Red Rocks - Southwest trip, 2012
ARCHES National Park
| After leaving Mesa Verde National Park we crossed into Utah to Moab where Arches was the first of seven National Parks (or Monuments) we would visit in the state. Today the town lives off tourists. It is situated between two national parks - Arches und Canyonland. Additionally it is very popular with bikes (both kind) as well as rock hounds of every variety. The scenery is fantastic and all would be great, if it was not for a pesky little problem. In the 50s and 60s Moab was primarily known for its important Uranium mine. The mine has been closed for a long time, |
Panorama of Moab - On the picture you can easily see the two different types of sandstone common around here: The beige Navajo stone, also found in Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon and the salmon colored Entrada stone typical for Canyon de Chelley, Bryce and Zion. |
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| but mountains of radioactive dirt remain. Now we all get to clean up the mess - Moab is a "Superfund" project,meaning the taxpayers have to finance the clean-up over the next 20 years. The mine owners drew out all cash and declared bankruptcy in the approved manner for pretty all mining concerns. According to the time honored principle of "I got mine, how you doin' on yours?" | ||||
| Arches is one of the "Red Rock" parks; it's claim to fame rests on the geological quirk of this area: the sandstone here is pancaked with layers of salt from the ancient oceans that once covered the terrain. Over hundreds of million years, geological changes resulted in the creation of about 2,000 known arches ranging from little ones (3 feet of diameter) to very large, in excess of 200 feet. It is too complicated for me to explain the details, we were there to enjoy the beauty! |  |
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| Arches within arches! | Delicate Arch | |||
Hole in the wall Arch |
Sand Dune Arch |
Serried ranks of Arches |
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| We had booked a tour with a "Hummer", unfortunately, it turned out to be just another Suburban. I may never get to ride in a HumVee, oh well, we all have to bear up under various disappointments! We really did not need to have a tourguide here since we did not go offroading, but the guide was pleasant and knowledgable and more to the point, he made us get ouf of the car and actually do a little hiking. Certain members of the family did some grouching, but I thought it was very nice. To see some of the more interesting formations you just have to get off the paved road for a bit! | ||||
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As is obvious from the pictures above, the park not only contains beautiful arches but phantasmagoric spires and cliffs. As well as very beautiful sunsets. Two particularly interesting rock formations: On the left:The head of Nefertiti Balancing Rock on the right. |
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| Once again we really lucked out with our hotel. The Gonzo Inn was not my first choice - I ask you, what kind of a name is that? But, Moab seemed pretty booked, even though it was way before the actual season started, Probably some bike or running event. So I picked the Gonzo Inn and we were pleasantly surprised. It is a small hotel but delightfully decorated in a very individualistic style. Definitely not Mariott uniformity. We enjoyed our stay and should we ever return to Moab - we know where to go. | ||||
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