Arches

(Moab UT)
My tour of Arches National Park started on a nice sunny day. However, it soon turned cloudy and remained overcast eventually turning to rain. I had saved the best arches for later in the day when the sun position was supposed to be better for photos. As a result, many of the arch pictures appear dull. Just my kind of luck!

Rock formation, clouds

Arches National Park

I first drove the 18 mile scenic road, stopping at viewpoints along the way. At the end of the road, Devil’s Garden trail had many interesting cliffs and rocks, and led to Landscape Arch. Further on were more arches, but time and legs wouldn’t allow the longer hike, and still see the others. While there I had lunch in Tardis.

Rock arch and trees

Landscape Arch

Rock formation and arch

Skylight Arch

Then, it was a matter of back-tracking to see the other arches. Most were an easy walk from a parking area. Skylight arch was by the road, while Sand Dune and Broken arches were short hikes at the same stop.

Arch with sandy ground

Sand Dune Arch

Rock formation with arch

Broken Arch

The three mile hike to the base of Delicate arch wasn’t appealing in the clouds and rain. So, I went to the upper and lower viewpoints to get photos. A short way beyond the end of the trail, out on some slick rock, provided better visibility.

Arch on mesa in distance

Delicate Arch from Upper Viewpoint

Famous arch with rock formations

Delicate Arch using Zoom

While the arches were the featured scenes in the park, it also had outstanding rock formations. Many of them had names which I am unable to match with the photos. The parking lot for Balanced Rock was full, so I took photos from the road.

Rock formation against cloudy sky

Balanced Rock

Dead tree and rock formations

Along Devils Garden Trail

The Windows and Turret arches were on the same loop trail. Adjacent was Double arch which could be slightly seen from the road. Since, it had begun raining again I passed. Along that entry road was the Garden of Eden with pillar rocks which I also skipped.

Arch and bushes

North Window

Arch in rock formation

South Window

The Park Avenue trail was to be my last hike which also got scratched from the list due to the rain. I thought to return another day; but, the rains continued. Since I missed so much, I determined I would just have to go back for a second visit at another time.

Arch, hole, spire

Turret Arch

Towering rock formations

Rock Towers along the Scenic Drive

I was invited by RV friends to join them at their camp north of Moab. The visit was pleasant; but, the site was next to a busy road popular with ATVs. However, it did have a good internet signal. I stayed through the weekend hoping the weather would improve and the crowds would abate afterward.

Camp: Willow Springs Rd – BLM boondock
Scene: Arches, mesas, rock formations

6 Responses to Arches

  1. Barney Ward June 12, 2015 at 4:54 pm #

    I made it to Delicate Arch once with my bad knees and it took a couple of days to recover. However it was so fantastic I would do it again in a heartbeat. Arches is my second favorite Utah park behind Capitol Reef.

    • Pleinguy June 12, 2015 at 8:49 pm #

      Probably would be worth the hike. But, with fewer people and better weather. I wasn’t that eager this time to overcome those issues.

  2. Judie Ashford June 13, 2015 at 11:50 pm #

    I got up to the base of Delicate Arch after a killer climb (for me, the great wuss), only to find that I had only one shot left on my film, and that I had forgotten to bring an extra roll. You can tell how long ago that was, yah? ;->

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

    • Pleinguy June 14, 2015 at 11:48 am #

      That sounds like my kind of luck, Judie. What a bummer! Thankfully with digital, having enough shots is no longer a problem.

  3. Dorothy June 14, 2015 at 4:29 pm #

    I think I’d have had a hard time leaving this beautiful place.

    • Pleinguy June 14, 2015 at 4:33 pm #

      All good things must come to an end… or something. The weather wasn’t co-operating in Moab. But, there was a window of opportunity at a place I really wanted to see.

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