Arches National Park
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On December 13, 2014, Stephen (aka, Izzy) and I stopped off at Arches National Park in Utah while on our Papa.Bravo.Fourteen Road Trip.
Ever since I bought the FJ in 2012, Moab, Utah has been on my list of places to visit and wheel. Before the road trip started, this was one of the destinations I was most excited about. A brief side track for a second. If you don't know, Moab and the surrounding area is considered the "Mecca" |
of off roading within the United States. If you want to challenge yourself and your rig and get some amazing pictures along the way (Top of the World), take it to Moab!
Back to our trip! Aside from what I just mentioned, Moab also has Arches National Park, which attracts people from all over the world. Knowing that our stop there was during the winter and we'd be a solo vehicle, I figured we probably would not do much wheeling. Instead, we would dedicate our time to Arches National Park and if the opportunity presented its self, we would hit a few trails.
Since we made the drive from Texas to Utah straight through, neither one of use really had any sleep other than a few hours at a very sketchy rest stop in New Mexico. We decided to get a hotel room once we made it into Moab. After passing through part of Colorado we finally reached Utah. shortly after that, we arrived in Moab! It was very late at night when we got there. By the time we found a hotel, we were tired, hungry, low on fuel and I was a bit delusional (dammit Tesla, you got me again!).
Back to our trip! Aside from what I just mentioned, Moab also has Arches National Park, which attracts people from all over the world. Knowing that our stop there was during the winter and we'd be a solo vehicle, I figured we probably would not do much wheeling. Instead, we would dedicate our time to Arches National Park and if the opportunity presented its self, we would hit a few trails.
Since we made the drive from Texas to Utah straight through, neither one of use really had any sleep other than a few hours at a very sketchy rest stop in New Mexico. We decided to get a hotel room once we made it into Moab. After passing through part of Colorado we finally reached Utah. shortly after that, we arrived in Moab! It was very late at night when we got there. By the time we found a hotel, we were tired, hungry, low on fuel and I was a bit delusional (dammit Tesla, you got me again!).
Once morning came, we ate breakfast, loaded up the the FJ and set out to explore Moab. Originally my plan was to visit Top of the World and then hit Arches National Park. Before doing that, we found a Starbucks so I could get some much needed wake up juice. While grabbing the coffee, Izzy mentioned he was born in Moab. I thought he was still somewhat sleep deprived and making stories up. After a bit of convincing (nothing more than him saying, "no dude, for real") I began to believe every word he said and without hesitation, we drove to the old, now closed hospital in town where little baby Izzy was born.
Shortly after that, the weather started to change for the worse (thanks Izzy). The clouds began to drop and it started raining. We asked some locals if they knew how the heavy rain would affect some of the trail there. Their advice was to avoid Top of the World and some other areas, especially since we did not have another vehicle with us. They also said the view would be hindered by the low clouds.
Shortly after that, the weather started to change for the worse (thanks Izzy). The clouds began to drop and it started raining. We asked some locals if they knew how the heavy rain would affect some of the trail there. Their advice was to avoid Top of the World and some other areas, especially since we did not have another vehicle with us. They also said the view would be hindered by the low clouds.
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The decision was easy and we went straight to Arches National Park. We arrived late morning and were among the few people exploring the park that day. Before visiting here, the majority of pictures I had seen of the park were from sunny, dry days. The difference in scenery from the images I saw prior to our time there were noticeable. The low, dense clouds, along with the wet rocks gave this place a unique look and feel.
Unlike most people, I appreciate and often prefer overcast days, especially when it is cooler outside. I will admit though, they tend to be more enjoyable when it's an "inside day" and I have a nice cup of hot coffee in hand! |
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Because of the time of year and the weather, the park had very few people there, which made it more enjoyable for us. We were able to get better pictures and did not have to mess with crowds or traffic within the park. This is one of the reasons I enjoy visiting certain places during the winter.
As the day went on it became colder and even started to snow, which made me giggle like a small child (I love snow)! We wanted to get out and hike into the hills more, but the continues rain made the ground there very soggy. Not to mention, the once loose dirt became a thick mud which clung to everything.
Even though most of the good scenic views and the arches themselves were blocked by the low clouds and the park started to flood in some areas, we still had a great time.
- For more information on the U.S. National Park System and its history, read our article by clicking here: United States National Parks.
- To learn more about Arches, visit the National Park Services website by click here: Arches National Park
Just because this story is finished, does not mean the adventure is. We have additional content down below, along with an interactive comment section at the bottom of the page. Feel free to stay with us a little longer and continue your journey through Arches National Park!
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Gallery
*Papa.Bravo.Fourteen Road Trip, 2014*
Second Trip
On January 18, 2016, Kennedy and I visited Arches National Park while on our Explore America West Coast Road Trip (part two of the Winter Road Trip). The weather was better on this trip than it was on the first time. Although it was a little colder and snow on the ground, the clouds were higher and no rain. I was excited because this meant it would be easier to explore the area on foot, which is just what we did!
Before getting started Kennedy insisted on staring into the sun while balancing on a small rock as a way to help us find our "path". He called it the, "adventurers spotting technique" and said, "explores have been doing this for thousands of years". After about five minutes of this all we learned was he had bad knees and that this position can induce a "number two".
Before getting started Kennedy insisted on staring into the sun while balancing on a small rock as a way to help us find our "path". He called it the, "adventurers spotting technique" and said, "explores have been doing this for thousands of years". After about five minutes of this all we learned was he had bad knees and that this position can induce a "number two".
After making a pit stop at the visitor center, we embarked on our journey. The goal for this trip was to hike all the way up to see Delicate Arch, which is the most well known of the more than 2,000 Arch within the park. This view does require a physical commitment and the adventure can be a little tiring, but in my opinion, well worth the cost!
Lucky for us, we were making this hike to the top during winter which meant, the hot summer sun would not be beating down on us. Down side, we were making this trip during the winter, which meant, it was pretty icy, cold, and we did not have the hot summer sun to keep us warm.
The roundtrip distance to Delicate Arch is about three miles, half of that being uphill. Knowing that Kennedy would not enjoy the hike as much as I would and probably would not want to participate, I did what any good friend would do and I lied about how long the walk was.
Lucky for us, we were making this hike to the top during winter which meant, the hot summer sun would not be beating down on us. Down side, we were making this trip during the winter, which meant, it was pretty icy, cold, and we did not have the hot summer sun to keep us warm.
The roundtrip distance to Delicate Arch is about three miles, half of that being uphill. Knowing that Kennedy would not enjoy the hike as much as I would and probably would not want to participate, I did what any good friend would do and I lied about how long the walk was.
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With supplies in hand, we started our journey! Even though dehydration is not as much of an immediate concern during the winter as it would be during the summer, it is still a good idea to have some water with you. Same thing with snacks just incase something happens.
The elevation in this part of the park is about 4,300 feet and goes up to about 4,800 feet once you reach Delicate Arch. Not that high, but enough to make you short of breath at times, so small breaks are a good thing. As we got closer to the top, the trail began to narrow and the path became more icy. Staying closer to the rocks provided a better walking area with a little less ice. It also helped for balance as we could grab the wall, especially since there is a significant drop off in some places. |
One of the pieces of camera equipment I use while traveling is my GoPro. I like to keep it accessible and often place it in one of my back pocket when I am not using it. This was one of those time when I did just that. As we were walking up, I lost my footing and feel right on my GoPro. I immediately yelled out "I broke my butt !" which naturally got the attention of everyone around me. I said all that to give you this advise, don't fall on your GoPro because it hurts and people will point and laugh!
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Shortly after that we saw a small group of people coming down from the arch. They were struggling to keep their balance while negotiating the ice.
I jokingly yelled up to them "slide down on your belly like a penguin, its so much easier that way". We all laughed, except one guy who apparently missed the joke. Without hesitation he laid on his belly and down he came. For some reason, I had a flash back to that movie Cool Runnings. |
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As you can see in the picture, he was having a great time. What you can not see is the slight turn of the trail in front of him. It was not necessarily the trail deviation that was the problem, it was the fact he could not make the turn and therefor, not dodge the rock wall. Much like me moments earlier when I broke my bum, he laughed it off and so did we!
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We finally made it to the top and were immediately rewarded with a spectacular view of Delicate Arch. It is the largest free standing arch in the park with a hight of approximately 46 feet and a width of approximately 32 feet.
Nature never ceases to amaze me. It blows my mind how wind and water can create beautiful sculptures like this and how they can continue to stand despite the ongoing erosion and weathering. This arch took lifetimes to form and hopefully it will continue on for many more. |
Although Delicate Arch is the main attraction here, it is not the only thing to see. There is a large bowl near the arch which is a great place to sit and take in the surrounding sites. The views from this vantage point are breath taking, especially with a light dusting of snow covering the landscape.
Although the best way to experience the arch is up close and personal, there are other option available if you can not make the journey all the way to the top.
Both observation points provide a decent view of Delicate Arch, but the distance between those and the arch itself make it difficult to truly appreciate the its size.
Although the best way to experience the arch is up close and personal, there are other option available if you can not make the journey all the way to the top.
- Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint (easy walk)
- Upper Viewpoint (more difficult of a walk, but provides a little better view)
Both observation points provide a decent view of Delicate Arch, but the distance between those and the arch itself make it difficult to truly appreciate the its size.
Sources: NPS.gov
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Second Trip Gallery
*Explore America West Coast Road Trip (part two of the Winter Road Trip, 2016)*
Bourn Adventure Postcards
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Not only do we document our travels, but we also sell rad stickers, patches, and other products as a way to help others show off their adventures! Going to the mountains? We have a patch for that! Going camping? We have a sticker for that! Sun beating down on your head? You guessed it; we have a hat for that!
Since we launched our store in 2012, we have shipped products all over the United States and to more than 25 countries. We are blessed to have so many people around the globe rocking Bourn Adventure Gear. We wanted a way to personally thank them for their order. |
Click on the picture to see our other postcard adventures!
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Our solution was to create Bourn Adventure postcards. This allowed us the opportunity to give each order a personal touch while continuing to share adventures from all over the world. We breathe new life in our postcards by periodically changing destinations and showcasing new locations. Each postcard series is assigned a number and runs for a limited time. Once that particular postcard is gone, it is done!
We selected Delicate Arch to be featured as our BA 2018 postcard series #7 and just like other postcards before it, it was a big hit! Customers have told us of conversations generated by the postcards hanging on their refrigerator or in their office. Hearing that something so simple could spark curiosity and encourage adventure brings a smile to our faces.
To place an order and get your Bourn Adventure postcard, please visit our retail site: Bourn Adventure Gear
We selected Delicate Arch to be featured as our BA 2018 postcard series #7 and just like other postcards before it, it was a big hit! Customers have told us of conversations generated by the postcards hanging on their refrigerator or in their office. Hearing that something so simple could spark curiosity and encourage adventure brings a smile to our faces.
To place an order and get your Bourn Adventure postcard, please visit our retail site: Bourn Adventure Gear
