Day 24: Wrapping Up Arches

Today was our final early wake up day. Have I mentioned what incredible troopers are kids have been? No matter what time we wake them or how many miles of trails we go on, they are always game for it. Tootsie Roll pops and endless hours of Minecraft talk have definitely helped, but they are totally out there finding ways to have fun and making the most of it. We really are lucky parents!

Today’s agenda had a handful of shorter hikes. It started with Park Avenue, a 2-mile hike in a dry wash. The patterns on the rocks from the water were incredible. The weather was perfect, and we hardly saw anyone once we got past the trailhead.

Next was Double Arch, followed by the North and South Windows and Turret Arch loops. This was also around two miles total, and we figured parking would turn over faster given the multiple options for shorter hikes here. Today was the quietest day we have had in the park as far as traffic and people, even though it was a Sunday. They didn’t even close the park due to it being full, which they had done around 8 a.m. every other day we’ve been here. The haze from distant fires has lingered, but so have cooler temperatures (99 degrees). That combined with the smaller crowds helped make today amazing.

Have you heard of the free phone app Seek? It is absolutely fabulous at identifying plants and animals. It’s free, and we first found it on a weekend trip to Chelan. Rob and the boys absolutely love using it to discover what every plant is called. Today we learned it also identifies animals.

One last hike was 1/3 mile around Balanced Rock. As we pulled into the parking lot, Nicholas asked why would you ever do such a short hike. We shared that we were about to find out… It was quick and easy and we knew everyone was done after this point.

I have been collecting National Park tokens for the boys at each park we have visited. Somehow I forgot for Zion, but I am hoping next time I hear someone going they can pick two up for us. Canyonlands, on the other hand, simply ran out and haven’t had them for a week. They usually have them at both Canyonlands and Arches, but both were out. Guess I will add that token to my wish list when I hear others traveling in the area too.

We came back and enjoyed lunch and some relaxation. Relaxation these days means I take a nap while the boys read their kindles and Rob either works or does computer stuff. It is glorious.

Rob finally came to the pool with us, which the boys have been eagerly waiting days for. Instead of crazy amounts of kids there today, it was filled with mostly retirees and just a couple of families.

We enjoyed one final griddle dinner (hot dogs and broccoli) tonight and then started packing up for our travel day tomorrow.

This was supposed to be our perfect spot to see stars and amazing sunsets, but unfortunately smoke has blown in, so we will have to do it some other time (we’d planned to make the short drive to Dead Horse Canyon for a sunset and stars).