After our stop in Moab, we continued on to Arches National Park, just a short distance up the road. This area was inhabited by ancient people, and later by the Anasazi, Fremont and Utes tribes. Forty years ago it was an isolated and seldom visited place -hard to believe, since it is a spectacular park with an astounding 2,000 documented natural arches as well as monoliths and fins, with the Manti-La Sal mountains in the background.
First we stopped at Balanced Rock, a gravity-defying boulder, precariously resting on a pedestal-like rock mound.
Stopping for photos was essential. Even more amazing was the so-called Windows section, which features several stone arches in close proximity to each other. We climbed about the north and south windows, taking photos and marveling over these giant, eye-like openings in the rock.
We next hiked to Delicate Arch (which is so famous that you’ll see it on every Utah license plate), a relatively small but graceful formation, placed on the stunning backdrop of slick rock Basin and the Manti-La Sal mountains.
We got back in the car and proceeded next to Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch, also impressive.
The Devil’s Garden was probably my favorite section. A lovely path wound through rock passages, past scenic overlooks, and finally to an arch at the end. We saw two ravens snuggling affectionately in a tree here. Jonathan was singing his usual strange songs, and I was so happy to once again be in nature.
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Trish,
Glad to see you are up and out on the trails again…What a spectacular place to be….everywhere you turn is a not-to-be-missed scene!
You and Jonathan are looking very well to boot!
Love,
AN
Loved it all, the write up, the photos and the title!
Thanks for sharing.
Warmly,
Veenu
Thanks Veenu. It is an amazing place to visit!
That first photo looks like a backdrop for Gumby & Pokey!
Always a pleasure to see and read your blogs. Thanks.