Sunday, May 19, 2013

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

As you can see, this was a glorious day for hiking. We started at the far end of the park road at the Devils Garden trailhead. We saw a total of 9 arches today, but only found the names of 7.

Our first trail took us to Landscape Arch. It spans a distance longer than a football field. The trail which goes under the arch has been closed since 1991 when a slab of rock 60 feet long fell. This makes it difficult to get any perspective in order to show the size.

 Along the trail.

Along the trail.

 Interesting tree.

 Landscape Arch was Larry's favorite.

Partition Arch

 These are some of the views from the primitive trail in Devils Garden.

 The primitive trail involved hiking in deep sand. Glad we had our hiking boots.

 A variety of vegetation along the primitive trail

The primitive trail was nice and quiet, as there were few hikers on it.

 Pine tree arch.

Tunnel Arch

 Skyline Arch

 In 1940 a large chunk fell out of Skyline Arch, doubling it's size.

Some fellow hikers to show the size.

 From Skyline arch we took a small trail that was not on our map. This large nest was perched up high on a cliff.

 We found this arch along the small trail.



 Sand Dune arch is a popular place for small children, as it's a natural sandbox. It's location between the fins of rock, keep the weather cool.

 Sand Dune Arch

 Claudia at Broken Arch. The loop trail continues through the arch.

 Looking up at broken arch.

Fiery Furnace is like a maze in narrow sandstone canyons. If you want to hike here you have to go with a ranger-guide or get a permit. Maybe next time.

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