Last week one of the most photographed and largest arches in Arches National Park came tumbling down. A National Parks Service spokesperson said Wall Arch collapsed from a combination of gravity and erosion. The picture above is one of hundreds I took during my four day visit at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah. Wall Arch is or "was" part of the famous red arches of sandstone that occur in great profusion. According to the NPS, there are over 1,000 scenic arches. It is wonderfully surreal with its striking rock formations which are scattered over the park's 73,000 acres. There are huge monolithic spires and ridges and they have been featured in many films, most famously Thelma and Louise.
The hiking is truly spectacular especially the Devils Garden Trail where Wall Arch collapsed. The primitive loop which I hiked takes you by seven prominent arches. In many instances you must scramble and free climb up enormous sandstone fins.If you have vertigo this is not the place to hike. There are no railings, no safety nets (no phone service) and alot of slippery rock. As you summit the fins the scenery is National Geographic picture perfect.
Once you are done with Arches you can head over to Canyonlands National Park. It is often referred to as the "Little Grand Canyon". It is 530 square miles of countless canyons, arches, mesas and with the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. There are three distinct areas of the park - Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. The Maze was my favorite section of the park. It is the wildest and remotest part of the park. Roads are unpaved and dusty and you must have a 4WD vehicle. Many times the roads deteriorated into steep canyons and small ravines. (the Flomeister was not happy when she got wind of that her daughter was driving all over creation) It truly is a spectacular part of the country.
The parks are about a four hour ride from Vail. If you do go make sure and get off I-70 west and take the country road US 128 in the back way. I thought for sure I would run into John Wayne driving down that road. Arches and Canyonlands are located near the town of Moab. This town is the starting point for many boat trips down the Colorado River and is the epicenter of mountain biking.
Many visitors visit Moab as part of the "Grand Circle" tour. Within the Grand Circle lies America's largest concentration of National Parks and Scenic Byways. The circle includes 11 National Parks, 16 National Monuments and over 20 Scenic Byways. It is a 1,400 mile circle encompassing sections of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. It is a great way to experience the scenic and historical American West.
Remember...the views don't disappear at sunset. Take the time and boat down the Colorado River at night. The sky is absolutely cloaked in stars. In my travels only Tibet's night sky rivals what I experienced out west.
So, saddle up the horse and giddy up.
Happy trails,
Angie of the Fins
