LYFE IN TOW

Arches National Park is not very large, but it’s like Zion or Yellowstone in that it’s a popular one, with a lot to see. To navigate it most efficiently, I consulted help from a third party called Dirt in my Shoes. I bought a 2-day itinerary (online) from Dirt in my Shoes, and it took the stress out of me having to plan out how I was to do it myself.

I rolled into Moab - the town which hosts Arches - late afternoon. It was still cold but more manageable than it was in Colorado. On my way to some dispersed camping land, I drove right past the park entrance, so I went ahead and got my park sign photo out of the way.

My dispersed campsite was good enough for one night. I mean, I really can’t complain about this view.

As beautiful as this scenery is, I wanted a campsite where I would feel comfortable leaving the Airstream while exploring the park. This one was just not it.

The next morning, I left somewhat early to take a ride over to Goose Island Campground. One site was unoccupied, and I grabbed it. Soon thereafter, I unhitched the trailer and headed into the park. Simultaneously, I found a last-minute Rover sitter for Addie for the following day. There was a hike or two that I wanted to do and couldn’t bring her, unfortunately.

Addie and I ventured into downtown Moab to check out the scene. I grabbed a coffee and a bagel and visited a few shops. Nothing too eventful was happening, and I decided to make my way to the park.

Arches - Day 1:

I was shocked to find the entrance to the park uncrowded. I drove right in and didn’t have to wait in a line. I couldn’t figure out where all the visitors were. It was cold, yes, but not that cold. I asked the ranger at the gate, and she told me that it is peculiar - but not to jinx it!

Driving in, I was in awe of what I saw. As far as I could see were red rock formations, unlike anything I had ever seen. We stopped at the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint to take it all in.

According to the Dirt in my Shoes itinerary, it's best to visit Delicate Arch first thing in the morning to beat the crowds. But, since the park (oddly) was not busy, I decided to check it out that afternoon.

First, I drove to Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint and Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint - eh. Delicate Arch was still so far away, lacking the "wow" factor. The DA trail was only 3.5 miles, and the weather was cool - so cool that it would not be a problem to leave Addie in her comfy bed in the back seat of the car with the windows opened. She is so good. I also read that DA is best to visit in the late afternoon, so the timing was perfect.

I hustled on the trail, though. I hate leaving Addie. When I turned the corner to find the iconic Delicate Arch waiting for me, I was awestruck. It was breathtaking.

On the way back out of the park, we stopped at a few more overlooks. Beauty everywhere. Including fluffy white beauty.

Arches - Day 2:

I got an early start the following morning. Even though the park wasn’t busy the last few days, I was still playing it safe by getting to the park early. I packed up, left the campsite, dropped Addie off at her sitter, and drove to the most northern end of Arches National Park. Double O Arch hike was first on the agenda for today.

I hit the trail by 8 am. Once again, it was cold, but it got warmer as I continued moving. This trail had so many arches, including Landscape, Navajo, and Partition Arches. The final and farthest arch to see was the Double O Arch. At times the trail was ambiguous, but I found it with the help of a few hiking buddies I met along the way.

On the way out, I stopped by the Windows Section. Here live even more arches.

The one last stop I made was to Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers - named after what these rock formations resemble.

I finished my second day at Arches earlier than planned, which was fine because I was ready to pick up Addie from the sitter. I scooped her very happily, got back in the car, and was on my way.

Canyonlands National Park was next, and not at all that far away.