9-10-2013 Arches National Park, UT

After filling up with fuel and settling into our new RV site (not nearly as pretty as the state park or BLM site) we headed off to the visitor’s center at the Park. There was a park orientation movie that was very informative and got you really pumped up for the trip into the Park.

When we started into the park the weather was a little questionable with overcast skies and some rain.  In the orientation movie, they had talked about how water had created all of this, but was very rarely seen.  Surprise! We were there for the rain.   As the day progressed there were hints of blue sky and sunshine. This Park is a little overwhelming, so many sites to see.  In fact, we were scheduled to go to Canyonlands National Park, just 30 miles south of Arches NP, the next day, but were so exhausted by the time we finished at Arches, we decided to save Canyonlands for another time.

Because of the rain, we weren't able to see many of the really spectacular formations. The road through the park is only about 20 miles long with many turnouts.  But there is so much to see everywhere you turn.   The formations are not all right next to the turnouts so you have to hike, in some cases several miles to see them. Several of the roads were completely closed off because of slides, which made some of the sites a really long hike.  Needless to say we did not see all of them.  We did hike into several but definitely not all.  They warn you to take lots of water because it does get very hot in the desert.  (Like the old westerns!) The day we were there was somewhat cooler than normal and being overcast, we really enjoyed our time.  This park is very popular so lots of people were wandering around.  Finding parking at some of the sites was challenging.  hen, add a few tour buses along the way and let the fun begin.  You could spend several days exploring and hiking but one long day for us was plenty.  

Ham Rock

Sand Dune Arch

Salt Valley 

Balanced Rock

Fiery Furnace

Above and Below.  Looks like an elephant to me.

                                      

"Regular" overcast day picture.  Not as spectacular without his special lens. 

We always need a little flower color.

After returning to the RV we decided that we should plot our course for Colorado to visit some of Sharon’s cousins. Our next stop would be Palisades, Colorado and beyond.