Sunrise is as pretty as sunset.
But the color change is reversed.
Another strategy that is working well is to drive to the far end of the park first. Then we work our way back to the front as everyone else comes into the park and starts at the first overlook.
So we drove to Devil's Garden. We came here yesterday near the end of our visit, just to check it out.
The parking lot was full to overflowing. A dozen or so cars parked in "No Parking" zones and 6 or so cruising around and around the lot trying to catch someone leaving.
This morning we were greeted by a raven who had found his "All You Can Eat Buffet." He checked us out carefully but did not budge from his spot.
The entrance to Devil's Garden is through what at this point in our travels we would call a "slot canyon."
We would learn later it was way to wide for that name.
It still amazes us how fast the landscape changes. This is what we saw when we came out of the canyon.
Another local resident checking us out. Notice he didn't stop nibbling. And I don't know what the evil eye was all about. But I asked Carol not to photoshop it out because it looked authentic to me.
"Landscape Arch". When we first saw it I thought we'd be scammed. There are lots of "starting of arches" that haven't broken through the far side yet. And that's exactly what this looked like to me. After a mile hike, I was not pleased.
But when we got closer I saw the most fragile arch we were to see on the whole trip. Since 1991, three pieces of rock measuring 30', 47' and 70' feet have fallen to make the thinnest part. To quote one of the brochures, " It is hard to believe that a piece of rock like this can exist. In its thinnest section the arch is only 6 feet thick, yet it supports a span of rock 290 feet long. Indeed, this arch could collapse at any time: any day, any year, any decade, or any century." In its infinite wisdom, the NPS has closed the trail under the arch.
In contrast to Landscape, Tunnel Arch.has a long life yet to live.
So does Pine Tree Arch.
Skyline Arch.
On the way to Sand Dune Arch, we did walk through a "slot canyon."
Sand Dune Arch.
On the way out I was certain I heard, "You in trouble Dumb Dumb. You better Run Run." But then he winked and I knew it was OK.
Our last arch was Broken Arch. Named because although it is still standing, there is an obvious break right in the center.
Longer hike than I would have liked, but fairly flat and still not hot.
One of many, many "balanced rocks."
Throughout my blog I have tried to put pictures in context by either telling you their names, like "Delicate Arch" or at least some definition. This next one, we are told, is one of the most photographed in the park. But the NPS has not named it.
Next we go to Canyonlands.
