DJ's Journal: Arch Back, Now Arch Forward Sept 15-20

Arches National Park (www.nps.gov/arch) is a difficult place to look upon. So vivid are the colors here in southern Utah that as you peer at the extraordinary landscape you might wonder if you are suffering from a kind of reverse color blindness. This is the place where the engineering side of Mother Nature must have realized that the arch is the strongest geometric shape and then went on to experiment with it in all shapes and sizes, more than 2,500 at last count. Then the artistic painter side of Mother Nature dove into her "Red Period". Quite the combination!

Where is Waldo?

Sunglasses are a must in the desert, but I definitely recommend polarized glasses which provide just that extra little "pop" in the colors which is apt to cause you to question if this is still Earth. But don't forget to come back for the views under the dark night skies which have so far managed to escape most of the light pollution which is so rampant today. Forget about counting stars, you can't count that high, but you may have the opportunity to count shooting stars. You'll also likely see the biggest candy bar in the galaxy, the Milky Way, floating above like a twinkling cloud enveloping the planet. Just watch out for the caramel, it's super sticky.

Whether night or day the desert skies perfectly frame the plethora of geological features you can visit here such as Hoodoos, Natural Bridges, Spires, or Towers. Not to mention the Arches and Windows which return the favor by nicely framing the sky, particularly at night.

Double Arch

Big Horn Sheep have been reintroduced to the park and you might have a chance to spot a few. Their adept climbing and descending skills are certainly to be admired and most impressive when seen in action. However, only a blind man could miss the main attractions which are too numerous to list.

Here is my advice as a starting point, especially if you only have a short time.

Skip the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Unless you have a telescope you are way too far away to appreciate this most popular arch. If you really want to see it you'll have to hike up to it, which isn't a cakewalk, but it is worth it. All of the rest of the stops I'd recommend and to a high degree the following:

Balanced Rock

1) La Sal Mountains Viewpoint- The mountains are far off, but you'll get a gorgeous 360 degree view of the area including the features of The Organ, The Courthouse, Sheep Rock, Tower of Babel and Three Gossips.

2) Double Arch, Turret Arch and The Windows- These are right next to each other, an easy stroll from the parking lot and in my mind "not to be missed"! Want to burn a few extra calories? Then take the primitive trail around the back side for some alternative perspectives.

3) Balanced Rock and Garden of Eden- You're headed to Double Arch already and you have to drive right past these so why not park and explore them for a bit. I mean, "How often do you get to visit the Garden of Eden!?"

4) Delicate Arch- This is supposedly the most popular arch in the park and to be honest I'm not sure why. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome, but given the somewhat lengthy hike required and the high quality of other arches I just can't quite figure out why it's the "King of the Prom" so to speak. However, if you're up for the hike, go for it. Maybe even pack a little picnic backpack and enjoy the sunset party there. Just don't forget your headlamp for the walk back.

Delicate Arch

5) Broken Arch- Towards the north end of the park you might see the name of this one and be tempted to skip it, after all it's broken right? Not quite. It used to be a fairly small arch until a few decades ago when it "broke" and doubled in size to become another fairly grandiose arch. Which is also something to bear in mind when your climbing under these things. It doesn't happen often, but a 800 ton boulder crashing down on your head is going to leave you with quite a headache!

Landscape Arch

6) Devils Garden- This is a large area with many worthy arches to check out, but Landscape Arch, perhaps the world's longest, is an easy hike. Much more challenging is the hike to Double "O" Arch which I felt was worth the extra effort, but it is strenuous.

If you have more time go ahead and check out the remaining 2484 features of the park. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. However there is more to the area than just Arches National Park. Moab is famous for the novelty of "Slickrock" mountain biking, which technically isn't "mountain biking" since you're not on a mountain, but good luck riding your road bike!!

So, of course, I couldn't not get a ride or two in here. I was originally going to do the popular Sovereign trail (12 mile out&back), but I met a guy in the parking lot who convinced me to try the new "Klonso" trail system which burned my lungs much more than I would have liked. But the short of it is that the trail blazers are hard at work and a lot of new trails are popping up. They are all very well marked so don't be afraid to get out there and ride!

Double "O" Arch

In addition to Arches and the Slickrock riding there is the bastard step son of a park named Canyonlands. It really can't compare to its smart, handsome, "mommy's little angel" big brother Archie in terms of spectacular features, but you should feel ashamed if you don't at least fain a little bit of interest in the kid and spend some time with him!

Yes, Archie got the great hair and all the arches, but Cayonlands has fine qualities too if you only care to look. There is the curious Upheaval Dome which has scientists fighting over competing theories as to what caused its creation. There is also the fine Green River Overlook as well as a really grand view at the southern tip of the park aptly named Grand View Point!

However, the one biggest draw that would pull me back in to this park in the future has to be White Rim Road. If and when I get a hardy four wheel drive I'm coming back to tear that thing up. It circumvents the park following along the immensely tall walls at the bottom of the canyon. And it skirts along parts of both the Green and Colorado Rivers. I imagine the views from there must be both ominous and mind blowing!

Cross one thing off of the bucket list. Add another thing on to it!
That's the way it goes sometimes ...........