Our journey through Utah’s Mighty Five led us to the iconic Arches National Park, a bucket list destination that didn’t disappoint. Even though we couldn't explore everything on our list, the experiences we did have were nothing short of spectacular.
Arches National Park has implemented a ticket system for timed entry to combat overcrowding. This system aims to preserve the park's natural beauty while managing the ever-growing number of visitors. You can reserve a timed entry here: www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation.htm
As we drove into the park, we were greeted by the massive and impressive Courthouse Towers near the entrance. Their grandeur was a perfect introduction to the marvels that awaited us.
Our first destination was the Windows Section of Arches, where we planned to explore the North and South Window and the Turret Arch. Arriving in the early morning light, we found the rock formations even more impressive and spectacular in person than we had imagined. We spent the morning in relative solitude. Or, as much solitude as one can find in one of America’s most popular national parks!
We hiked around the windows on the Primitive Loop Trail, a path that took us away from the main crowds and gave us a more intimate experience. The serenity of the morning allowed us to truly appreciate the natural beauty around us. The contrast between the bright red rocks and the deep blue sky was breathtaking.
Next, we made our way to the famous Double Arch. Standing beneath these giant structures, we were amazed at their sheer size and the natural acoustics that enhanced the sounds around us. Unfortunately, due to the increasing crowds, the sounds of nature were replaced by the chatter of visitors. Still, the sight of the Double Arch was truly awe-inspiring.
As we drove out, we were mesmerized by Balanced Rock, one of Arches' most iconic formations. This massive sandstone block perched precariously on a thin column seemed almost surreal, and it seemed to defy gravity.
Our next adventure was the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint hike, which offered a view of Utah’s most famous arch. Delicate Arch is a symbol of the state and is even on Utah’s license plates. It is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the world. From the viewpoint, we had a decent perspective of the arch, although it was quite a distance away. It was interesting to watch the line of people making the trek to the arch itself, a testament to its popularity. We had planned to undertake the three-hour hike to get closer, but the sweltering heat made us reconsider.
By late morning, the temperature had risen significantly, making it increasingly uncomfortable to continue our exploration. The heat was becoming unbearable, and we made the difficult decision to cut our Arches experience short. There was still so much we wanted to see and do, but we knew it was best to prioritize our well-being.
Despite having to leave earlier than planned, our time at Arches was incredibly rewarding. Arches National Park is a place of wonder and inspiration, and we felt privileged to have spent even a few hours immersed in its natural splendor.
Our journey through Arches may have been incomplete, but it was far from disappointing. The park's unique landscapes left a lasting impression on us. Arches National Park is a place that beckons you back, and we are already looking forward to our next visit when we can explore more of what this incredible national treasure has to offer.
Chapters
00:00 Arriving at Arches National Park
00:25 North and South Windows
01:22 The Primitive Loop Trail
03:01 Double Arch
04:44 Arches National Park Reservation System
05:43 Balanced Rock
06:38 Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
07:10 Confident to attempt the Delicate Arch Trail
07:34 Our Difficult Decision
Links
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About us
We are Menekse and James, the intrepid traveling golfers behind Puttering around the World. At the end of 2018, we set out to travel the world with just our backpacks and golf clubs.
Golf and Travel is our passion, which is why we’re sacrificing our lives to travel the world playing golf! 😉 We will take you to golf courses and locations that ignite a strong sense of wanderlust. We'll help break you out of your comfort zone to get out and explore all the amazing tucked-away corners of the world.
Thank you for joining us on our golfing journey!
Menekşe and James
Music - Artlis