Arches National Park - Scenic Drive

We arrived in Moab, UT around lunch time after about a 4 1/2 hour drive from Steamboat Springs. We had a 2:00PM timed entrance to the park. We decided to take Aspen, so we were restricted to scenic views and very short hikes. The weather was great and Aspen was happy.

This is the very first arches we saw in Moab. Very impressive, but not what we came for.

Our first view was of Park Avenue. It took millions of years for these formations to develop and the area was under seas many times. Yes, the climate has changed many times through out history. Imagine that!

Three Gossipers

Every rock formation is actually red sandstone.

This is Sand Dune Arch. It was .2 mile walk in thick beach like sand.

Balanced Rock

I was feeling very strong today.

Balanced Rock

We walked completely around.

Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch was beautiful. We saw other arches from a distance and plan to see them up close tomorrow. We will leave Aspen in the hotel room and get an early start. Most of the hikes to see the Arches up close are around 1-3 miles round trip, but dogs are not allowed.