Arches and Salt Valley

Wednesday September 3, 2014
Portal RV Park near
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah

 

 

It’s just dawn as we drive through the unmanned entrance gate onto the scenic drive.   We see arches in the skyline.

The sun colors the formations as it rises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We turn off of the Scenic Drive onto the 2.5 mile spur to the Windows Section and arrive at the trailhead to find that there cars already in the parking area.  These people must have been out here in the dark to get here before we do. 

We also find that there are actually 4 arches here within a short distance of each other. The sign informs us that we can see the North and South windows and Turret arch with a relatively easy hike.  A longer and more difficult alternative is to return by the “primitive loop” around the back of the arches for a view of “the spectacles”.  The trail is less developed, climbs one hill and returns across the blackbrush flats.  Under ordinary circumstances, with all the time we want, we would definitely do that.  But not today.

 

We come first to the North Window.  I should say here that Windows are just Natural Arches that look like windows.  They are still arches.    I take some pictures with the people before us in them and wait until they are finished to get some of just the arch.  Patience is a virtue.  Although you can’t really get the idea of the enormous size of these without them.  For now, you’ll have to take my word for it.

 

 

 

 

How interesting that the colors of the arch and the rock formations behind it seen through its window are so different based on the morning light.

One of the residents not immortalized in bronze at the VC is also out early this morning.  He’s looking mighty fine hopping down the bunny trail.  My what big ears you have!  The better to hear you with my dear.  I just get a big kick out of jack rabbits having grown up with the little cotton tails.

 

 

 

Shadows are long as I turn to look at Turret Arch behind me.  My shadow is looking pretty frumpy this morning.  Better cut down on those chips and milk duds.

 

 

I walk on over to South window before heading closer to Turret.  On the way I look back at North Window for this interesting shot.  it’s all about the angle.   Now I’ve got 3 colors of stone.

 

 

The South window doesn’t have quite so many people swarming all around.  And they aren’t climbing up in it either.

 

 

 

Approaching the Turret we can see a new arch/window forming on the left.   The shadows are starting to cause problems.  That’s David walking up the stairs.   That’s me in the arch in the next picture.  How’s that for size??   Which angle is better?  The one with a background rock or the one with me just standing in the center?

 

 

 

 

I also find that when I crawl up inside the arch and look out, I can almost see the North and South Window spectacles framed through it.   VERY COOL!

 

 

 

 

From the back side of Turret Arch, I can also get some interesting angle shots.  Photographing these arches is fun.

 

 

 

The spectacles are even sharper from up on the turret arch but not behind it. 

 

 

 

 

As we leave Turret Arch I look back and wonder what I might see if I zoomed up on the baby window.

 

 

Look at what I see.   Do you see him?  

 

 

 

 

On to the other side of the parking lot to find Double Arch.  It’s out there some where.

 

 

 

I think we may have found it.

 

 

 

 

Double Arch is the 3rd largest arch in the park, 144 feet wide and 112 feet tall (44X34 meters for you Kevin and Ruth).  The smaller opening is 67 feet wide by 86 feet high (20X26 meters).  

This arch is the result of a pothole. They start as depressions near a cliff face.  Pools of water collect and slowly deepen the pothole.  Over time, water seeps through to the cliff face.  Eventually the enlarging pothole meets the roof of the expanding alcove creating an opening.  And there you have an arch. 

So guess who has to try to climb up there for a closer look?   Can you see him?  The early morning shadows are a real problem here.

 

 

 

Well yes I did follow him up and here’s the view out the back of double arch. 

 

And the view looking up.  The middle is getting pretty thin there.

 

 

 

We climb down from Double Arch and have Ruby take us further up the road. 

The audio guide tells us we can see a Cove of Caves from a trail marked on the side of the road.  We get out. We follow the trail and then it disappears.  We hike.  We see lovely vistas.  We climb up slick rock.  We cannot find these caves.

 

 

Maybe

Nope

 

 

Really?

I don’t think so.

 

 

We give up and walk back to the car and then we see they are on the other side of the road and this trail is apparently to a viewpoint that isn’t nearly as good as the pull out.   Very unclear. But worth it just for the views going the wrong direction.

 

 

 

Apparently these caves have been used far back into the ancient past as shelters.  I suppose if they continue to weather they might turn into arches themselves.

 

 

 

 

We are now back on the main Scenic Drive road.  We are on our way to Delicate Arch when we are stopped in our tracks by the views all along the road of Salt Valley.  Just look at the colors.

 

 

Beneath the Salt Valley floor lies a thick layer of salt.  Formed by the evaporation of ancient oceans, the salt became thousands of feet deep.  Over the next 290 million years, this salt was buried by sand, silt and other sediments.  Under pressure the less dense salt rose into a dome, partially dissolved and then collapsed creating Salt Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know enough all ready but I just can’t get over how amazing it is and how beautiful.   Wow is every other word out of my mouth.

 

 

 

 

Every direction has incredible views and colors.

 

 

So I’ll leave you with these incredible views of Salt Valley and show you Delicate Arch and an inspiring 82 year old RVer tomorrow.