Arches National Park in Grand County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Double Arch
Arches National Park
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2019
1. Double Arch Marker
The third largest arch in the park, Double Arch's larger span is 144 feet wide by 112 feet high (44 by 34 meters). The smaller opening is 67 feet wide by 86 feet high (20 by 26 meters).
For a closer look at Double Arch, walk this easy trail and stand underneath the towering arch. From there, look up and see the rim of what was once a pothole, now open to the sky.
At Double Arch, three major openings are enlarging side by side. They all began as one pothole.
Pothole Arch Formation
Pothole arches start as depressions near a cliff face.
Pools of water collect and slowly deepen the pothole. Over time, water seeps through to the cliff face, forming an alcove.
Eventually, the enlarging pothole meets the roof of the expanding alcove, creating an opening. The arch matures as erosion continues.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 38° 41.316′ N, 109° 32.295′ W. Marker is in Arches National Park, Utah, in Grand County. It is on The Windows Road 2.3 miles east of
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country. It is also in the American Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: How Arches Are Formed (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Balanced Rock (approx. 1.7 miles away); Gone but Not Forgotten (approx. 1.8 miles away); Ancient Sand Dunes (approx. 3.1 miles away); Home Sweet Desert (approx. 3.4 miles away); Stories on Stone (approx. 3½ miles away); An Enduring Icon (approx. 3.8 miles away); Inspiring Views, Sacred Mountains (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arches National Park.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Wolfe Ranch (was approx. 3.4 miles away but has been replaced
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2019
2. Double Arch and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2019
3. Double Arch
Notice the people standing under the smaller opening.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 734 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
