A Last Few "To Dos" at Arches

Hiking in the
Devils Garden 

I decided to go to Arches to hike the entire Devils Garden Loop Trail.  I followed the main part of the trail to Dark Angel, which I hadn’t made it to before.  It is easy to see how the large, dark, rock pinnacle, that’s off by itself, got that name!  Then, I continued along the primitive trail.  This section of the hike was particularly enjoyable!  You hike down among some of the rock formations you see from the rock fin that you hike on during the first half of the journey.  I love being down among and surrounded by the rock formations because it gives me a chance to be more aware of the massive scale of the rock formations!  So beautiful and unusual! 

Dark Angel 

After hiking in the Devils Garden, I headed to the Delicate Arch trail head.  Delicate Arch is the arch that appears on most signs and even on the Utah license plate.  It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, when it glows and brilliant orange color.  I hiked the trail when I was here in September, and remembered it being moderately difficult, so I gave myself a generous amount of time to cover the trail before sunset.  Well, I guess all the hiking I’m doing these days has gotten in shape because this time, the trail seemed like a walk in the park and took almost no time at all!  That being said, the impact of rounding the corner and being confronted with an enormous arch that is perched right on the edge of a canyon was no less extraordinary than it was in the fall!  As with all the trails and overlooks this time of year, there weren’t a tremendous amount of people at the arch, so I had a chance to spend some time next to and under the arch, which was a treat!  I found a fairly sheltered spot to relax while I gazed at the wildly impressive sight before me and waited for the sun to work its magic. 

Hiking on the primitive trail 

Delicate Arch
as viewed through
Frame Arch

Any arch is impressive in its own right, but Delicate Arch truly outstanding!  It’s larger than you can possibly imagine.  The fact that it’s freestanding and perched right on the edge of a canyon makes it even more amazing.  Then there’s the fact that one portion of the arch is balanced precariously on a small point that is eroding away.  As you sit and really look at the arch, it becomes clear that there are cracks all over the arch, which makes the magnificent sight seem even more precarious and remarkable.  Just when you think there’s so way it can get any cooler, the sun starts sinking in the west, and the entire landscape starts to glow!  There are no words or pictures that can truly do it justice!  It’s totally marvelous!    

Delicate Arch!