Arches and Canyonlands

The Windows

Looking through arch to Delicate Arch

Hiking to Delicate Arch

The family under Delicate Arch

Kessler hiking to Sandstone Arch

Stairs on Park Ave.

Caulder rock climbing

Arches

Mat and Kessler taking shelter from the sun on Park Ave.

We made it to Canyonlands!

The Needles

Stop for lunch

Hiking the Potholes trail in Canyonlands

Caulder and Kessler in the narrow canyons

Climbing up ladders along the trail

Mat and the boys amongst the stunning scenery of Canyonlands

Caulder

Caulder and Kessler hiking through an old Native American cave shelter.

Large boulders

Hiking up to Timpanogos caves

Inside the caves

 We decided last minute to take a road trip down to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks (near Moab) over Labor Day weekend. Once we finally found a campsite, which turned out to be much more difficult than we anticipated, we headed into Arches. We explored the Park Avenue trail, and the Window's arches. Since our campsite was near the Southern entrance of Canyonlands, we decided to explore the Needles area of the park. Canyonlands was a great surprise. Easily as stunning as Arches. We took Caulder and Kessler on many beautiful hikes through the park. Sunday we toured the upper region of Arches, and hiked to the famous Delicate Arch, which was a surprisingly grueling hike up slick rock and along ledges of sheer cliffs. We also checked out Sandstone Arch, and the cool campground (which we hope to camp at next time we go to Arches). Monday we made a detour to Timpanogos National Monument and Caves just South of Salt Lake City. After 85 degree weather in Southern Utah, we were greeted with snow in Northern Utah. Despite the cold weather, the park is beautiful. It is situated up a narrow canyon in the Wasatch Mountains. The hike up to the caves is a three mile round trip hike with a 1000 feet elevation gain. The caves are interesting, and the park was well worth the detour.