Arches National Park
Our adventure began with a caravan out of Denver, leaving behind a freshly snow-covered landscape. The temperature dipped below freezing as we made our way up through the I-70 mountain passes. By the time we emerged from Glenwood Canyon, the weather had taken a turn for the better, with the warmth of the sun pushing temperatures into the 70s. The transition was stark—one moment we were surrounded by the white, crisp cold, and the next, we were in the sun-baked deserts of Utah, where the heat was intense and invigorating.
Our first stop in Utah was to wash off the winter grime from our campers, a necessary pause before we made our way to our campsite in Moab, Utah, along the Colorado River. We settled in on Saturday evening, our spirits lifted by the contrasting weather, and celebrated our arrival with a fire and some smoked bourbons under the desert sky.
Mornings by the River
The Colorado River became my running trail, with its gentle flow guiding my sunrise runs. There’s something magical about watching the sun slowly rise over the canyon, the first rays illuminating the rugged landscape in a golden hue. These runs were a perfect way to start the day, the cool morning air invigorating as the world around me woke up.
Mountain Biking at Dead Horse Point
Sunday marked my first real mountain biking experience at Dead Horse Point State Park, and it did not disappoint. We tackled the Dead Horse Point Tour, an intermediate trail renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent singletrack. If you're looking for a relatively mellow yet rewarding ride, this is hands down one of the best options in Moab. The trail doesn’t demand much in terms of technical skill or cardio endurance, but it offers a fast, fun ride with unbeatable and varied scenery that’s nothing short of spectacular.
We started at the north end of the visitor's center parking lot on the Intrepid Trail. While this section isn’t particularly special on its own, it’s a relatively fast and easy ride to the Colorado River Overlook. The trail has a few small rock shelves ranging from 2-6 inches in height that might require beginners to dismount, but overall, it’s a smooth ride.
This trail features several rocky ledges that necessitated a few dismounts. Otherwise, it was excellently built, with nice contours, well-placed rock plating, and great flow. We were rewarded with miles of amazing views. The trail is particularly fast and flowy. We continued out to the Big Chief Overlook, where we were treated to views of the potash mine 2,000 feet below, with all of Moab and the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.
The trail then doubles back on itself on a higher level of the mesa, offering even more stunning views, including glimpses of the Henry Mountains to the west. From there, we jumped onto Whiptail, which takes you across the top of the mesa. Towards the end the trail turns into a fun roller coaster ride, weaving among small rock formations.
Midnight in Arches National Park
The workdays were productive, but the evenings were reserved for exploration. I made several trips to Arches National Park, with the highlight being a sunset hike to Delicate Arch. The hike up was a race against time, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped lower, signaling that the magic hour was upon us. The trail itself is an adventure, winding along ledges and past fascinating sandstone formations that tell the story of an ancient landscape shaped by wind, water, and time.
As I reached the final stretch, the iconic arch came into view, standing proudly against the vibrant sky. I decided to make the experience even more special by camping on the ledge overlooking the arch. As the last of the crowds funneled out, leaving the site to the few of us who had planned to stay, I set up my small camp, enjoying the solitude that the night brought.
Dinner was a simple affair, cooked over a small stove, but the setting made it unforgettable. The sun was at its peak burn, casting those famous orange hues across the arch, making it glow with an almost ethereal light. It was the kind of scene that photographers and nature lovers dream of—a moment when nature and light align perfectly, creating a breathtaking display that lasts only for a few fleeting minutes.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the world around me transformed. The moon, nearly full, began to rise, slowly illuminating the entire area. The arch, now bathed in soft, silvery light, took on an entirely different character. The once vibrant and warm scene became serene and otherworldly, with the moonlight casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the sandstone in ways that daylight could never achieve.
I stayed long after most of the crowd had left, taking in the quiet beauty of the place. The moonlit landscape offered a completely different perspective, one that few get to experience. The photos I captured that night—of the arch under the moon's soft glow—are some of my favorites, a reminder of a night where time seemed to stand still, and nature revealed one of its many faces.
Later in the week, as the workdays blended into adventure-filled evenings, I found myself drawn back to Arches National Park. The park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, each arch more mesmerizing than the last. I was determined to capture the beauty of these formations during the golden hours of sunset, when the light is soft and the colors are at their most vivid.
A Sunset Journey to Corona and Pinto Arches
One evening, we set out to conquer another iconic formation: Corona Arch. This hike was a race against time, the setting sun pushing us to quicken our pace. The trail itself is a journey through time, with every step revealing more of the ancient landscape. We scrambled over slickrock and wound through narrow canyons, the anticipation building as we neared the arch. We reached Corona Arch just as the sun began to dip behind the ridge, its warm glow illuminating the massive sandstone curve. The arch is awe-inspiring in its size and grandeur, standing as a testament to the relentless forces of wind and water that shaped it. The sun’s last light painted the arch in fiery hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle that was worth every effort to reach in time.
After taking in the views at Corona, we decided to continue our adventure to Pinto Arch. The trail was less traveled, giving us a sense of solitude as we hiked through the fading light. Pinto Arch is a hidden gem, offering incredible views of the Colorado River winding its way through the canyon far below. The arch itself, though smaller than Corona, has a unique charm, its delicate form contrasting with the ruggedness of the surrounding landscape.
The sunset from Pinto Arch was a sight to behold. As the sun sank lower, the walls glowed with a deep reddish, warm light, and the river reflected the sky’s changing colors in the distance. I sat up on a ledge of the arch and watch as time seemed to pause, allowing us to fully absorb the beauty around us.
One of my favorites pictures from 2024
Photo: Kelly Battista Photography
A Sunset Hike in Grandstaff Canyon
One evening after a full day of work, I decided to venture out on a solo hike up Grandstaff Canyon. The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the landscape and signaling the start of what would be an unforgettable evening.
The trailhead was quiet, with only the sound of the nearby stream and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. As I began my hike, the path wound its way along a babbling creek, with the water providing a soothing soundtrack to my journey. The canyon walls, towering high above on either side, were bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, creating a stark contrast between the illuminated rock faces and the deepening shadows below. The colors of the canyon were vibrant—reds, oranges, and browns intermingling with the green of the vegetation, all intensified by the fading light.
The trail was moderately challenging, with a few rocky sections and narrow ledges that required careful navigation. But the beauty of the canyon kept me moving forward, eager to see what lay around each bend. As I hiked deeper into the canyon, the walls seemed to close in, creating a sense of intimacy and isolation that was both peaceful and exhilarating.
After about two miles of hiking, the trail began to open up, and I knew I was nearing my destination. The sound of the creek grew louder as it cascaded over rocks, and then, as I rounded a final bend, there it was—Morning Glory Arch. The arch is one of the largest natural spans in the area, and seeing it in person, especially at this time of day, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Morning Glory Arch seemed to capture the last light of the day, its massive sandstone span glowing with a soft, ethereal light. The arch, framed by the steep canyon walls and the deep blue sky, stood as a testament to the power of nature and time. The scene before me was tranquil and serene, the quiet only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird settling in for the night.
The entire experience was a perfect end to the day, a reminder of the quiet beauty that can be found in the world’s wild places, if only we take the time to seek it out.
Evening Mountain Bike Adventures
Other evenings, we hit the mountain biking trails again, exploring some of Moab’s most famous routes. The Navajo Rocks loop was a favorite, offering a thrilling ride along the canyon walls with views that were nothing short of spectacular. The technical challenges of the Moab Brands trails tested our skills and provided an adrenaline rush that had us coming back for more.
Reflecting on an Incredible 10 Days
Our 10 days in Moab were nothing short of amazing. It was a journey from the depths of winter to the heart of the desert, filled with adventure, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. The contrast between the snowy start and the sun-drenched days in Utah couldn’t have been more perfect—a true escape and a wonderful way to thaw out from the winter chill. Moab, with its rugged beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, has left an indelible mark on all of us.
For more pictures of Arches National Park click here.
