What Creates Them Also Destroys Them, Moab & Arches National Park, Utah

Even the promise of Gatorade couldn't get the little humans to cooperate during the family pic. Mom and Dad are lovin' the stellar views at Tower Arch.

On the advice of our Salt Lake City friends, we left SLC one day early in order to spend 24 hours in Moab. There was too much to see in our short stay. This road trip is reminding me of our honeymoon cruise; Sample a bunch of places and later revisit the ones we love. We'll definitely be back to Moab.

We started with a quick start to the Visitor’s Center in Moab. The woman behind the counter was exactly what we needed. In her five minute conversation with Ken she proved to be an invaluable resource on what we should and should not do with kids. “Don’t go to Delicate Arch today. It’s too hot. Four people have been rescued off that trail already. Don’t go to Canyonlands. It’s beautiful and adults enjoy it, but the kids won't like it…” and then she told us where we should go! If I could go back and hug this woman I would. There are times when it’s nice to be told what to do.

5:00 pm and it's 96 degrees at Tower Arch in Arches National Park.

We spent our one afternoon and evening in Arches National Park, and it was AWESOME! We started at Tower Arch which we could see from the parking lot. It was 96 degrees and neither kid was excited about the short walk. Complain…complain…complain! However, it was a completely different attitude once we reached the arch. Both kids were exhilarated by surrounding rocks and the climbing all around them. For the first time in her life, Elle out climbed Tag! If you know our kids, this is a big deal. Higher and higher they went with Ken and me following. After a bit of climbing and two water bottles emptied, we headed for our second destination, Double Arch.

No fear from these kids. Can't say the same for their mother.

Although we could see the Arch from the parking lot, there was whining from the little people. Tag was tired and finagled a ride on Ken’s shoulders. Elle and I walked quickly in the sun and slowed our pace in the shade. Once we reached the arch, Elle was full of glee. Tag was a bit behind, rolling in the sand (not exaggerating) and covering his body in dust.

This one's for you Uncle Kevin! Tag recharges with a starter layer of sand.

Beautiful Double Arch. 

Elle conquers the steepest climb of the day at Double Arch.

Finally, we headed to our final arch of the evening, Sand Dune Arch. This was described as a big sand box. 100 yards in and we left our shoes on the side of the path. We were walking in deep sand and our toes loved it. I couldn't help thinking of Uncle Kevin and the look on his face whenever we talk about playing in sandboxes. Apparently, sandboxes are one of the dirtiest places where kids play, and Kevin doesn't like it! Ken & I chatted up a nice couple from Arizona while the kids played with their four kids.

Tag and Elle building arches in the sand at Sand Arch.

As we headed back to Moab and our hotel, Tag was losing it. He was so tired from the weather and playing. Elle had been promised time in the pool, but we knew Tag would never make it without a major melt-down. Therefore Ken and Tag headed out to find wine, and I whisked Elle off to the pool. Tag fell asleep in the car and the rest of us enjoyed some peace and quiet. Yes, Uncle Kevin, he slept in all that sand dust!

In the morning, we stopped at the Visitor’s Center in Arches National Park so the kids could earn a Jr. Rangers Badge. They have several others badges from other vacations with the grandparents. We watched a video on the arches and learned a lot. Elle was most surprised to learn that the same thing that creates the arches also destroys them – wind, water and other forms of erosion. Finally, we bought a few post cards and returned to the road.

Next up…Denver, Colorado.