The Arches

Today we went to Arches National Park. We stopped at the first viewing site and saw some magnificent rock formations including The Three Gossips. We next went to Balanced Rock. It is a rock weighing 3600 tons balancing on another spit of rock. After that we went to see some rock formations and then arrived at our first arches. The first one we got to was Double Arch. This one was formed from water creating a pothole on top then wearing through the sides. It was a short walk to really see it well but a really spectacular arch which is the third largest in the park. Directly across from Double Arch are North and South Windows and Turret Arch. This walk was a little longer and more strenuous (slightly uphill) but you could stand in the South Window which was fun. We walked around to the North Window then over to Turret Arch from which we could get a picture of the two windows together. Next we drove to Delicate Arch which is the most photographed arch and is the unofficial symbol of Utah. You have three choices for viewing this arch. You can take a strenuous three mile hike to the arch itself or you can go to upper or lower viewing spots. We decided to do the upper viewing spot which was listed as a half mile round trip, slightly strenuous. It was the longest half mile we have ever walked with at least half of it straight up a hill. We finally reached the top and it is a really beautiful arch. Downhill was, of course, a little easier. Next we drove to Skyline Arch which can be seen from the road but we walked the short trail to the base. We were glad we had brought water bottles and even happier that we had an emergency gallon of water in the truck. Everywhere you go in this park they warn you to drink plenty of water. The scenery all through the park is quite magnificent and though we were worn out puppies by the end of the day, it was well worth every step. We had dinner in town on our way back to the RV Park and then crashed (literally) when we got back.

Aug 5, 2010

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