Royal Arches facts for kids
The Royal Arches are amazing natural rock formations in Yosemite National Park, California. They are not like typical arches you might walk under. Instead, they are huge, arch-shaped hollows or indentations in a giant cliff face. These arches are made of granite and were formed by a natural process called exfoliation. You can find them below North Dome and high above the beautiful Yosemite Valley. (37°44′54″N 119°34′08″W / 37.74840°N 119.569°W)
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Discovering the Royal Arches
What Are the Royal Arches?
Imagine a giant wall of rock with huge, curved scoops taken out of it. That's what the Royal Arches look like! They are not freestanding arches, but rather big, arch-shaped hollows on the side of a cliff. These unique shapes are created by a natural process where layers of rock peel away, much like an onion. This process is called exfoliation.
Where to Find Them
The Royal Arches are located on the north side of Yosemite Valley. They are northeast of the famous Ahwahnee Hotel. Right next to the arches, you can see the beautiful Royal Arch Cascade waterfall. To the east, you'll spot Washington Column, and towering above it all is North Dome.
The Story Behind the Name
Long ago, the Native American people had their own names for these formations. One name was "Scho-ko-ni," which meant "baby basket" or "shade for a baby." Another similar name was "Cho-ko-nip-o-deh." However, some experts think "Cho-ko-ni" might have meant "dog house." An old guide from the past, Bancroft's Tourist Guide, also recorded a name, "Hun-to," which meant "watching eye." It's interesting how different people saw different things in these grand rocks!
How the Arches Were Formed
The Royal Arches are made of granite, a very strong rock. Like many cliffs in Yosemite Valley, they can experience rockfall. This is when pieces of rock break off and fall from the steep cliffs. Scientists have studied what causes these rockfalls.
Understanding Rockfalls
Many things can trigger rockfalls. Heavy rain, earthquakes, and freezing temperatures are common causes. But scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) found something else important at the Royal Arches: very hot weather. They placed special sensors in a crack behind a large slab of rock. This slab was about 19 meters tall, 4 meters wide, and 10 centimeters thick.
They watched the rock for 3+1⁄2 years. They discovered that on unusually hot days, the crack could open by almost half an inch! This showed that warm temperatures can also help trigger rockfalls. The scientists learned that the hottest times of the day and year can make rocks more likely to fall.
Recent Changes and Safety
In August 2023, rock climbers noticed a new crack on the western side of the Royal Arches. This crack was near a climbing route called Super Slide. Park rangers and geologists investigated. They found that a large pillar of rock was partly separating from the cliff. They could even hear cracking sounds, like ice breaking on a frozen lake!
By September 7, 2023, the crack had grown longer and wider. Because of this, the National Park Service temporarily closed climbing access to that part of the Royal Arches. They did this to keep everyone safe from potential rockfalls. A nearby hiking trail section was also closed, and a new path was created for hikers.
Adventure: Rock Climbing
Yosemite is famous for its amazing rock climbing spots, and the Royal Arches area is no exception! Climbers can find many challenging routes here. The climbing area stretches from a spot called Church Bowl all the way to Washington Column.
Famous Climbing Routes
One very famous route is the Royal Arches Route. Even though it's called "Royal Arches," this specific route is actually a bit east of the main arches. It's so well-known that it's mentioned in a classic climbing book called Fifty Classic Climbs of North America. The first people to climb this route were Kenneth Davis, Morgan Harris, and Ken Adam on October 9, 1936.
Other popular climbing routes directly on the Royal Arches include Super Slide, Peruvian Flake West, Rhombus Wall, Serenity Crack, and Sons of Yesterday. These routes offer exciting challenges for experienced climbers.
See also
- Landforms of Yosemite National Park
