Arches National Park...Part One

 

As you enter the park and start the assent up the winding road, the wall that runs along the drivers side is majestic.  Few, if any, National Park has such a bold opening statement as this drive does.  It truly sets the tone for your visit.  

   

I think some of these pillars of stone look like old fashion chess pieces, gathered together.  Well, enough of my talking...I am going to let the pictures talk...

 

There are many areas in South Utah that have these fine wavy layers of sedimentary rock.

 

      

Lots and lots of rock formations.  Some look like pillars, some seem to have faces, all are unique.

    

 

   

  

 

This is Balancing Rock, which is at the entrance to "The Windows", a large collection of Arches, many of which are very large.

 

 

 

Before the "Windows Area", you pass by the Garden of Eden.  And what do you see on those rocks???

 

Yep, a host of Rock Climbers.  We have seen Rock Climbers in Arches before, but not in this area.  They always draw a crowd, many of whom start climbing smaller rocks...must have been a good twenty that joined in on the climbing in the 15 minutes we were there.

 

Tomorrow I will post the rest of our visit to Arches...along with a scenic drive that starts right there in Moab.