Let me tell you a little about our not-so-recent vacation (end of February) to Moab and the San Rafael Swell. The last time we were in Moab was about 10 years ago, and we did as much hiking as our young children could stand. Andrew wanted to hike to Delicate Arch (in Arches National Park), but the rest of the kids were whining and complaining, so we never did that hike. It's three miles round-trip, and you come right to the base of Utah's most famous arch. We said we'd just have to come back another time, but never got around to doing it with the kids. This time Reid and I came by ourselves for a much-needed break.
Part of the trail leading to Delicate Arch - pretty strenuous but doable.
Delicate Arch - notice the sheer dropoff on the other side of the base, and notice that I did not go anywhere near it!
The brave hiker - we hiked about 10 miles in 2 days.
The trail to Sand Dune Arch.
Sand Dune Arch
Landscape Arch
Morning Glory Arch - not actually in Arches National Park, but accessible from Highway 128 along the Colorado River.
Base of Morning Glory Arch - there is a stream of water coming right out of the rock.
On the way home from Moab, we took a dirt road along the north side of the San Rafael Swell that took us to The Wedge. This spot is also called Utah's Little Grand Canyon. That's the San Juan River way down at the bottom. In conclusion, fantastic time, great weather, good hiking, and fine company. I'm kind of liking this "almost empty-nester" life!