Slickrock caps of Navajo sandstone cover layers of sediment from ancient oceans, shores, and deserts. Folds and warps in the layers indicate movement of long-buried salt deposits in an incomprehensibly slow geological drama that seems to have culminated fortunately for us in the present day. Arches' incredible towers inspire rock climbers to scale heavenward. Hiking trails lead to enormous rocks balanced on thin spires, standing rock fins and cliff walls hundreds of feet high, and graceful sandstone spans arcing against the sky a photographer's paradise. The scenic park road makes it easy to visit these wonders by bike and by car.
Arches possesses a beauty both grand and strange.
The sublime beauty of this land speaks to all its visitors. However, with most marquee sights accessible by car, many visitors never leave the road so getting away from it all is possible and remarkably easy. More on hiking in Arches National Park Bike on Slickrock Though biking inside the park is limited to the paved road and a few dirt ones, nearby Moab is a mountain-biking mecca. Moab's smooth slickrock is perfect for mountain-bike tires, offering fast rides with steep climbs and steeper downhills. Most bikers find the risk factor worth the opportunity to pedal this landscape and take in the views surrounding them.