Tag: #desertlandscape
Arches NP

Arches NP

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Arches NP (All Other Arches)

After marveling at the Delicate Arch, which is undoubtedly the highlight of this NP, it’s time to venture off-the-beaten-path and explore the other arches in this NP…which are A LOT!! Although nothing in this world will be as spectacular as the Delicate Arch, each of the other arches in this NP has its unique character. From the weirdly-shaped to the massive to the small to the ones with multiple openings, they come in all shapes and sizes:) The vast majority of the accessible arches can be found around mainly three hiking loops: the Devil’s Garden, the Devil’s Garden Camp, and the Windows Section (click to request map); so, to optimize your time, its best to do one loop, finish all the arches there and then head to the other… so lets start exploring each one of them.

The highest number of arches lie along the Devil’s Garden loop and through this 8.1mi loop, you’ll see all the shapes of arches that you can imagine:) The trail, in general, is easy and the first part is a short two-way portion (you’ll start and finish here) in which you’ll encounter your first two arches: the Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches at 0.4mi and 0.5mi, respectively.

After around 1 mile, the loop starts and although you can do it both clockwise and anticlockwise, I prefer the latter as this way you’ll see the majority of the arches at the beginning and get your arches fix early:) and also I was late so wanted to see the majority of the arches before it gets dark.

Starting anticlockwise and after 1.6 miles you’ll meet the Landscape Arch. This is one of the most intriguing arches in the entire NP as it has a very thin rock layer at the top of the arch that you think to yourself, how come this part is not broken!! and you’ll be amazed at how this arch stands free like this.

After marveling at this arch and at the 2mi mark, it’s time for Partition Arch which gets its name from the 2 separate openings that it has next to each other…intriguing huh! 

Right next to Partition Arch is the Navajo Arch, which isn’t so spectacular, to be honest, but it’s one more arch off the list:)

Next comes the highlight of this loop…the Double’O’Arch! In my opinion, this is the most spectacular arch in the park after the Delicate Arch and you’ll know why from its name:) This arch has 2 perfect “O” shaped openings that will leave you dazzled, so admire and enjoy:) 

Lastly, after 3 miles, there will be a small detour that will take you to Private Arch, which is a little arch in the middle of nowhere.

This is the last arch on this loop, the rest of the trail will provide you with some amazing panoramic views of the surrounding country.

The next hiking loop starts at the Devil’s Garden Camp. This is a short loop that will allow you to see three unique arches: the Skyline Arch, the Broken Arch, and the Sand Dune Arch. The most spectacular of these three arches is the Broken Arch with its amazing two curves that are connected together at the middle of the arch’s opening.

Also, through this loop, you’ll see the Skyline Arch which is another perfectly carved opening in the rocks! 

At that time it was getting dark and as I was on a mission to see all accessible arches in this park, I took off to the next loop…the Windows Section. This loop doesn’t involve much hiking, but it’ll allow you to see a couple of spectacular arches. It was getting dark on me so I decided to start with the highlight of this loop…the Double Arch, and I’ve to say…It is Special!! As the name suggests, it consists of two perfectly carved arches connected together in a meticulous way. Shame it was almost dark and the pics aren’t that clear.

At that point, it was almost dark and I had to drive back to the park’s entrance and was pretty disappointed as I didn’t get the chance to see the last three arches on the list! So guess what?? I returned the next day to complete my mission:) and I’m glad I did as the Turret Arch is another special one in this amazing NP. This arch has it all, a large opening, a small opening, a chimney, and it stands alone in the vast desert:) 

The last two arches are not as spectacular (the North and South Windows), but they are still perfectly carved openings.

All in all, I saw 14 different arches in this park (not counting the Delicate Arch) and each is unique in its own way. Another amazing aspect of exploring this park is that it almost feels like a game by hopping from one arch to another and fulfill your adventurous spirit by seeing all arches that are on offer:)
Glen Canyon NRA

Glen Canyon NRA

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Glen Canyon NRA

When you are in the area around Kanab, UT or Page, AZ, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) might be overlooked for some of the other more famous wild west landmarks in the area; however, for me, this NRA is a must-see, not only if in the area, but in your life!! Although its not much of an adventure to visit the stunning places in Glen Canyon NRA, as it is mostly done via a road trip and short hikes, the bizarre landscape that you can see here is unmatched elsewhere in the wild west.

There are a lot of places to wander around in this area; like Hanging Gardens, Horseshoe Bend, Lone Rock, Buckskin Gulch, and the Toadstools…among others. However, since I was lucky and got the permit for The Wave🙂 I only had half a day to spare in the area so I had time to visit only three of those amazing landscape features; which are: The Toadstools, Lone Rock, and the jewel in the crown:) The Horseshoe Bend, which are all located along US 89 (click to request map).  

I started with The Toadstools, as it is the furthest from Page, AZ, and the one that involves the longest hike. The Toadstools is located at MP19 on N89. The length of the hike actually depends on your schedule and how much you want to see in the area, but at least it’ll involve 2 miles each way. The start of the hike feels that you are entering through a door to the wilderness! It involves walking along a narrow canyon until it opens up.

When the trail opens up, you’ll continue your hike along a small creek that breaks the arid desert landscape around it.

Then as you venture deep into the wilderness, there will be locations where you’ll have to cross this creek multiple times to reach your destination, which is pretty fun:).

     

After hiking for 2 miles, you’ll start to see the bizarre Toadstools themselves which are rock formations that resemble the shape of a chimney! There are a lot of these shapes in the area, so you can venture as deep as you want till you get your fix of them and head back the same way.

The next stop in this NRA is Lone Rock which is located at MP3 on N84. As the name suggests, this is basically a lonely rock in the middle of the reservoir, which looks very intriguing:) You park near the road and hike for half a mile or so till you get to the river banks, but you’ll start getting a glimpse of this lonely rock along the trail and, believe me, you’ll spend some time admiring this view.

Saving the best for last is the Horseshoe Bend!! This is an amazing, one-of-a-kind, earthly feat and is one of the famous wild west landscapes. It is something that you’ll have to see with your own eyes to believe that it exists. Again, the hike from the parking lot is almost 1 mile or so, but you’ll be running along the trail from the anticipation of what awaits you:) & it is this view that awaits you:)

How did mother nature create this amazing natural feature…I really don’t know…It is the perfect bend that you’ll find anywhere. You can try to understand what created this bend as nothing can stop the mighty Colorado River from following its course, or, be more pragmatic, and interpret it as earth standing tall and strong in face of the river! Either way, it is out of this world sight, so ENJOY, ADMIRE & RELAX and take a lot of pics:) 
The Wave

The Wave

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The Wave

Have you ever wondered if the pictures you see as screensavers on your PC, tablet, or phone are real or not? Well…They Are!! And it is a privilege to be able to visit one of these places during your lifetime as, in these places, you’ll truly appreciate the beauty of our planet. I was lucky enough to have this privilege and this blog will be about one of these natural gems…THE WAVE!!

The wave is the unofficial name of this majestic rock formation that is located in the middle of nowhere on the borders between the states of Utah and Arizona, yet the official name of the area where it is located in Coyote Butte North!

This is a wilderness area that is well protected; hence, you won’t find the exact location of The Wave on any map as there are no trails that lead you there, only natural landmarks that you’ve to use to navigate your way till you reach it!! Not only that, but in an effort to preserve this unique landscape from mass tourism, there is a strict permit system in place that only allows a handful of adventurers to visit this stunning rock formation per day; and only if you are lucky to get a permit, these landmarks will be revealed to you by the rangers! So, in an effort to help in preserving this natural beauty, I’ll not reveal, in this blog, how you can reach The Wave, I’ll only explain to you the permit process in an effort to help you plan this adventure of a lifetime; and, of course, I’ll show some pictures that are out of this world:)

There are two ways through which you can get a permit to visit The Wave, and both are based on a lottery format. The first is to apply online on the wilderness area website to get a permit up to four or five months in advance (click to request info) and you’ll enter a draw, and if you win, you’ll be notified. Unfortunately, this permit is in very high demand and your chances of winning are not that high; so, try to be flexible with your dates and apply for a number of dates, and hopefully one of them will win. The second way is to apply in person at the visitor center in Kanab one day prior to your planned date of the adventure as there are few spots reserved for last-minute adventurers…Like me:) When you apply in person, the lottery will be conducted at the visitor center at the same time of the application and you’ll spend 15 nervy minutes hoping that your number comes up:) If you are extremely lucky, then you’ll win a permit for the next day. Of course, the first way is more convenient as you’ll be able to plan your trip in advance; however, as it is easy to apply online, you can expect a large number of applications and a limited chance of winning. On the other hand, although the second way of applying for a permit isn’t the perfect way, in terms of planning, not many people drive all the way to Kanab, UT, without a permit, so you can expect far less competition for the permits; albeit, it is still hard to get.

I personally had to go for the second option as I planned late for that trip but to increase my chances, I chose a date that I expected very few people to be there at the visitor center and apply for the permit, I chose Thanksgiving Day! And guess what…I Was Lucky and won the permit:) I can’t deny it, but winning this lottery almost feels like winning the real one, with money:)

After getting your permit, the ranger will give you a small map and explain to you the landmarks that you’ll follow to reach The Wave, as well as, a permit to carry with you while hiking as rangers are there to check it on your way to this majestic place. Also, remember that your permit is for the next day, so you have a free day in the area, so click here for things to do on that day.

On the next day, your lucky day:), you’ll drive all the way to Wirepass trailhead, park your car and start your adventure from there. My advice to you during this unusual hike is to keep aware of your bearings and be very alert to your surroundings as your map will show you the way to the wave and not back, and believe me, the scenery changes when you head back and you’ll need to be alert to the route you traversed and always check the other direction.

When you set your first sight on the wave, you won’t believe yourself, it is Out-Of-This-World, and the adrenaline will be pumping in your veins and you’ll feel like a kid in a playground:).

     

What is more amazing about this majestic place is that it reveals a different aspect of its beauty whenever you look at it from a different direction and each view is special! So, take your time, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity…SO ENJOY:)

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