browser icon
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.

Arches National Park

Posted by on October 14, 2017

Windows Arch

Windows Arch

I visited Arches National Park twice – by myself late afternoon on Thursday and with Jett Friday around noon. The second visit was to give Jett an opportunity to see this beautiful park, but I also wanted to take a look at the “Windows” area, which I had skipped when I ran out of time on Thursday. Besides, Friday was even clearer than Thursday.

The roads in the park were being resurfaced, which made it more difficult to get around. Some areas – most notably the “Park Avenue” area – were totally closed, which was disappointing. But the park has so many features that there was still plenty to see.

The entrance to the park is flat, but it immediately transitions into a climb up the side of a cliff. In less than a mile the road rises over 500 feet, producing a panoramic view of the Moab Valley. From there it flattens out and the rest of the 18 mile ride is relatively flat and easy, with just one additional drop – maybe 200 feet – into a valley.

Many of the arches require a walk to get close. Jett wasn’t interested in any hikes and I was pressed for time on Thursday, so I only did two hikes. The first was about a half mile up to a promontory, to view the Delicate Arch. I found that view disappointing and probably not worth the effort. The second hike was about a quarter mile, into a chasm containing the Sand Dune Arch. That hike was eerie and definitely worth the effort. But I found myself wishing I could find a time when the lighting was better. But with the chasm being as deep as it is, there may never be a time when it gets direct sunlight.

Devils Garden

Devils Garden

Plains vista

Plains vista

Tower of Babel?

Tower of Babel?

Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch

Random rocks

Distant view of Delicate Arch

Courthouse Towers

Courthouse Towers

Colorful valley

Colorful valley

Moab Valley vista

Moab Valley vista

Chasm to Sand Dune Arch

Chasm to Sand Dune Arch

Near Sand Dune Arch

Near Sand Dune Arch

Climbers

Climbers

"We Three Kings"

“We Three Kings”

Phallic rock

Phallic rock

Obelisk pair

Obelisk pair

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.