MOAB / ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Part 1

Moab is a small town nestled in between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in southern Utah (31 miles south of Interstate 70 and 18 miles west of the Utah/Colorado state line). The town bustles with mountain bikers, hikers, rock climbers and water sport enthusiasts (who seek out the excitement of the nearby Colorado River for whitewater rafting and kayaking). 

Choosing photos to share on the blog was not easy. Every corner we turned in the park had a more stunning view than the last. A photo of this place has a hard time capturing the true magnificence of the landscape, but here we will try. The colors that come out of the earth are truly amazing! We were here in late April so there was still lots of green from the spring rain.

As we entered the park.....

Devils Garden Trail

We decided to drive to Devils Garden at the farthest end of the park to start our hiking. This is the longest trail in the park where you can view 7 impressive arches.

At the trail head

It only took us about 15 minutes to find a lizard, which made my day. I have been chasing lizards since I was 5 years old, so I was so happy that this little guy just sat there and let me take photos of him for a very long time.

Tunnel Arch

Pine Tree Arch

The surprising floral life in the desert landscape

Wild Lupins

Pale Evening Primrose

 

Asteraceae (sunflower family)

Landscape Arch
  ......At 306 feet long, it is one of the largest natural spans in the world.

Just after Landscape Arch the trail takes a very steep and narrow turn. We had to pay close attention to every step and try not to look at the steep drop on either side.

We found this Cairn (Gaelic word meaning "mound of stones built as a memorial or landmark") at the top of our climb letting us know what direction to go to stay on the trail.

Our reward for walking up that narrow ridge.......

What a view!!!!

A couple of movies showing the spectacular panoramic views of the valleys from the top of the ridge.

Tapestry Arch

Me taking some time to have one of my Zen moments

On the trail to Navajo Arch

Navajo Arch

Partition Arch

Don't look down!!!

 

That's me in the front of the pack. Weeeeeeeeee!! The two guys behind me were braver than I was to go right to the end stone where you had to hop across to get there! ACK!

What goes up, must come down....... A video of our descent down that very steep and narrow slick rock path.

I will get to the rest of the park in my next post.