September 18, 2007

September 18, 2007

We changed around the typical order of our day today. We chilled out in the morning, had lunch and then explored another section of Arches National Park in the afternoon. We started in the Windows sections and did a series of short hikes to see arches there. One was to a large double arch that reminded me of the golden arches that used to adorn the original McDonalds restaurants.

From the Windows area we went to the trailhead for Delicate Arch. The park brochure suggested this hike was best near sunset. The hike to Delicate Arch was only a mile and a half but it seemed longer as it went up a very long ramp-like section of slickrock. Once at the top we turned a corner and were awe-struck. Delicate Arch sits alone atop the edge of a slickrock cliff with mountains in the background. The bowl-shaped slickrock is like an amphitheater inviting tourists to sit and wonder at the view. It is a beautiful arch in a stunning setting. No wonder Delicate Arch adorns the Utah license plate. This is a must hike when visiting Arches.