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Sunset at Arches NP, Moab, UT
We were scheduled to spend 5 days in Moab but we shortened it to one night. Sitting in the sun in a tin can motor home is no place to be when the temps are predicted to reach 107F!
So we parked, turned on the AC, and went to Moab Brewery for a cool beer and some good food. But we are in Moab, so we had to make a quick trip after dinner to check out some of the fabulous scenery of this area. So here are some quick pictures taken close to and at sunset.
Arches and Canyonlands NP
Somehow, 5 days in Moab just isn’t enough to see this amazing area. And you better make sure you have a large capacity memory card for your camera since there is an amazing picture every time you turn around. Here are just a few of them.
At Arches, we visited Delicate Arch, subject of a separate post. Then we did an evening/sunset view at Two Windows. It is just amazing how the setting sun colors the cliffs! And yes, it really does get that red.
At Canyonlands, we hiked up Upheaval Dome, a very unusual formation. It is still unknown what caused the unique formation: an eruption? a meteor strike? In any case, a wonderful view. And at Mesa Arch we caught the sunlight shining under the arch, very unusual. Finally, a short walk to Grand View point gave some amazing views.
Two Windows from a distance
Looking through North Window
The sun is starting to color the rocks. And the moon is up…. and I’m avoiding any other comments.
Yes, it really is that bright red!
Looking through South Window, clouds on the horizon
Early morning, looking towards Park Avenue
The sun is starting to light up the cliffs
The three gossips are waking up
The sun is striking the underside of Mesa Arch
A view under Mesa Arch
Romola on her way up to the viewpoint. It’s a 1000 foot drop right and left….
Overview of Upheaval Dome
A closer look at Upheaval Dome
Reflecting the clouds in a rain puddle
Grand view… what else is there to say?
And more Grand View
And even more Grand View
Delicate Arch, Moab
Did our first hike in Moab this trip. A little puffing due to the elevation, but otherwise a nice hike. A pretty steep climb on some slick rock, some rocky paths, and a narrow cliff side led us to the Delicate Arch itself. Worth every step to get there! Shifting cloud cover made the Arch almost animated, with shifting light play giving different looks.
We saw swollen streams caused by the recent heavy rains. Hard to photograph, but you can see the swirling sand in the stream surface. And there was pretty heavy erosion along the trail itself as well.
Heavy recent rain causes strong streams carrying sand
Even the slick rock areas had puddles of water in depressions.
On the slick rock, heading up
The drop-offs don’t bother Romola much
Cliff side, on the way up
The Delicate arch itself
The sun angle makes for different “looks” of the arch
A different view when heading back
A day at Arches National Park
A visit to Arches NP is highly recommended. There are some fantastic geological formations, and they change their appearance depending on time of day. The morning light just makes for a different appearance than an evening image. So I have listed below an album taken over two days, but listed as if they were taken on one day.
A truly wonderful place to visit, but allow more than 2 days!
