People

Today people visit Arches for the views and trails. Those who came before sought many other things: wealth, adventure, solitude, or a home. Learn more about a handful of characters in the human story of Arches.

 
A dark brown rock with four white rock art images of bighorn sheep, people, and horses engraved on the surface.

Native Americans
Countless generations of Indigenous people crossed these sandstone landscapes.

 
Six cattle brands burned on a wood surface.

Traders & Settlers
Others came in pursuit of pelts, ore, scientific knowledge, and good grazing lands.

 
A black and white photo of a man leaning on a walking stick while posing for a photo. Sagebrush and rock formations are visible in the distance.

Park Founders
How a local newspaper editor and a local doctor teamed up to create one of the country's most popular national parks.

 
A black and white photo of a young man wearing a jacket and a hat smiling at the camera.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Like many NPS units, Arches benefitted from the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

 
A dark haired man with a white beard looks off into the distance, his face illuminated by sunlight.

Edward Abbey
This author gave a voice to the desert, though not all agree with what he said.

 
A man smirks at the camera while wearing a blue shirt and a hat.

Arch Hunters
Who mapped most of the park's namesake features?

 
Loading results...

    Last updated: March 14, 2023

    Park footer

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    PO Box 907
    Moab, UT 84532

    Phone:

    435 719-2299

    Contact Us