Tower Arch Trail

Moab, UT

May 31,2013

Tower Arch is located in the Klondike Bluffs section of Arches NP. Salt Valley Road is the only way to reach the Bluffs.

The first section of the trail climbs a short, but steep ridge to a mesa top with panorama views of Salt Valley.

From there, the trail drops into a valley surrounded by deep-crimson walls.








We continued on, downhill, across the open desert floor and two wash beds.

The trail exits the valley through a steep, narrow corridor lined with spires and red sand...





...both caused by Entrada Sandstone erosion.

Sand gives way to slickrock as we neared the Arch Tower. The base of the arch is accessible by a short scramble.







Tower Arch is an old fin type natural arch.

It has a span of 92 feet, a height of 43 feet...

...a thickness of 50 feet, and a width of 29 feet.

 This was our lunch spot for the day...

...with entertainment!

Sandcastle

 Because this trail is in a remote section of the NP, the trail is not usually crowded.

D Q Swirl

There isn't much shade on this trail...so go early.





Mushrooms



Judy, Joe and I didn't find morels, but we did find these along the way!

It was a great hike...we had a great workout, saw lots of beautiful rocks, and just enjoyed the great outdoors!

 We had planned to move on last Saturday,June 1st, but we are having such a fun time in Moab, we decided to stay awhile longer.  

 

Thanks for stopping by...

Y'all come back!

Corona Arch Trail

Moab, UT
5-27

Corona Arch Trail is located 9.9 miles downstream on Utah 279 (Potash Rd.) from the junction with Hwy 191. The trail ascends a short, steep slope to the railroad track.

We could see where the rocks were blasted for the tracks...after crossing the tracks we walked through a gate. The gate protects the desert big-horned sheep lambing grounds.

 

The trail followed the rim of Bootlegger Canyon. I was a little disappointed we didn't see any big-horned sheep.

 The trail changes from sand and rocks to slickrock.. As we got closer to Corona Arch, there were a couple of safety cables along some steep portions...

...as well as a series of steps cut into the slickrock and a short ladder to climb.

High up in the Navajo Sandstone cliff is Bowtie Arch. This arch is a good example of a pothole arch. Water eroded a large pothole or water tank atop the cliff. The result is a hole that enlarges due to rainstorm runoff and creates the arch.

 

 

Just passed Bowtie Arch, the trail follows the slickrock slope to Corona Arch. From a distance, the arch doesn't look very big...it has a  140-foot by 105-foot opening. 

This is one of the best lunch spots we have ever had!

There were lots of wildflowers and flowering shrubs along the trail.

Thrifty Goldenweed

Utah Daisy

This is the fruit from the narrow leaf yucca. I read  that the fleshy fruit is sweet...we will just take googles word for it!

What a great way to spend Memorial Day...

We have 3 new members this week...thanks for joining our adventure!

 

 

Y'all come back!