You’re hiking eight hundred and fifty feet above the hot canyon floor, moving anxiously through a narrow slot canyon and enjoying its occasional breath of cool air, when suddenly something wondrous comes into view. A ribbon of rock, arched proudly against the blue desert sky. Freestanding rock, that compels you to stop and wonder. How did it come to be? Why doesn’t it fall? What does this arch tell me about the incredible geology of Zion National Park?

For centuries people been drawn to these unusual geologic formations. Individuals throughout human history and prehistory, depending on their cultural background, may have undoubtedly felt fear or spiritual awe at the sight of such a large hole in rock, put there by some unknown force, or perhaps an unfriendly deity. It is equally certain that individuals from other cultural backgrounds saw only grace and beauty in these natural spans. Still, it is a rare human being indeed who can gaze upon a natural arch, or bridge of stone, and not be touched by being in the presence of something special. Rock shouldn’t take flight in the sky. But when it does, in scorn of physical laws, people take notice.

World wide, arches number in the tens of thousands, and probably no place is more suited for their creation than the Colorado Plateau, home of Zion National Park. The immense geology of Zion has created environments as widespread and diverse as the topography of the park itself. Hidden in this geologic grandeur are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of freestanding arches of all shapes and sizes. Although freestanding arches may be found in a many different geologic formations, the Navajo Sandstone formation, which creates the magnificent cliffs of Zion, provides a fertile setting for creation of these ribbons of rock before they give way to the unyielding forces of erosion.

Among the many arches found in Zion, two stand out to the average visitor. Crawford Arch is perhaps the most visible, clinging to the base of Bridge Mountain a thousand feet above the canyon floor, and pointed out to casual observers by an interpretive sign located on the front patio of the Human History Museum. For years, rangers in Zion told visitors that this span was a natural bridge (thus the mountain’s name). But by geologic standards it is an arch and in the last years of the twentieth century was referred to as “The arch on Bridge Mountain”. Hoping to avoid confusion, the National Park Service eventually named the span Crawford Arch in honor of the Crawford family who toiled and farmed underneath its watchful gaze, among the first Mormon settlers called to the canyon. Although undoubtedly seen by Zion’s Native Peoples for centuries, the names they gave to this arch in the sky have been lost to the mists of time.

The other famous arch in Zion is not so easily seen. Located deep in the backcountry of Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyons District, and hidden in a relatively small side canyon sits Kolob Arch, perched high on the canyon wall like a large hulking giant. Because of its remote location and virtual inaccessibility, Kolob Arch for years has challenged cowboys, rangers, hikers, climbers, and photographers alike. For most of the twentieth century many believed that Kolob was in fact the world’s largest freestanding arch, leading to years of debate and the motivation for various parties of adventurous thrill seekers who would climb on and around the massive span in hopes of securing a defensible measurement of the arch.

Despite its remote location, Kolob Arch has become a favorite backcountry destination for thousands of visitors to Zion. They discover what most arch seekers will tell you, the thrill is in the hunt. Along the trail to Kolob Arch lies some of the most beautiful and remote scenery to be found in Zion. Geology becomes beauty while watching La Verkin Creek, with its soothing sound of life giving water, cutting and creating some of most colorful canyon walls found in southwestern Utah. Brilliant views of the Kolob Terrace along the trail give a tired hiker many places to stop and recharge while gazing upon the high plateau country of Zion. Wildlife abounds in these protected canyons and encounters with reptiles, birds, and mammals are not uncommon.  Finally, one is rewarded with a sight not seen by most of Zion’s two and a half million annual visitors, Kolob Arch. While most experts now agree that Kolob Arch is not the world’s largest span in terms of measurement by width and size, most visitors would concur with the claim that it certainly ranks among the most beautiful and massive arches in creation, surrounded and protected by the majestic scenery of Zion.

Zion National Park holds many surprises. When seeking out something special, such as an arch, or a canyon, or perhaps a certain flower, animal or bird, remember that it is the path that enlightens and inspires us. While special beauty awaits you at the end of the trail, the reward begins at the trailhead.