Sunday, September 15, 2013

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

Friday, September 13 – We returned to Arches NP EARLY this morning. We were in the Park just after 7 a.m., and it sure paid dividends. We were here to hike the Devil's Garden Trail. Devil's Garden contains the highest concentration of arches in the world, among them is Landscape Arch, a slender ribbon of stone longer than a football field.

The hike out is gorgeous.
archeswalk to landscape arch

This is the most popular trail in the park. From the parking lot to Landscape Arch is only a 1.6 miles one way. The trail is very easy but not a stroll.

trail

Since we were early, we certainly avoided the inevitable crowds. As a matter of fact there was only one other couple on the trail when we viewed Landscape Arch. We were DELIGHTED by the serenity and solitude.

Do not miss the beauty of this arch.
landscape arch
 

Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in the world. This is Marsha's favorite arch.

lanscape arch

At its thinnest section, it is only 6' thick.

landscape arch

On our way back to the parking lot, a crowd, consisting of a bus group, was heading to Landscape Arch. Get there BEFORE 8 a.m. if you want to avoid the crowds!

There are two trails off of the main trail leading to Landscape Arch. On our way back, we hiked out to Pine Tree Arch which was Paul's favorite because we could easily walk up, touch it, and enjoy it up close and personal.

There is little Paul on the left-hand side.pine tree arch

looking through pine tree arch

Looking up.
looking up

About a quarter of a mile from Pine Tree Arch is Tunnel Arch. Tunnel Arch is actually a double arch comprised of a larger hole towards the center of the fin, and a smaller hole on the upper-left.

tunnel arch

We enjoyed all of these arches immensely.

We continued to explore more of the 2,000+ arches. We will show you more of them in future posts.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day.

 

15 comments:

  1. I get more jealous every time I read your blog. Great pictures

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  2. Looks like the weather gods were finally with you:) The rocks certainly are much prettier in the sunlight.

    I, also, liked the Pine Tree Arch. Great shot of the distant background through the arch.

    It must have been quite the experience to have been there when that huge piece fell out off the Landscape Arch!

    Hoping you had sunshine this weekend!!

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  3. So grateful for all the tips!! I can see that we will definitely be spending some time in this area!! The beauty is just amazing!!
    You guys continue to enjoy! :-)

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  4. You were so smart to get out early before the crowds and I am also guessing it was much cooler.

    Your photos are a delight! Looks a great time of year to be exploring this area.

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  5. Wonderful early morning walk. Wish I didn't have such an aversion to rising early!

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  6. Aren't you glad this isn't back in the days of film? Just think what you'd be spending on all the pictures you're talking. You sure have some beauties!

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  7. I like to get up early and get started. Angela not so much..grump

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  8. More awesome pictures, thanks for taking us along and sharing with us.

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  9. Your pictures have been a nice refresher course for my memories of Arches.

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  10. Moab is not on our list for this year, but you sure have made it a must do on our bucket list.

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  11. Keep the beautiful images comin'!

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  12. I liked Landscape Arch, too. So delicate looking. Makes you wonder how much longer it will remain standing.
    Gayle

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  13. So very beautiful. Loved the picture looking up at the arch...a little different perspective.

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