Double Arch
Encyclopedia
Natural arch
A natural arch or natural bridge is a natural geological formation where a rock arch forms, with an opening underneath. Most natural arches form as a narrow ridge, walled by cliffs, become narrower from erosion, with a softer rock stratum under the cliff-forming stratum gradually eroding out until...
es, one of the more known features of Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a U.S. National Park in eastern Utah. It is known for preserving over 2000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations....
in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, United States. From the Double Arch parking area it's a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round trip to the arches. There are no guardrails or fences to prevent visitors from exploring directly beneath and through the arches.
The area was used as a backdrop for the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a 1989 American adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, from a story co-written by executive producer George Lucas. It is the third film in the Indiana Jones franchise. Harrison Ford reprises the title role and Sean Connery plays Indiana's father, Henry...
, in which the arches are briefly visible. However, the cave shown in the movie does not exist.
Double Arch was formed differently than most of the arches in Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a U.S. National Park in eastern Utah. It is known for preserving over 2000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations....
. It is what is known as a pothole arch; it formed by water erosion from above rather than more typical erosion from the side. The larger opening has a span of 148 feet (45,1 meters) and a height of 104 feet (31,7 meters), both measured using precision laser equipment on June 23, 2009.