Oh so Delicate: Arches National Park

 

Arches National Park is a wonderland of red rocks and blue sky. The park is north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch.

The arch is so famous that people come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park to see it. Once you enter the park and pass the visitors’ center, it is about 7 miles of upward winding roads.

Now, it’s difficult to see Delicate Arch from the main park road. You must get out of the car to view it. “At Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, you can walk a level 100 yards (91 m) to see the arch from one mile away. Nearby, the Upper Viewpoint (0.5 mi / 0.8 km walk with stairs) offers a slightly less obstructed view” such as this

Even though it says “walk”, it is a hike

However, this is not the view we wanted.

The Hike

We wanted to be up close view of the Delicate Arch and the trail to see it is 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip and climbs 480 feet (146m). Yikes! So we had a plan for the next morning to leave our hotel around 6:30 am to beat the rising hot temperature of the desert.

Mentally, I had to prepare myself for the 3-mile hike as I am from Florida and we are so flat that we can see Georgia. With my mini-iPod of non-secular music, headset, water, apple, and a prayer, I started the hike.

I had to make stops along the way to ensure that my lungs were still intact.

The climb to the Delicate Arch is not easy even if you are in shape. The climb is steep and you are on a ledge.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDWxmPEzFz8[/embedyt]

However, once you get there, it is the most spectacular site with phenomenal views.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-PzdZoYtuQ[/embedyt]

By the time we got there, I got a second wind of energy. I was climbing rocks like a kid in a playground.

I had no fear! However, I do recognize those fears and admire those who overcome them to see the beauty.

About 10 minutes later, it was time to head down.

Before leaving the park, we stopped at the Windows and Balance Rock sections.

Well, it is time for us to head out and back to Salt Lake City for our half (13.1 miles) marathon in the morning.

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(1) Comment

  1. Martha Parfait

    Wowser… #sherostatus!

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