Moab

In late March, we took a weekend trip down to Moab, a funky little town in Southern/Mid Utah, about 3 1/2-4 hours from SLC.  We left on a Saturday morning and arrived at a perfect time to eat our packed lunch in Arches National Park.  Moab is in close proximity to two National Parks, one state park, and a variety of public lands full of interesting things to see and do.

Devon.  In Arches NP.

Jeff.  In Arches NP.

Jeff chased this bird around going "When, when will you be still so I can take your picture?  Quoth the raven 'Nevermore!'"  True story.

After lunch, we hiked to Delicate Arch.  Though we'd seen it from a distance on a previous trip, this is the first time we saw it up close.  The hike is 3 miles roundtrip, but it mostly straight uphill/downhill.  Delicate Arch is one of Utah's more recognizable landmarks (it's even on our license plate), so the area was a bit crowded, but it was still a great site.

Delicate Arch

Troop of Boy Scouts Tebowing under Delicate Arch.

We then hiked to Landscape Arch and Navajo Arch, a little over 2 1/2 miles roundtrip.  We've done this hike before, but it's a fun one, and we wanted to find spot where we'd taken our picture in a heart-shaped indentation in the rock in 2009.  Success!  

2012

2009.  Please refrain from commenting on Devon's visible weight gain between 2009 and 2012.

Landscape Arch

This trail can be made into a long loop, but we decided to just come back the way we came to save some time as it was getting late.  Our last hike of the day was a short one to Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch.

Broken Arch.  See at the top?  It's broken.

For dinner, we went to the Moab Brewery, which had great food and beer.  There was a huge line, but we were seated immediately in the bar area, which seems to be a not uncommon occurrence in Utah.  We were both big fans of their Rocket Bike American Lager.  They give you a discount on gelato, but Devon thought it was just mediocre.  At least there was a discount.


Sunday, we started out with a hike to Corona Arch, which is 3 mile in-and-out on BLM land.  The hike was moderate.  The only challenges were the steep switchback section at the beginning and the steep scramble up slickrock near the end, but there they have chains, ladders, and toeholds in the rock to assist you.  The arch itself was spectacular!  Also very cool was getting to watch the people rappelling from the top of the arch.  Definitely worth the trip.

Corona Arch from a distance.

Admiring desert landscape.  Thinkin' deep thoughts.

Rappellers on Corona Arch. 

Bonus Arch!  (Not actual name.)

Cacti all up in your face!

We then did the Negro Bill Canyon hike, which gets its rather unfortunate name because there was an African-American pioneer that settled there named William Granstaff.  We think maybe a change to "Granstaff Canyon" might be in order.  It was also the site of the Sagebrush Rebellion.  We hiked a total of 5 miles roundtrip to Morning Glory Arch.  The hike was relatively flat but crossed the river a number of times.  The Arch was quite long, but not as spectacular as others around.  Even in March, the afternoon in the canyon got quite hot, and we were pretty exhausted by the time we finished.

Jeff on the trail.

Canyon.

Morning Glory Arch.

Trail shot.

  
We drove into town and had an early dinner at the Wake & Bake Cafe and Moab Creamery.  The food and ice cream here were both excellent.  We then headed back to Salt Lake, tired but happy from a fun weekend.