We originally planned to go to Moab, Utah from Monticello but with all the smoke in the NW we have changed our plans. Since we wouldn’t be staying in Moab we decided to drive over for a day of hiking in Arches National Park before moving on.
It was only about an hours drive from our park so we headed there early in the afternoon. I had been watching the live cams at the entrance of the park to gauge how crowded it would be. We have recently heard horror stories of not being able to get in much less find any parking once inside. After monitoring the entrance cams we felt like we wouldn't have any issues.
The drive up was quick and pleasant.. We passed by Church Rock and Wilson’s Arch so we stopped to take a photo. Back in the car we soon found ourselves in a line of three cars to enter Arches National Park. Feeling good about the crowds we started around the loop stopping at several pullouts for photographs before finally stopping to park at one of the arch hikes.
The park wasn’t very crowded at all as we had no issues with pulling out to park at any stop on the loop.. As a result we did all the popular arch hikes that are relatively easy to get to. We only had to actively look for a parking place once at one of the arch trails.
While we have visited several times before the scenery never disappoints. The winds had shifted this day and the smoke from the California fires was not evident within the park so we felt pretty lucky to see the clear blue skies. Arches is truly a gem in the National Park system and one if you haven’t been to you really should make the effort to visit to see its splendor.
Late that afternoon we figured no hike would be complete without a visit to the Moab Brewery. Liquor laws in Utah are still a bit archaic but way better than when we first visited years ago. The beers they offer are still only about average at best but were a welcome treat after some dusty hiking . While relaxing and looking at our photos we decided we were more than glad we made the trip.
NOTE: We are currently Gallup, New Mexico until August 16th…
Great pictures, with nice contrast with the clouds, sky and red rocks. Glad you made the trip! We've been several times and I'd agree it's a park that needs to be experienced.
ReplyDeleteNever a dull moment visiting this park!
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