The Broken Arch - Tapestry Arch Loop leads through varied terrain highlighted by colorful rock gardens, slickrock benches and clear views of the La Sal Mountains. This family-friendly hike can be accessed from Devils Garden Campground or the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead along Park Road.

Freeze-thaw erosion occurs when water gets trapped in rock fractures and freezes and expands, slowly grinding away at susceptible rock

Entrada Sandstone is comprised of spherical particles from ancient sand dunes that have been cemented together to form a porous rock

Arches National Park is home to the largest collection of such formations in the world, with over 2000 structures that meet basic criteria for being an arch

Blackbrush roots in shallow soil and can live to be thousands of years old; it's named for the tendency of branches to darken when wet

Arches can be grouped into 5 classes: Free Standing (like Broken Arch), Cliff Wall (like Tapestry Arch) Pothole, Natural Bridge, and Non-Arch Openings

Collared Lizards are among just a few North American lizards that can run on their hind legs

Sand Dune Arch is tucked between tall sandstone fins, and enjoys nearly year-round shade and cooler temperatures

Blackbrush is an important winter food source for Desert Bighorn Sheep, which now number around 75 animals in Arches

273 bird species have been documented in Arches, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles

Slickrock benches near the base of Broken Arch offer hikers a chance to explore the vicinity without disturbing sensitive soil beds and vegetation

A short trail passes through this narrow slot to Sand Dune Arch

The Colorado Plateau is known as a cold or high desert, with temperatures than can fluctuate 40 degrees in a single day

Cliff Wall Arches form adjacent to rock walls and can be tricky to spot

A small, thin piece of rock recently fell from the face of Sand Dune Arch

The Broken Arch Trail passes right under the arch and continues to Tapestry Arch

Desert Varnish is comprised of clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese and / or iron, as well as other particles such as sand grains and trace elements