Things to do in Cisco

Depicted on state license plates and postage stamps, Delicate Arch is among the most iconic rock formations in Arches National Park. The spectacular free-standing arch, which is brilliant red, is part of an eponymous trail past the park’s dramatic scenery. Snap photos of your family standing in the natural structure’s opening for a sense of its size and beauty.

Partition Arch is a large circular opening in the rock face that offers a magnificent view of a valley in Arches National Park. It shares a trail with nearby Navajo Arch in the midst of seemingly endless red rocks and colorful surfaces. Snap photos of the valley and include the underside of the arch for interesting results.

You may experience a sense of vertigo when looking at Balanced Rock, which seems at once eternal and always on the verge of crashing down onto the rocks below. Formed over millions of years, Balanced Rock reaches 128 feet (39 meters) in height and was once concealed within the cliff of Dewey Bridge mudstone that still forms its pedestal. As some of the mudstone wore away, Balanced Rock emerged, becoming more precipitous over time. Visit this natural marvel, one of the few attractions within Arches National Park that you can see easily from the road.

Double Arch is a fascinating rocky structure with a double loop that gives off an otherworldly appearance. The two arches are among the most recognizable features in Arches National Park, just outside Moab. Stand in the gaps between the two enormous loops to get a sense of their sheer size and majesty.

When in Arches National Park visit Sand Dune Arch, an impressive natural monument. Made of glowing red rock, the structure is named for the pile of sand at its foot that was carried here by strong winds within the park. Embark on a trek along the Broken Arch Trail, admiring the array of impressive rock structures around you.

Landscape Arch is a wide bridge-like arch connecting two large rock formations in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park. It is one of the world’s longest arches, with a span of 290 feet (88 meters). Take photos of this spectacular natural formation, which would look more at home on Mars or in the Stone Age environment depicted in The Flintstones.

Drive to Fiery Furnace Viewpoint in Arches National Park and walk from the parking area to the vista point in 0.1 mile (0.2 kilometer). Alternatively don your hiking boots and join a ranger-guided hike through the sandstone labyrinth of fins, spires and arches. The sudden dead ends and narrow, twisting corridors of this sandstone attraction will have you scratching your head, so the only way to explore is via a ranger-led hike. Guided hikes also ensure that visitors stay off the protected native plants and soil.