May 11, 2015

I am tired...no...exhausted.  We hiked over 5 miles today.  I wasn't sure I could do it but I did.  We hiked up to Double O arches and then Windows.  O was the killer hike, 5 miles.  As we read online, the arches are cool but the walk there is amazing.  We arrived in the park about 11:30.  There was a line at the gate!  We have learned that a lot of people come this time of year, which we didn't know.  Heard a lot of languages on the trail today so visitors come from around the world.  Over a million people visit Arches every year.  Many of them are here this week!  I will let the pictures speak for themselves....

Delicate Arch..iconic arch used to advertise park.

full parking lots...had to circle like vultures

lots of off road activity here...these parked at restaurant

Lupine growing in sand!

Partition Arch...nice break view

These formations are called Fins

trail goes across rock fins

steps cut into rock...how do they do that?

Double O Arch

We saw many families on this trail (Double O), this one had 2 toddlers in carry packs and 2 young children as well

Artistic cairn

This scary part...steep...waiting our turn

Landscape Arch..not sure why it's not all there.  I'll add again tomorrow

Evening primrose

Trail begins and ends between tall canyon walls

North Arch...see...lotta people!

Turret Arch (waited for people to get out of sight!!)

Balanced Rock - love it!!