including Needle Arch, Split Bow Arch, Wagon Arch, Yahoo Arch, and Twin Arches.

Lexington Arch (Nevada)

As opposed to sandstone, the Lexington Arch found in Great Basin National Park was formed from limestone — an especially unique feature that has led experts to believe it was originally part of a larger cave structure.

Yellowstone National Park (Idaho)

Head to Jackknife Canyon and view the gorgeous Wind Tunnel Arch that spans more than 30 feet. You can also see several more arches at the nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument.