Exploring Arches National Park

The wall drops away quickly behind Delicate Arch, and the hike to get to this vantage point was even a little sketchy. Be careful.

This view shows the parking area for the trails leading to the North and South Windows and Turret Arch. These trails are short and sweet, with maximal reward for minimal effort.

The North and South Windows resemble a pair of watchful eyes. Look closely and you'll see several hikers.

This is Turret Arch, just across from the North and South Windows.

The FJ Cruiser is facing toward Highway 191, and has just turned onto Willow Spring road. The dirt road leading to Eye of the Whale Arch intersects Willow Spring road not far from here. Balanced Rock, which is next to the park's main road, is above the FJ's grille in the photo.

The trail to Tower Arch has a few rough spots, but is tame compared to the trails of Easter Jeep Safari. The scenery and solitude are world class.

There's a parking circle at the end of the Tower Arch trail, after which you'll need to go on a short hike to stand under Tower Arch.

To the left of Tower Arch is the sandstone tower that gives this arch its name. There's a blind arch forming on Tower Arch's right. Can you see it?

Here today and gone tomorrow. These two National Park Service photos show Wall Arch before and after it collapsed during the night of August 4, 2008.

Even the mightiest arches won't last forever. Fortunately, arches usually last thousands, if not millions of years before they're gone. There will be plenty of arches to see when you visit the park.