Portraits of a National Park

Portraits of a National Park - Arches

When we planned our family get-together I just couldn't believe we all agreed to travel to the desert in July. It was the only time which worked for all our schedules, and the location seems central for the younger families to get to. Since we had a lot of time to work with we really didn't think about the distance for us to travel. There were pros and cons to that decision!

As we crossed the Rockies, which never cease to amaze us, and entered the desert terrain, the geography became quite desolate, and bleak. Miles and miles of nothing - we imagined the journey of the settlers of this early country and how they must have felt as they worked daily to survive. Then the terrain began to change, rising up into hills and tall rock structures, the color changing from neutral to a warm red hue.

Nearing the town of Moab, we were in awe of the size and drama of the rock faces, and began to really look forward to seeing Arches National Park, and exploring the area more.

The campground we chose happened to be right in town, but set back from the road a little ways. The way it was situated you didn't see the main street, or cars going by. Road noise was also minimal, which was surprising. It felt like a more isolated camping experience. Settled in, we waited for the rest of the family to arrive, and spent the first night relaxing and catching up.

Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trailhead

Then we were off for a whirl-wind 3 days. If you are 62 you are eligible for a Senior Park Pass - $10.00 currently, but the price is about to be raised dramatically. Get this pass, as it is free admittance to National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands - for your lifetime! It is good for your car full of people, and we used it to go in and out of the parks as many times as we wanted. GREAT deal!

Tower of Babel

Unless there is something in the photo to give the landscape scale, it is very difficult to describe the vastness and drama of this space. Due to weather, and fault line activity, this area of the state is created through movement and time. And it will continue to change over the years. Arches wear away to the point where they collapse...it's only a matter of time. But new arches are created even as the old disappear.

Delicate Arch

North Window - 3-photo sequence

We would love to go back again, as there was so much to see in such a little time. But perhaps a spring or fall trip would be more comfortable? Enjoy this portrait of another beautiful area of our country.