Different Trails

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK (Day 5 - part 1)

While idyllic in view, our camp location was not idyllic in sound. Cars driving through the canyon sounded like trains. It also didn't help with people yelling and howling from the cars as they drove past... as to what purpose still remains a mystery. The guy in the neighboring tent was also quite the snorer.

But the night was destined to be short anyway. We got up at 4:45 am in order to be at the Devil's Garden Trailhead (located at the very far end of the park) by 6 am. We arrived as the dim morning light slowly started to fill the sky.

This was a 7.2 mile (11.5 km) round-trip hike to several arches and formations, returning via another 'primitive' trail. Parts of the trail were not recommended for people "with extreme acrophobia" (or a fear of heights)... hence me. But actually, I have never really let that stop me. It just slows me down severely as I cling to whatever it is that I can cling too, trying to regulate my hyperventilation and paralyzed legs. But, that's not so bad in the grand scheme of things.

Light of the rising sun begins to warm the rocks.

Yup, it's the tree fetish again.

For those who prefer it sans wood.

In the quite morning hours, there was plenty of animal activity... insects, chipmunks, bunnies, even a deer.

This rabbit was EXTREMELY tiny. He must have still been very young.

Regan with micro-bunny

A Mule Deer briefly glances over his shoulder at our intrusion into his morning peace.

Enjoying some breakfast

This chipmunk climbed all over this plant which could barely support his weight, reaching out to eat the tiny seeds at the ends of each blade.

Approaching Landscape Arch

The trail used to pass directly under Landscape Arch, but in 1991, a 60-foot long piece of rock broke off from underneath it... dragging down 180 tons of rock. No one was hurt although several visitors witnessed the event.

Landscape Arch spans 306 feet.

We talked for a while with a man who had set up his tripod and was patiently waiting for exactly the right light, then continued onto the next set of arches.

The 'trail'

Looking back

Desert varnish

No, no! This isn't another wood shot... I was, uh, taking a picture of the interesting rock patterns and the tree just happened to be in the way!

See! Rock patterns!

Partition Arch

Looking up

Lurking about the arch

On the other side

This little chipmunk had absolutely no problems sprinting all over the rock!

Looking back at Partition Arch (right) and its accompanying window

We stopped here for a while, having a bit of late breakfast or early lunch. The sun was not very high yet so there was still ample shade to be found. Critter tracks were abundant in the sand around us.

Not a bunny, not a lizard, too big for a chipmunk. Hmmmmm?

Nearby was Navajo Arch, so we paid it a visit as well. It didn't offer any spectacular views, mostly just served as a tunnel from one narrow valley to the next.