Located about 12 miles north of Aztec, New Mexico, arch hunters will find Cox Canyon Arch, one of the best looking examples of the area's natural arches. This beautifully shaped golden arch, worn from a sandstone fin, is approximately 35 feet wide, with an 18 foot opening. Because prehistoric artifacts were found in the vicinity, local explorers had named this arch Anasazi Arch.
   Arches are natural occurrences and can be found world-wide. To the north of Aztec, Arches National Park in Utah is best known for its huge number of natural arches, totaling over 2000. Not far to the east is a second area of arches located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Here another arch collection is found in Rattlesnake Canyon where nine large arches form a line along the canyon wall. For the avid arch hunter, the Aztec area can also be a rewarding stop, where as many as 300 arches are spread throughout the countryside.
   The Four Corners Region, made up of the states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, has what it takes to attract photographers from all over the world. And tracking down these spectacular rock formations offers even more of a challenge to the arch hunter-photographer.

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