Arches National Park

Before we headed back to St. George, I wanted to take my kids to Arches National Park. I grew up hiking through this park and I wanted my kids to see some of my favorite places. Unfortunately we didn't have time to hike to Delicate Arch, which is my favorite, but we enjoyed the scenic drive and spent some time at Sand Dune Arch. The kids could have stayed for hours.
The "Three Gossips"Balanced RockThe girls needed a bathroom break and there was no bathroom at the trailhead. :) So they squatted behind a rock while the boys ran on ahead. I had park ranger warnings running through my head "Don't step on the cryptobiotic soil!" and "Never leave the trail!" Man- they really must have messed with my head when I was a kid. Wouldn't they cringe to see me now!Then we set off. This time ON the trail.The boys came back to look for us.
Around a couple corners and then there we were. Not much of a hike at all. It's really just a short walk. Pretty cool, huh?
The sand was so fine. It felt SO good to run it through your toes.
And we did.
They were lacking a shovel and pail, but that didn't stop these kids from trying to build a sand castle. They found a nasty old feather and stuck it on top of the pile and that was good enough for them. Aren't kids wonderful? I should just sit and watch them play more often. I learn a lot when I do.I just liked how these tall sandstone walls made us look so small.
All too soon it was time to go.Oh, maybe one quick jaunt off the trail again for a couple of shots.
Joe D took this one of me and I love it. Not because I am in it, but because the rocks are so beautiful and it gives you a sense of how BIG they were. If you live in Utah and haven't been to Arches, you are seriously missing out! Take some time and go. You won't regret it. Make sure you go to Delicate Arch. I wish I had been able to on this trip. It is one of the most awesome things you'll ever see, I promise.

I had a great time in Moab. It's still home to me. I love it, I get homesick for it and I'll always come back to it.