Arches National Park

The week after my Austin trip, the girls were on Spring Break.  The idea of taking off again seemed a little crazy, but we also didn't feel right about sacrificing some fun on their break for the sake of my trip and we all suffer from a case of cabin fever by this time of year.  So with just a day at home to regroup, we loaded up the car and headed southwest to Arches National Park.

Check out those impressive Arches

We camped at the only campground in the park. The Devils Garden is a gorgeous setting.

 

We were surrounded by red rock that was easily accessible. We spent lots of our free time climbing around just above our campsite. These girls had a ball!

 

 It was also the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunset in the evening.

Our first morning we set off for a 3 mile hike to Delicate Arch. 

 Lots of cairns along the rock to mark the path.  Hikers seem to enjoy creating their own to leave behind.

 

 The day of travel before, had been sunny and actually pretty hot. The time we spent in Arches was mainly cloudy and a little cooler than we had hoped. It did make for nicer hiking since you are completely exposed.

200 yards of rock ledge before the Arch comes into view around the corner

This iconic arch is really something in person.  It's difficult for a photo to do it justice. As you stand there with it towering over you, it becomes apparent just how massive and awe inspiring this natural wonder is.

We had some lunch and then relaxed around camp before heading out for another hike. This time we did the Devils Garden loop. The entire loop is 7+ miles. The longest maintained trail in the park with 8 arches to see. We made it as far as Double O Arch which is 4 miles. Near the beginning of the trail, you are greeted with this sand hill pouring out from between massive red rocks. Kars and Emm could not resist .. ... they ran up and down that thing! 

 Beyond Landscape Arch the trail gets a bit more challenging, with sandstone slabs, rocky footing and narrow ledges.

Once we made it to Double O we saw that it was possible to climb up on top of the arch. Of course, Bay was all over this idea and so Kars and  I hesitantly joined her:)  Getting on top of the arch was by far the most treacherous hiking we did. It was really awesome to be up there, but a little (lot) freaky as well.

  I was glad we made the choice to have Emm sit this one out, despite her resistance. It was all good .. .. she got to have a little snack break with Dad!

 It was a lot of hiking for one day. But just look at that beauty we got to view. On our way back Mark and Bailee stopped at a few other little arches off the path. Me and the other two were pretty much hiked out, so we headed back to rest on the bench.
 

 

 Believe it or not, after dinner Mark wanted to go on yet another "little hike" around the campground. Emmrey was not having any of that (and honestly her feet were done for). She and I stayed at camp and Mark took Bay and Kars to explore a bit more.

Skyline Arch

Our last morning we planned to stop at the visitor center and then hit the road. Because Mark really likes to push it when it comes to hiking, he had plans check out The Windows. We all started out on the trail, and after a few steps I knew this was not going to go well with Emmrey. So we sat it out and they got some pretty neat photos for us.

Turret Arch

North Window

We did all walk the short trail to see Courthouse Wash Rock Art before heading into Moab .

Emmrey could wear her comfy shoes so it worked out well.

Petroglyphs from Wolfe Ranch

I think the last time I was in Moab was when Mark and I were engaged or newlyweds? It has changed quite a bit. It has grown for sure, although it still has that charm of a quaint little town. We ate some lunch and walked around for a while. Having everyone agree on where to eat is nearly impossible. All our girls have different ideas of what sounds good, so I told Mark he was just going to have to pick this time and we would all go with it (without whining;)

 He must have been paying attention to my talk of food trucks in Austin because he chose this Quesadilla truck on the corner.

To be honest, I wasn't all that thrilled with the choice but I kept it to myself. I gotta say .. .. he made the perfect choice. This was no ordinary Quesadilla. I shared an Identity Crisis with Bailee and it was to die for.  New Mexico Green Chile chicken with cheddar/jack cheese, sauteed artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and black olives .... delicioso!!

That was the end of our time in red rock country.  We headed toward home with an overnight stay in Grand Junction so the girls could experience the "thrill of a hotel pool":) I am so glad that Mark convinced me it was a good idea to take this little Spring Break getaway to the desert.