Arches National Park

Of the 5 parks we visited on this trip, Arches is tied with Bryce as my absolute favorite. This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. All of the arches are so unique and there is so much to see here that you really need 2-3 days to explore the entire park. The beauty is absolutely overwhelming!

Delicate Arch

We only had one full day here, so we had to prioritize our to-do list. First and foremost on the list was the hike up to Delicate Arch, probably the most famous and most recognizable arch in the park.  The hike is about 3 miles roundtrip and thankfully it was a dry and beautiful day. 

I would label it as moderately strenuous for the beginner/intermediate hiker. It's uphill all the way, mostly over slick rock, which would be tough to hike on a wet day. As you get close to the top, the trail cuts into the edge of a cliff, giving someone with a fear of heights a pause for concern. I remember being terrified of this section my first time on this trail. Since then, I have done a lot of hikes, some very terrifying, so this was a walk in the park for me this time!

As you're hiking, you wonder why you can't see the arch off in the distance. Where is it? After all, it is huge! It is carefully hidden behind a hill for 99.99% of your hike. When you round that last bend, the arch literally jumps out at you to say hello. It's a breathtaking scene, one you will never forget. The arch sits right on the top edge of a bowl-shaped valley and you have to step into the bowl to walk over for the obligatory photo under the arch. It's a risky walk at best, with the 30-degree slant to the walls of the bowl and nothing to hang on to. I inched my way over and made it without falling and rolling into the bottom of the bowl. Thank God for hiking poles!

It was a wonderful hike and I can't wait to do it again someday. If you ever get to visit this park, please put this hike at the top of your to-do list.

(Yes, that is us standing under the arch)

Video link: Hike to Delicate Arch (about 4 minutes long)

Landscape & Pinetree Arches

Our second big hike of the day was up to Landscape Arch with a side trip to Pinetree Arch. It's one mile out to Landscape with a half-mile spur out to Pinetree. So about 3 miles round trip. These are relatively easy hikes, mostly flat with a couple small uphills. Landscape Arch is being weathered to death and will fall completely in a few years. In 1991, a 73-foot slab broke off, making it even more fragile. Amazingly, a tourist just happened to be videotaping the arch at the moment the slab fell. You can google "Landscape Arch collapse" to view the video.  If you want to see this amazing arch, you better hurry before it's gone completely. 

Pinetree Arch is a lovely arch tucked away behind a hill. If it weren't for the trail, you'd never know it was there. I like this one a lot because it is rarely visited by tourists and bestows a sense of peace and solitude that is very restorative. I could spend hours just sitting here soaking in the energy and beauty. The picture below does not do it any justice. Because of the way it is situated, it's extremely difficult to shoot. If you should hike up to Landscape Arch, I highly recommend the side trip to Pinetree Arch.

Video Link: Landscape, Tunnel, & Pine Tree Arches (About 3 minutes long)

(Landscape Arch)

(Pinetree Arch)

The road to the Windows Sections was closed the day we were there.  This was a huge disappointment for us as we missed out on the famous Double Arch, Turet Arch, North Window, and South Window. Instead, we hiked out to the Sand Dune Arch, a short half-mile or so round trip. You hike through a narrow canyon and the arch suddenly opens up on the right. This one is also less frequented by visitors, so you have time and space to explore. I found some spots a little claustrophobic and had to turn around!

Along the road, you pass by Balance Rock. Park the car and take a short walk out to it. It's amazing to see up close and you wonder what keeps it balanced. 

 

At the end of the day, we hiked a total of 11 1/2 miles per our FitBits. I can't recommend this park enough. Nature is truly an extraordinary sculptor. Take the time and enjoy her work. 

Link to photo album: Arches National Park (About 4 minutes long)

And last, but definitely not least, Romin had a great time riding around the park taking us to all of these glorious sites!

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Until next time,

Peace & Love

Pete & Lori