Angel Arch, Natural arch in The Needles, Canyonlands National Park, United States
Description
Angel Arch is a natural stone formation in The Needles section of Canyonlands that rises 450 feet (140 meters) above the canyon floor. The opening of the arch measures 135 feet (41 meters) in height and 120 feet (37 meters) in width, creating a massive passage through the rock.
History
The formation received its official name of Angel Arch in 1963 when the United States Board on Geographic Names replaced its previous name Pegasus Arch. This naming came from the visual appearance of the rock formation resembling a winged figure.
Culture
The surrounding canyon holds traces of Ancestral Puebloan settlements with stone structures and rock art visible to hikers passing through. These remains show how people adapted to life in this remote canyon landscape long ago.
Practical
The hike to reach this arch is long and demanding, requiring good physical fitness and proper equipment for desert hiking. Visitors should bring plenty of water, food, and navigation tools to stay safe on the route.
Did you know?
The arch's shape resembles an angel standing with folded wings and its back toward the opening, which inspired its name. This visual similarity becomes clearer when viewed from different angles along the approach trail.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (San Juan County).
Utah monolith
33.3 km
Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument
21.9 km
Dark Canyon Wilderness
33.1 km
Church Rock
36 km
Druid Arch
8 km
Sixshooter Peaks
12.2 km
Abajo Peak
34.9 km
Junction Butte
28.1 km
Kirk's Cabin Complex
7.5 km
Cave Springs Cowboy Camp
11.7 km
Stillwater Canyon
19.2 km
Elaterite Butte
30.8 km
Lost Canyon Cowboy Camp
9.5 km
Paul Bunyans Potty
7.7 km
The Needles Visitor Center
12.9 km
Joint Trail
11.6 km
The Needles Overlook
26.4 km
Chesler Park
10.7 km
North Sixshooter Peak
12.2 km
Beehive Arch
20.9 km
South Sixshooter Peak
11.9 km
The Needles Campground
11.5 km
Turks Head
36.8 km
Chocolate Drops
28.5 km
The Needles
11 km
Grand View Point Overlook
31.2 km
The Needles
13 km
Keyhole Ruins
7.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes