Back in September, I received a text from Cynthia, an old friend and member from my days at The Wildlife Society. She invited me to join her in a VIP suite for the Las Vegas Raiders (still tough saying that) vs. Cleveland Browns game. After running it by Jane, I called Cynthia and happily accepted her generous offer. We’re looking forward to attending the game with Cynthia, John, and other members of her family. As an added bonus, I learned on the flight out that the Las Vegas Grand Prix is also happening this weekend.
Rather than flying to Vegas just for the game, Jane and I decided to turn the trip into a weeklong adventure and visit some of Utah’s National Parks. Last night we landed in Salt Lake City, then drove to Provo where we spent the night.
This morning we woke up early and made the three-hour drive to Moab. After an early lunch at Love Muffin Cafe, we headed into Arches National Park, where we purchased a senior lifetime NPS pass. Our first stops were the Park Avenue Viewpoint and Balanced Rock.
Our first hike, and the longest of the day, was to Delicate Arch. It was a 3.25 mile hike and the reward was gorgeous. On our way back to the trailhead, we stopped at the petroglyph panel to see the stone carvings created by Native Americans in the 1530s.
Next, we hiked to Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch. We paused to admire Skyline Arch, then drove to the end of the park road at Devils Garden Trailhead, where we hiked to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. (Back in December, Lela and Avery got engaged at Devils Garden).
We left the park at dusk and returned to Moab for a wonderful dinner at Miguel’s Baja Grill.
Tomorrow we plan to head back to Arches to hike The Windows and a few other short hikes before making the long drive to Bryce Canyon—where snow is in the forecast.
Special thanks to our friends Karen and Jeff, who traveled to Utah last month and shared their recommendations with us.
Traveling Walters 