Day 4: Monday Afternoon and Evening
Some random thoughts about Arches National Park:
- We saw several roadside signs on our trip that simply read “Point of Geological Interest.” That’s it. Nothing else. But for the ones we pursued, at least, it was true.
- The rock formations in Colorado and Utah are the big draw. They’re obviously stunning and surreal. But I think my favorite part of the landscapes we saw were the trees — gnarled trees that twist and stretch and dig in to stay alive in unmerciful soil. They’re mesmerizing.
- Arches is a park where you can make your experience as big/long/arduous or as small/short/easy as you want and still see some unreal, amazing sights. We didn’t go all-in because we didn’t want to die, but 20,000 steps for the day is a respectable outing.
- Windows (North and South) and Turret Arch are the most enjoyable and rewarding sights in the park. Access is relatively easy, they’re close together, the views are spectacular, and the climbing is fun.
- Delicate Arch might be the most familiar or iconic arch in the park, but it’s the hardest to access if you want a decent view. If we’d had another day, we probably would have hiked the three miles to get there. But this time we didn’t, and I don't really regret it.
- We did, however, hike to Landscape Arch in Devil’s Garden at the end of the park as the sun was setting. Then we drove out of the park as all the light drained from the landscape, and it was completely dark by the time we reached the exit, and everything was still and quiet when I got out of the car one last time before leaving. And that was pretty magical.
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