The hike to Delicate Arch is considered strenuous, mainly because of the long, steep slickrock that greets you after the first half mile. I had to stop several times to rest, but you get a feeling of accomplishment when you make it to the top. Yes, those tiny specks in the distance are people!
Arches National Park has at least a couple thousand documented arches, with the most accessible and impressive within view of visitors. As I neared the end of the trail, there was one small arch right next to the narrow rock shelf I was walking on. And, there was another one to the north. I don't know if they had names.
The most impressive arch, of course, is Delicate Arch. Sitting on top of a rock outcropping, it just doesn't seem possible such an arch could exist. But, there it is. The last time I made the hike to Delicate Arch, I didn't get quite as close as I did today.
I only had time to see a couple more arches that I hadn't seen in my previous visit to the park. I walked a two-mile loop trail to check out Tapestry Arch and Broken Arch. Broken Arch isn't really broken. It just has a visible crack at its apex, which might eventually result in its demise.
As I was nearing the parking lot at the end of the loop trail, two animals popped out at me. A lizard and a Hopi chipmunk stood still long enough for me to take their pictures. Thank you.
After hiking about five miles, I was tired and ready for lunch. I ate at the Fiery Furnace viewpoint, and took a pic afterwards.
I spent the rest of the day driving to my next nightly pit stop. Tomorrow, more driving and a couple of museums. I'm well on my way back in the direction of home. I wish I could get a car wash, but I'm afraid of making my window crack grow some more.
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