Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. There are over 2,000 documented arches in the park, ranging from sliver-thin cracks to spans greater than 300 feet (97 m). It also has hundreds of spring pinnacles, massive rock fins and giant balanced rocks.
While we only spent one evening and one day here, we saw a lot. But to truly get to know this park, it would take more than that. Laura and Bob keep coming back year after year.
We spent our time hiking and taking loads of pictures and just wondered at how the arches were formed and what type of peoples lived here. Since it wasn’t part of our experience I won’t describe it here, but you can find out all of that at https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm.
First we saw Double Arch - one of Laura’s favorites. It is 2 giant arches sharing the same stone base. The larger opening is 148 feet wide and 104 feet tall making it the tallest arch in the park.
This isn’t an arch, but walking over to the next arch we passed this formation that looked like something out of Egypt.
And then Windows Arch along with stunning landscapes. This first picture with the wall all lit up was just before sunset.
Then Turret arch with Laura in the foreground.
We headed out for the night, but came back the next morning (bright and early) to see more of the park and to take a few hikes.
The first one we went to see was Delicate Arch. Round trip the hike to see this was 3 miles, BUT it was a lot of uphill (elevation gain of 480 feet), on different terrains including slickrock and with minimal shade. The arch was beautiful and worth the climb.
People lined up to get their picture taken in it, we did too, but we looked tiny so I didn’t post those here.
On the way back down from this arch, there were Petroglyphs. The style of the figures is typical of Ute markings from probably about the 1600’s
Time to eat! Here was our incredible picnic spot.
Next, we were off on our next adventure that took several hours. We headed into the Devils Garden Trail. I should have read the sign at the beginning of “know before you go”. They read,
“ steep climb begins just past Landscape Arch” and “drop offs on both sides challenge those with fear of heights”. We didnt do the whole 9 miles of trails, but we saw many arches, climbed a super steep rock trail and really put my fear of heights to the test.
Laura and Bob confidently set out.
We saw all this wonderful scenery on the .9 mile hike in to see the first arch.
Made it to Landscape Arch! It is about 306 feet from base to base making it the longest natural stone arch in North America and one of the longest in the world. Partition Arch was just past Landscape Arch. We could have just stayed below and marveled at the arch, BUT NO….
We had to climb up a steep rocky incline with big drop offs, just so we could get to the back of the arch. It was actually well worth the climb. We were practically the only ones there and we spent a lot of time exploring around the arch.
Navajo Arch- another beautiful arch by Partition Arch. It was very cozy and seemed like a good place for shelter.
I didn’t photograph my near death experience (exaggerating a bit), getting back down the high rock wall, but suffice it to say, I did at least 1/2 on my backside.
Still in Devils Garden, we saw 2 more arches Pine Tree Arch
And Tunnel arch.
After Devils Garden we were super tired, but stopped to see just 2 more. First Skyline Arch. It looks small, but it is high up and is 33 feet tall and 71 feet wide.
Lastly, Bob and I hiked in a short bit to Sand Dune Arch. The way in was like a hug sand box between 2 towering rock walls. A lot of families were in this section.
Sand Dune Arch was tucked in the rock walls and almost felt hidden.
Well, we have run out of steam! There are many more arches, but that will have to be for another trip. TTFN (ta ta for now)
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