Did you know that Utah is home to the top two largest arches on the planet? Landscape Arch (in Arches National Park), and Kolob Arch (in Zion National Park) are both very similar in size. Depending on how you measure the arches, you could conceivably call either of them the biggest and best. This was a hotly-debated topic amongst geologists for years. In 2006, geologists at the Natural Arch and Bridge Society put the issue to rest once and for all, naming Landscape Arch the largest – by a total of three feet.
You’ll find Landscape Arch at Arches National Park in Moab.
kuznitz2/Tripadvisor
To reach it, take the Devil’s Garden Trail. The trailhead starts at the parking lot.
oxbacco/Tripadvisor
The trail straight to Landscape Arch and back is wide and fairly flat. It’s a total of 1.6 miles round-trip.
Timothy Y./Tripadvisor
In 1991, a 60-foot-long slab of rock fell from the arch. Luckily no one was injured, but the park closed off the trail that goes under the arch. View the arch from a safe (and still pretty close) distance.
Steven S./Tripadvisor
The portion of the arch where the large chunk fell off looks very fragile and delicate now, but it perseveres.
Wayne Stadler/flickr
It’s hard to fully comprehend the size of this beauty unless you see it in person. The arch spans 290 feet in length.
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This stunning natural wonder is gorgeous at any time of year.
Irish_captain/Tripadvisor
If you have time, explore the entire Devil’s Garden Trail, which takes you past several other cool arches. This is Pine Tree Arch.
Wayne Stadler/flickr
Double O Arch is even farther down the trail, but it’s well worth your effort, and the slickrock trail is fun and challenging to traverse.
Ken Lund/flickr
Two arches at once! The entire Devil’s Garden Trail is 7.2 miles. For a trail map and brochure with more information click here.
James St. John/Flickr
Kolob Arch, in Zion National Park, is the second largest arch in the world. With a span of 287 feet - (just three feet smaller than that of Landscape Arch), it’s hardly puny. Make plans to visit it next!
National Park Service/Wikimedia
Utah has six of the top 10 largest arches in the world! Morning Glory Natural Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Sipapu Natural Bridge and Stevens Arch are all on the list.
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oxbacco/Tripadvisor
Timothy Y./Tripadvisor
Steven S./Tripadvisor
Wayne Stadler/flickr
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Irish_captain/Tripadvisor
Ken Lund/flickr
James St. John/Flickr
National Park Service/Wikimedia
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