Plants and Wildlife in Arches

As in any desert environment, the best time to see wildlife in Arches is early morning or evening. Summer temperatures keep most animals tucked away in cool places, though ravens and lizards are exceptions. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you may spot one of the beautiful turquoise-necklace-collared lizards. It's more likely you'll see the western whiptail. Mule deer, jackrabbits, and small rodents are usually active in cool morning hours or near dusk. You may spot a lone coyote foraging day or night. The park protects a small herd of desert bighorns, and some of their tribe are sometimes seen early in the morning grazing beside U.S. 191 south of the Arches entrance. Never approach bighorns, which have been known to charge people who attempt to get too close, or any other animals in the park. Ravens, mule deer, and small mammals such as chipmunks are very used to seeing people and will get close to you, but don't feed them.