Music • Photography • Writing
National Parks Of The American Rockies
Although the area north of Moab, Utah, had been designated a national monument in 1929, it wasn't until 1971 that it became a national park. At left is one of the most recognizable features of the park, Delicate Arch. At 52 feet tall, it will dwarf people standing nearby later in the morning.
While Arches is known for its spectacular vistas, some of the more intimate views can be just as rewarding. These pink cactus blossoms are large enough to hide the cactus from which they've grown. Cactus blossoms are somewhat non-descript, so the plants are often identified by their vegetative parts, particularly the unique patterns that form the spines and thorns.
Water carries mineral deposits down the sandstone cliff faces. Called desert varnish, the patterns often attain an artistic quality.
Double Arch consists of two very large, very lofty spans. In the image at right, note the small white dots at bottom left, which are the T-shirts on hikers scrambling up the rocks.
Evening light reflecting from the red sandstone lends a warm glow to the buttresses of Double Arch.
The La Sal Mountains east of Arches National Park provide a vivid contrast to the arid landscapes of the park.