This is the longest trail in the park, and we had grand plans of a very early start, to enjoy our no people time. Alas, I forgot my hat, glasses binoculars, so we were an hour later than hoped when we started hiking. The parking lot is ginormous. OK, not Yosemite or Yellowstone large, but plenty big enough. I cannot imagine the crowds in the summer. Actually, I can, so we won't be there then.
What is the draw: the longest stone arch in North America. It is a mighty spectacular arch. After that the cattle trail, turns into a primitive trail, or if you will regular trail. The park service has up numerous warnings, probably a good idea, as we had to direct people to landscape arch on our way back, and there is only one other possible turn.
We enjoyed the first part of the trail very much. On our return route there is one sketchy steep slickrock to get down and I was mighty unhappy. Mighty unhappy. And I wasn't thrilled with the rest of the trail after that. A sloggy, sandy, no view trudge. I think it would be best to see the arches and turn around and see the arches again from another angle. Next time.
Landscape Arch. It is a nice one.
The first sights on the way to Landscape Arch.
Interpretive Sign.
Bob taking a photo of Navajo Arch.
Bob performs a flying Rachel at Partition Arch.
Navajo Arch.
Some cool rock formation I liked.
Route Marker along the fin. Yes, that is where the trail is.
Double O Arch. Really liked this one.
Dark Angel is on the left.
Private Arch.
Easy to get up, not so much fun on the other side.
We also had time to visit more petroglyphs. These were a little more out of the way, and so were in pristine condition. Lovely. The light was harsh, but I did what I could.
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