Hiking the Trails of Arches National Park in Utah

On April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Utah5 Comments

There is no doubt that Arches National Park in eastern Utah near the town of Moab is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. With so many fascinating geological features, there are literally incredible sights around every corner as you drive through the park. There is one road that will take you through the heart of the park with a couple of side roads that lead to specific attractions and you can certainly see a lot that the park has to offer by simply driving through the park and pulling over at certain viewing areas. To really enjoy everything that the park has to offer, though, we’d highly recommend that you get out and hike a few of the trails.

Landscape Arch – One of Our Favorite Arches

Devils Garden Trail – This trail is one of the most popular trails within the park because of the diversity of the trail as well as the number of arches that can be seen on the trail. The first part of the trail is considered easy and also provides views of three arches, including the Landscape Arch, which was one of our favorites. After reaching the Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more difficult as you head toward Double O Arch and then the second half of the loop is extremely difficult where you need to rock scramble and there are steep slopes. For obvious reasons, many people only go as far as Landscape Arch, which was what we did as well.

Hikers Heading Up an Exposed Rock Face in Utah

Delicate Arch Trail – There are viewing areas that you can go to by car to see the famous Delicate Arch (which is seen on the state’s license plate), but to see it up close, you should take the popular Delicate Arch Trail. The trail is listed as moderate and, with the exposure to the sun, steep rock faces, and some narrow ledges towards the end, it is definitely not an easy trail. The views are definitely worth the effort as you gain a little over 600 feet in elevation with panoramic views in all directions. The highlight, of course, is Delicate Arch where people take turns having their pictures taken in front of the arch.

Sand Dune and Broken Arch Trail – This is a relatively short trail that can be found near the Devils Garden Campground. The trail first goes by the Sand Dune Arch, which gets its name from the sand that surrounds it. It then turns into a loop that will take you by Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch. If you want to keep it really short, you can visit the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch and then return without doing the full loop.

Regardless of which trails you choose, you will truly appreciate the size and beauty of the many arches if you take the time to hike amongst them. Seeing how nature has carved the rocks through wind and rain erosion is certainly a wonderful experience whether you hike the trails or not. Arches National Park is certainly one of our favorite national parks and if you are a photographer, the variety of images that you can capture are truly endless.

Colorful Scenery on the Holly’s Trail in Canyons Village Near Park City, Utah

On September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Hiking, Utah1 Comment

There are obviously many wonderful trails in the vicinity of Park City in Utah and we chose to hike the Holly’s Trail, which was located near our resort. Although the trail starts at the base of a ski lift, once you climb up and away from the village, it then heads into the trees and you almost forget that you are located amongst the ski runs. Parts of the trail are moderate and other parts are easy, which makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to get out and explore nature without having to do a strenuous hike. Just because you are hiking the mountains that are used for skiing, they still attract a variety of animals during the summer and autumn months, so it is important to keep you eye out as you hike.

It was a little warmer than we expected, but still the weather was nice and the skies were clear. The trees had started to turn and we were pleased to see a variety of golden yellow and burnt orange foliage throughout our hike. As we hiked higher above the Canyons Village, we were greeted with wonderful views of the valley below. It was definitely an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and enjoy the natural beauty of the Utah mountains. We had a wonderful time in during our trip to Park City and getting out to do some hiking was certainly a highlight of our time there.

Looking Down at the Lift Where the Trail Starts

Going on Leisurely Hikes During the Autumn Season

On September 16, 2021September 16, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado4 Comments

We love hiking year-round, but it can be especially rewarding during autumn when the leaves are changing to their vibrant colors. We are heading to Park City, Utah this coming weekend and we are expecting to see at least pockets of Aspen tree groves turning to their golden color. Throughout the years, we have made sure to get into the mountains during September to see the beautiful leaves and although each year is very similar, each year is also unique. Depending on how much rain the mountains have gotten or whether there has been frost or snow already can certainly change how dramatic the autumn colors are when we go hiking. Generally speaking, when we go hiking during autumn, it is more about the beautiful scenery and less about going on a strenuous hike, so these hikes are some of the most enjoyable.

The great thing about hiking in the high country is that you get a mix of seeing the changing colors up close as well as the tapestry of colors across the skyline. The park that we usually hike in September is located on the backside of Pikes Peak and the scenery is always amazing regardless of the time of year. The colors are mostly the golds and yellows of the aspen groves surrounded by the deep greens of the pine trees, which is different than the reds and oranges that you find in most other places. If you get a chance to visit Colorado in autumn, we’d highly recommend that you get into the mountains, even if just by car.