Father’s Day, Sunday June 18th ~ Moab, Utah
Double Arch – Arches National Park
I didn’t sleep well last night so this post will be short, but littered with pictures. Again the heat wave derailed our hiking plans, but we still got to see a few of the highlight of Arches National Park, and thoroughly enjoyed our day.
At Arches National Park Visitor’s Center
“The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. This red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.” ~ US National Park Service
Honestly, by the time we got to our fifth National Park in Southern Utah, I was getting tired of seeing rocks. I wanted to see Arches, but my enthusiasm was waning.
But HOLD ON!
Both Tim and I were very pleasantly surprised and actually found this to be one of our favorites. In fact, Tim placed it above Bryce NP. I’m not sure I would go that far, but I certainly found it remarkable. I think if the weather had not been over 100 degrees, and we had been able to hike more, I might have agreed with him.
Skyline Arch
One of my favorites included (you guessed it) another slot canyon. Sand Dune Arch required a short walk on sand, up into a narrow canyon. I was chuckling to myself how many slots we have explored already on this trip – each with its own special flair.
Narrow entrance we squeezed through
Then it opened up to this warm sand box where we actually found two girls making sand castles
And around the corner we saw this stoney arch
Delicate Arch is probably the best know, as it appears on the Utah license plate. The hike was too long to get up under it, we simple gazed from afar.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch from the view-point through Tim’s long lens
Balanced Rock is another iconic site
Balanced Rock
I think our favorite was Double Arch. We did the short hike to the base and marveled at the size. In this first picture you can get a pretty good idea of how massive it is compared to the people below.
Double Arch
Gus found it all a bit over-whelming
The last major view-point we stopped at was called Wall Street.
Wall Street
Tim and Joanne at Wall Street
And just some random shots from around the park to show some of the magnificent diversity:
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to be celebrating Father’s Day with a man I love dearly. He has always made me feel safe, cherished and respected. At the same time he has been a role model, mentor, champion, teacher, friend and hero for our son. I can not imagine having chosen any better!
A Note From Abroad 
It is so hot in the Southwest that Phoenix International shut down all departing flights. Ground temperature is higher than planes can withstand.
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Oh my, I had not seen that bit of news. Now that is HOT!
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Apparently commercial jets can’t fly at temps over 120 degrees. Not only are there heat issues, but there are lift issue putting more strain on engines. You all, take heed. You probably should go hiking around in mid day sun. I don’t want to read about sun stroke. 🙂
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Back in the early ’80’s I experienced sun stroke. Don’t want to ever do that again. It was harsh!
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Both of you are very determined to keep going, but some days it’s better to sit. Last year around this time we had a 114 degree day. I just had to photograph a second line. I realized my feet didn’t know where they were going and stopped just in time.
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I’m glad you listened to that little warning bell that stopped you…
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That, or I’d have fallen on my face.
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Such a beautiful place, now you must return in the cooler weather to explore deeper into these parks.
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That is exactly what we hope to do. I think we left much of these amazing parks undiscovered.
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You are taking the same trip I took a few years ago! Awesome. Arches is my favorite national park anywhere.
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I hope your trip was amazing too.
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It was the best! It’s been fun watching you go to the same places. Where to next?
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Further north. In Park City today, but heading to Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Glacier NP and up into Canada.
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Wow! Big trip!
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I’ve heard that weather is scorching out in those areas. Another blogger I follow was saying it would be 120 in Phoenix today!
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Yikes! A friend just told me that the flights were cancelled in and out of Phoenix due to the extreme heat.
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Yes, I heard that too.
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BTW Beautiful pictures. Yes, you need a cooler weather visit.
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Yep, maybe next year in the Spring or Fall.
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Arches is one of my favorite parks. I love your pictures – they make me want to head back down there!
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GREAT! Then my job is done!!!
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WOW! Very beautiful, and, as you said, such diverse landscapes in a small area. I love the balanced rocks and arches though. Just amazing.
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It was a bit mind-blowing seeing that huge rock balanced so precariously way up above us.
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Fantastic! Thank you for sharing
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Our pleasure!
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Your photos are amazing! I’ve really enjoyed them. Thank you!
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Thank you very much!
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Nature is beautiful and your pictures are wonderful.
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Glad you enjoyed seeing our pictures. Thanks.
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Another amazing place on your adventures. The shot of skyline arch is a beauty.
Alison
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Thank you Alison. We are certainly seeing some fabulous places.
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Love your photos and commentary. We are on a 5 month trek and will be visiting many of the same spots.
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That is fantastic! You can cover a lot of ground in five months. Have an incredible time!
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I too thought I was tired of rocks! Told my husband that I didn’t need to see any more rocks after the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef and Canyonland and had intended to just quickly drive through until I saw the first Arch.
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I’m glad I’m not the only one 😃
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Very cool!! I am usually not a huge fan of ‘rock scenery’ like the Grand Canyon, etc., but this is seriously super cool! You should hit up good ol’ Pacific, MO on your journeys sometime! We have lots of conservation areas, green trees, rivers, etc.! ❤
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Thank you for the suggestion. Sounds like a lovely place to visit!
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My favourite was ‘Delicate Arch’ – it looked like Mummy Arch kissing the top of her rock child…Aaah!. Such is my imagination! As usual, outstanding photographs but such punishing weather.. Phew! All credit to your stamina.
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Love your imagination Joy!
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Incredible photos! Thanks for sharing!
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You are welcome!
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Thanks for the like! Looks like you are on a fantastic trip!!
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Yes, we are! Thank you for stopping by!
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