Arches National Park

Our family does not do well in the heat.  That is a given.  So planning a trip to Arches National Park on the first day of summer probably wasn’t my best vacation starter plan ever.  I can admit that.  Lucky for us we had a fabulous cloud cover for the whole drive there, and it continued through the evening  of the first day.  

Broken Arch

Sand Dune Arch

On our first evening we hiked to Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch.  We then took a lovely hike back on the campground loop through some of the sandstone fins – which was when we discovered our kids are really pretty good hikers.  

We nicknamed Isa Baby Mountain Goat and Luke is Baby Big Horn.  

Gabi didn’t want to be called anything unless it was related to an Appaloosa.  I tried baby Mustang, but she wasn’t having it.  Oh well.

Squished in between fins

On the trail back to the campground.  The sun was setting.

Taking a break

I think I can, I think I can.....

Because they did so well the first day we decided to brave it and took them on the Delicate Arch trail this morning.  We started around 8 and the clouds were still around, so it was cool.  We found the trail, then lost the trail, then found the trail again.  Even with the odd way up, we still made it – and then we stood there trying to decide if we should walk around the bowl to stand under the arch.

On the trail to Delicate Arch

We sat down and had a snack and finally we just went.  Wasn’t at all as hard as it looked – except for the fact that I am afraid of heights, so it was an act of love that got me over there without showing any fear to my kids.   And that was before I realized that there is nothing behind that arch but a sheer mountain cliff.   

We stayed long enough to take a picture then hiked back, stopping at the Petroglyphs to take a peek.  We then went back to the campsite and collapsed for a few hours – trying to stay out of the heat.  Eventually we emerged and took the chance to go see the Windows and Double Arch and then to Skyline Arch.  What a beautiful place this is!

The bowl around Delicate Arch.  Looks intimidating!!

Here we are under Delicate Arch.  

And there is the back of the Arch.  Umm, that's really high.

Double Arch - that's Michael and the kids on the rock in front - see the little red, white, and blue dots?

Because I know everyone wants to see what they are doing on that rock under double arch!

Isa relaxing on her favorite spot in the campground.

Off we go to the Grand Canyon!