Arches: Skyline Arch

Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,138 ft - 5,160 ft
Elevation Gain: 22 ft
Water at Trailhead: No
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: Not allowed
Dated Hiked: 27 April 2012

The short and easy trail to Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch is impressive.  I first noticed this arch driving back from Tower Arch.  It was visible way in the distance and seemed larger than life as it dominated the horizon.  I actually wondered if it was reachable or one of those arches that the park does not take you to.  You can stroll right up to this arch, however, but don't expect to climb on it, it is WAY up there.

Skyline Arch is quite impressive and visible from the distance.

If this chunk of rock was a car, you could put 10 of your closest friends in it.

Everywhere in Arches there is a natural scenery that complements the geology.

A short trail leads to the base of the arch and a pile of rocks the size of VW Bugs.  These chunks of rock fell out of the arch in 1940, doubling its size.  That is of course how arches evolve.  Water seeps into the crevices in the rocks, freezes, expands and creates stresses.  Eventually, gravity works on these stresses and the rocks give way creating openings.  After a millenia or so the entire arch falls.