Arches National Park

Our first evening in Arches we were surprised to see a number of sites that were not occupied (including the one next to us) and wondered if weather had been the reason. It had been cloudy with sunny periods and sunny with cloudy periods alternately during the afternoon and the day was ending with a lovely sunset over the rocks above our campsite.

But just as we were settled down to enjoy a campfire to ward away the chilly evening the first rain drops fell accompanied by strong gusty winds so we hastily doused the fire and stowed the camp chairs in the picnic shelter and gathered our ebooks and retreated to the trailer. Unfortunately in the rush in the dark Pete managed to drop and then step on his reading glasses. Luckily he had packed back up pairs so was able to continue reading as the rain continued to fall.

In the morning we began our exploration of the park. There are so many awe inspiring vistas to experience here. Our first stop was a hike to the upper viewpoint of the Delicate Arch.

This only provided a distant view but we were to become much more up close and personal with the arches as the day went on. We continued to Wolfe Ranch and viewed the 1800’s homestead cabin and ancient native rock art wall before proceeding to the road leading to the Porthole Arch, Garden of Eden and Double Arch and North and South Windows.

Here we were able to walk directly under the arches and join the throngs of other visitors taking selfies under the Double Arch.

Although sunny, the wind was still brisk and we frequently had to dodge puddles along the trails, reminders of last night’s rain (the soils here do not drain well and the grounds flood easily). Next we hiked around the Balanced Rock all the while wondering how much longer before the elements would wear away at its tenuous structure.

After a break for a late lunch at one of the few picnic areas in the park near the Balanced Rock we continues south past the Petrified Dunes and the rock structure known as The Great Wall all the while enjoying glimpses of the snow covered La Sal Mountains to the south east. The area around the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint with the Tower of Babel and the Three Gossips had some of the most impressive fins and forms.

We ended our explorations for the day at the Visitor Centre and then began the long drive back to the campground for dinner and a relax. We discovered that we had new neighbours on the campsites on either side of us - a grade 7 school field trip from Ouray, Colorado. Our after dinner walk took us to the amphitheatre area of the campground where we watched the sun setting on the Skyline Arch that faces stands directly behind the amphitheatre.

Our next morning in Arches began with a two + hour hike that originated at the south end of the campground. The loop trail took us first to the Tapestry Arch. Along the way Pete spotted what appeared to be deer tracks in the sand. As we continued on to the Broken Arch we revelled in the solitude the hike provided after the crowded viewpoints and trails of the previous day. Here we could enjoy the bird song, appreciate the variety of the flora from cacti to wildflowers that seemed to have burst out after the rains, and watch jack rabbits nibble and scamper along. At the next stop on the trail, Broken Arch, we climbed up and over sliprock and leapt over small opening to make our way through the arch.

Although a much warmer day, the wind still gusted when we passed under the arch. The trail opened and we crossed a sandy area before we were again greeted by the rock outcroppings that held the Sand Dune Arch. Climbing and squeezing through crevices we came to the arch which bore a warning sign regarding recent rock fall and to enter the area cautiously.

We headed back across the sandy trail to join the final loop back to the campground looking at the approaching rocks and deciding this one looked like a monkey, that one like an owl, and over there was a begging dog. The final leg of the hike was again climbing up through crevices and over sliprock marked by little inuchshuck (sp??) like cairns – not bad for a couple of old codgers.

After lunch we headed into the town of Moab for a bit of shopping and recharging of devices at their very accommodating library. On closer examination we were struck by similarities between here and Revelstoke, both towns heavily dependent on outdoors tourism with a youthful vibe but an evident heritage.

After dinner I walked over to the Devils Garden trailhead from the campground and enjoyed the sunset on the Tunnel Arch before strolling back to join Pete for the final campfire at Arches on a warmer, clear night with stars above. Devils Garden Campground rates as the best US National Park campground we have visited so far. We hope the others we have scheduled to visit will impress us as well.