Delicate Arch Trail in Arches National Park

On July 11, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Utah6 Comments

One of the most popular trails in Arches National Park in Utah is the 1.5 mile trail (one way) that will give you an up-close experience with one of the parks most iconic arches, Delicate Arch. 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, which is the arch that is depicted on Utah’s license plate.

We hiked the trail starting at mid-morning and the temperatures were already starting to soar. It is very important that you take plenty of water, at least 1 liter per person, to help combat the heat and dehydration. We had both a Camelback with 3 liters of water as well as a power drink with electrolytes. As we reached the end of the trail and had the opportunity to see Delicate Arch, we were glad that we decided to do the trail, although we probably should have started a little earlier. People were lining up to get their pictures taken standing inside of the arch, but at least while we were there, we had opportunities to get photographs of the arch without anyone as they changed places with other tourists. We weren’t worried about having our photographs taken inside of the arch, so we opted for panoramic views and yes, we did take a selfie.

Another Arch Seen in the Distance from the Delicate Arch Trail

The Delicate Arch Trail is certainly a worthwhile hike within Arches National Park. It is extremely popular, especially at dawn and dusk when photographers come in droves, but it is busy all day long. The parking lot can get very full, but we were fortunate enough to find a spot near the trailhead. It was the first of our hikes in the park and we certainly learned some lessons about getting on the trail as early as possible and stopping in whatever shade we could find to help ourselves cool off. Seeing Delicate Arch was definitely one of favorite memories of the park.

Arches National Park in Utah

On July 8, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Utah18 Comments

Located just outside of Moab in Utah is the stunningly beautiful Arches National Park. The geology of the park is quite amazing with many different multicolored bluffs, free standing rock formations, and of course natural arches. The name of Arches National Park is certainly well deserved as there are over 2,000 stone arches located within the park, but the other formations are equally impressive. Although it is possible to simply drive through the park and stop at the many pull-offs and parking areas to see some of the amazing sights, but if you get a chance to hike some of the many trails, it will give you an even better sense of the park.

The temperatures in the park can be quite extreme due to the very dry desert air. During our trip, the temperatures started out very moderate in the early mornings, but quickly soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit as mid-day approached. Because of that, it is important to make sure that you have plenty of water with you when you decide to go hiking and it is also wise to have something with electrolytes to help replenish what your body loses during the day. There are several trails within the park, some of them easy, but many of them are considered moderate to hard, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes if you plan on hiking. We found even the moderate trails to be strenuous at times with plenty of exposure to the sun and terrain that varied from the faces of boulders to deep sand.

Needless to say, the geology of Arches National Park steals the show. It varies throughout the park and each different location within the park offers unique and fascinating views. Seeing how nature has carved out the stone from the forces of wind and water into something so beautiful is an amazing experience. It is also important to understand that those forces continue today, although the changes occur slowly, over time the park will be different in the future than it is right now.

Broken Arch, Which Isn’t Actually Broken

Many of the more spectacular arches have been given names such as Delicate Arch (the one depicted on the Utah license plate), Broken Arch, Landscape Arch, Skyline Arch, Double Arch, and many more. Each of them are unique and spectacular in their own ways, so just because you’ve seen one arch doesn’t mean that you’ve seen them all. Many people prefer to visit the park at sunrise, but even more at sunset as the scenery can be even more amazing. We chose to get into the park early in the day and try to be done with our hiking by early afternoon when the temperatures started to get unbearable.

It is possible to see the park in a single day, but we took two days as we really wanted to make sure that we saw everything that Arches National Park had to offer. Utah has several wonderful parks that feature amazing scenery, such as Zion, Bryce, and Canyonlands, but Arches National Park is certainly one of the most impressive. The type of beauty that is found in the park is something so special that photographs can never truly capture it completely, so we would highly recommend that you visit Arches National Park.

United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado

On June 18, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado2 Comments

University campuses can be quite historic and beautiful and the service academies are certainly no exception. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the United States Air Force Academy is quite beautiful. We often go to the grounds of the academy to go hiking, but it is also worth taking the time to actually go to the chapel at the academy and to see the field house that serves as the dorms for the cadets. If you get a chance to be in Colorado Springs during the fall, going to a football game at the Air Force Academy is an experience that you will never forget.

The grounds of the Air Force Academy are a protected area for wildlife, so it is common to see wild animals if you decide to go for a hike. There are several trails at the academy including some difficult trails that go into the mountains, some easier trails that go through the fields, and even part of the Sante Fe Trail. Access to the academy can be restricted at times, so it is important to check ahead and you must show a valid id in order to pass through the security check points. There are two entrances, the north and south entrance, but most people use the north entrance and that is also the entrance that is used to go to a football game.

The design of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel makes it one of the most recognizable buildings at the academy. Not surprisingly, many former cadets return to the academy to have their wedding at the Cadet Chapel. The chapel was completed in 1962, just a few years after the first class of cadets graduated in 1959. There is also the parade grounds near the chapel as well as a variety of statues in honor of famous graduates from the academy as well as different planes from over the years. You will also find planes, gliders, and cadets learning to parachute over the academy throughout the year. The academy has its own airport where cadets learn to fly in smaller aircraft.

Statue with the Cadet Chapel in the Background

We have had the opportunity to go to several football games throughout the years and each one is truly special. There is something about the pageantry of a football game at the United States Air Force Academy that is hard not to be impressed by. Whether it is the cadet march-on as squadrons line up on the field, the flyovers by different styles of airplanes, or the traditional skydivers that parachute into the stadium, it is an exciting atmosphere that is very unique. During the graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy, the Thunderbirds put on an amazing performance every year that has people from all around Colorado Springs stopping to watch the jets as they fly overhead.

When it comes to places to visit when coming to Colorado Springs, the United States Air Force Academy is certainly one not to be missed. Whether stopping at the overlook off of the highway, touring the academy grounds, or just going for a hike, the academy is definitely worth at least a couple of hours of your time. Speed limits are clearly posted on the roads within the academy and they are strictly enforced, so be sure to adhere to all posted signs.