Today we packed lunches and headed into Arches National Park to spend the day. We wanted to get as much bang for our buck as we could, so we picked areas where we could hike to multiple arches from the same spot, thus limiting the amount of time we were in the car, and maximizing the time we were out hiking and doing. We also wanted hikes that would be easy enough for the littles to do while still being beautiful and interesting for the adults, too.
We began at the Windows Section where you can easily see four arches almost right next to each other. We hiked to North Window, South Window, then Turret Arch. All are a short hike from the parking lot, and all a short distance from each other. The kids scampered around on the rocks, did dangerous moves, and tried to avoid adults telling them what to do. All I suggested was that they not run.
Blythe was freaked out about where they were standing because just behind them is a big drop-off.
She was nervous.
From North Window looking to South Window.
The boys hiked out underneath Turret Arch.
On the opposite side of the parking area is Double Arch. You can see Double Arch from the parking lot, but I took the kids and walked over so they could scamper around on the rocks. They were loud, yelling to each other across the way. There were so many people, I encouraged everyone to lower the volume, although it didn't do very much good. Makenna and Blythe looked for "houses" (crevices in the rocks big enough for them to climb in) they then wouldn't let anyone else in. I seem to recall doing the same thing when I was their age/s.
We ate our lunch in the car as we drove to the Delicate Arch overlook. The hike to Delicate Arch is pretty long and we weren't sure everyone would be able to make it the whole way, so we settled for looking at it from afar. Maybe next time.
So much excitement at the Delicate Arch overlook!
From there, we made our last stop at Sand Dune Arch. This is a low arch with lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of sand all around and underneath it. It's like an enormous sand box, shaded, and so fun for the kids. The "hike" to get there is about a quarter of a mile, flat, and only made difficult because it's in sand.
Near Sand Dune Arch is Broken Arch. The last couple of times we've been to Arches, we haven't hiked to Broken Arch, and I was certain I had never been there before. So while everyone else went directly to Sand Dune, I peeled off and hiked the not quite mile to Broken Arch. As I neared the arch, I recognized that it is very close to the campground and I had, indeed, been there before. But it was good to hike quickly and a bit farther, and to be without children for a bit.
Selfie at Broken Arch.
We had a great time in Arches. The weather was beautiful, the day was fun, everyone was tired when we got home. We were happy to have been out in nature, and then we were happy to be back at the house, to eat and sit. Here's to being in the great outdoors!
This picture was taken after we got back to the house.
Freya wasn't sure what to think of me in my hat.
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