Lens-Artists Challenge #290: Circular Wonders
— When Ann-Christine proposed “this challenge would be about Circular Wonders,” I did not doubt that I would feature Arches NP. Although the National Park Service says there are over 2,000 documented arches, the actual number may not be exact. Some arches have collapsed, and new ones could be formed. For me, the decision was what arches I would feature in this post. Once again, I invite you to hike with me from the comfort of your room.
If you ever visit Arches NP and want to experience something off the beaten path, consider the Devil’s Garden trail. It is the longest and most challenging maintained trail in the park and one of the most rewarding. It offers a chance to scramble over fins, crawl through arches, and see a part of the park that most visitors don’t experience. It is often said that in any national park, all you have to do is explore trails beyond the most popular areas to find yourself all alone in nature. The trail is a 7.8-mile (12.5-km) loop, and it offers views of seven arches and some of the park’s best scenes. I have included all of them here. Do you have sturdy shoes and water for the hike? Let’s begin!
Tunnel Arch is the first circular wonder you will see at the beginning of the hike. It gets its name because of the large, tunnel-like opening that passes through the center of a massive sandstone fin. The opening is roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, and the tunnel itself is 53 feet (16.1 meters) long. Unlike other arches in the park formed by wind erosion, Tunnel Arch is believed to have been created by a combination of water erosion and stress fractures in the rock.
The Pine Tree Arch is the next impressive structure along the trail. It measures 149 feet (45.4 meters) in span and gets its name from the grove of Pinyon pines that grow around it. The Pine Tree Arch rests solidly on the ground, making it a great spot to walk under and admire the massive opening from below. You have already seen two beautiful arches in just about a half-mile (800-meter) easy hike.
This next arch is one of the famous, iconic structures in the park: Landscape Arch. It is the longest arch in North America, with a light opening of 306 feet (93.3 meters) wide! Despite its immense size, the Landscape Arch is remarkably thin. At its narrowest point, it measures only 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. This delicate balance makes it a truly awe-inspiring sight. Geologists believe the Landscape Arch is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Over the years, pieces of the arch have broken off, some as large as cars. This has led to speculation that the arch may eventually collapse. After the Landscape Arch, the Devil’s Garden Trail has a fork leading to a primitive trail leading to the Private Arch. The trail is poorly marked and may lead the inexperienced hiker to get lost.
These next two arches are close to each other and right after the Landscape Arch. The tunnel-like Navajo Arch is believed to have been formed by a combination of water erosion and stress fractures in the rock. Compared to other grand arches in the park, Navajo Arch feels more secluded and provides a chance to experience the beauty of the arches on a more personal and intimate scale. Partition Arch is fondly called a “window arch” because it resembles a large opening in a massive sandstone fin. A combination of water erosion and stress fractures in the rock formed it.
A lesser-known gem, the Black Arch is named for its dark appearance. It’s situated very close to a towering sandstone fin behind it. When viewed from a certain angle, the fin blocks most of the sunlight reaching the arch, making it appear almost black. It’s located along an unmarked side trail off the Devil’s Garden Trail, making it an adventurous find for those willing to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
Finally, as you approach the trail’s end, you see the Double O Arch. Look carefully at the photo above to see the two circles and people in the area. That gives you an idea of the sheer size of this magnificent arch. The Double O Arch is a unique geological formation in Arches National Park. Unlike most arches with a single opening, the Double O Arch features two circular openings, one positioned almost directly on the other, resembling a double-stacked hourglass. This characteristic gives the arch its fitting name. The arch exhibits unparalleled beauty, making it worth the nearly four miles (6.4 km) to get there. The perfectly round openings framed against the vast desert landscape create a truly awe-inspiring scene. Because of its remoteness, the Double O Arch sees fewer crowds due to its remote location. This allows visitors to experience the arch more peacefully and serenely. Here is another photo of the Double O Arch from a vantage point. You can see the La Sal Mountain range on the far horizon.
I have another post describing the Devil’s Garden Trail and our windy hike that day. You can read it at Highway to Heaven.
Last week, John (Journeys with Johnbo) challenged us with tools of photo composition. The images you provided were amazingly beautiful. Seeing how you responded to that challenge was fun, informative, and educational. This week, Ann-Christine challenges us to show our “fantastic circles and half circles.” Please leave a comment on the host’s original challenge post, and make sure you use the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post.
Join us next week when Patti introduces a new Lens-Artists challenge. We look forward to your participation. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Philo
Beautiful arches and circles!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Philo. I appreciate your feedback.
Tina Schell
Beautiful images of a perfect subject for the week Egidio. Loved the image with the person standing on the top of the arch. Great timing!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Tina. That person gave a good sense of dimension of that arch.
Cee Neuner
Oh such beautiful arches and circular rocks. Great place to take photos for this week 😀
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much, Cee.
I. J. Khanewala
The views are just magnificent. An unique take on the challenge.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback, I.J.
photobyjohnbo
Arches is one of my favorite parks. You’ve reminded me how long it’s been since my last visit there. I need to get that back on my list.
Egídio Leitão
John, it is indeed a beautiful park. Thanks.
Leanne Cole
Wow, what amazing rock formations, they are incredible.
Egídio Leitão
Leanne, Arches really surprised with its beauty and red-colored landscape. Thank you.
Teresa
Wow, some breathtaking photos!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Teresa.
SoyBend
Nice collection of photos of the arches there, Egidio! We were there a few years ago in May and it was very hot. Great place for pictures.
Egídio Leitão
Siobhan, thank you very much for the feedback. We were there on Mother’s Day that year. It was getting hot at that time. Arches is a good place to visit in cooler weather.
boromax
This has been on my unwritten bucket list. Your pictures make me want to go there more than ever! (READ: Your photographs are fabulous!) ~Ed.
Egídio Leitão
Ed, you will love this place. Just make sure to go in cool weather. May is already often very hot there. Thank you for the compliment.
Leya
A gorgeous take on natural, circular wonders, Egidio! Talking about Wonders… Excellent photography of places I will never see – thank you for taking us on a wondrous hike! I guess many of us will put this on their bucket list.
Egídio Leitão
Ann-Christine, I’m thankful that you liked my interpretation of your theme.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Stunning images Egidio and thank you for the beautiful tour! 😊
Egídio Leitão
Xenia, I’m so glad you liked and came along for the hike.
Rupali
Magnificent views. Brillinat take.
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, Rupali.
Toonsarah
Wonderful to see these amazing structures, and a perfect subject for this challenge! I realise now that we must have hiked just the first part of this trail as we definitely saw Landscape Arch 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Sarah, thank you very much. Up to the Landscape Arch, you might have passed the side trail to see Pine Arch and Tunnel Arch. They’re close by. Most people really only go as far as Landscape Arch. I’m glad you liked the photos.
Sofia Alves
Wow, I’m speechless. This is a beautiful site, I like you captured people too, it gives a sense of scale. I’m glad you picked this as the subject for this challenge, thank you Egídio.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Sofia. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
margaret21
What an utterly extraordinary site – thanks so much for having us explore with you.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Margaret. I’m glad you came along for the hike.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
I am not going to rave about one photo, these are all so beautiful – the landscape is wonderous and I would go wild taking photos there as have you with wonderful result. Truly enjoyed the journey at Devil’s Garden Trail Arches
Egídio Leitão
Ritva, sometimes it’s hard to hike when there is so much beauty around. I just have to soak it all in and enjoy the moment and capture a few images. Thank you.
Marie
Thanks for showing me something I won’t see because I don’t hike. Just fabulous shots.
Egídio Leitão
Marie, thank you for the feedback. I’m glad you liked the post.
Wind Kisses
Just beautiful. For those who have never been here, after reading your post, it is now on their bucket list. You showcased it so well, Egidio. I especially love your two different vantage points of Double O Arch. A magnificent place to sit and ….just sit. lol. And I am glad to see the other photographer there as well. Including people made these photos even more powerful than the landscape alone. No place more worthy than Arches, to showcase Circular Wonders. So great!
Egídio Leitão
Donna, first of all, thank you for your kind words. That second shot of Double O was a last-minute decision. I realized the first shot did not show the landscape around. Thank you.
JohnRH
GREAT photos. Mother Nature can’t be beat!
Egídio Leitão
I totally agree, John. Many thanks.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che paesaggi incredibili! Davvero unici.
Egídio Leitão
Sì, il panorama è molto diverso. A volte sembra un altro pianeta. Grazie.
restlessjo
Simply amazing scenery, Egidio! That person on top of the Double 0 made me quite nervous, but your photos are wonderful.
Egídio Leitão
Jo, it is a beautiful park with amazing views.Thanks for your comment. Yes, that person on top of the arch should not be there. There are signs asking people not to do that.
Brad Volz
Gorgeous landscapes and images for the circular challenge Egidio! They make me wish I had taken more time to hike and explore at Arches NP.
Egídio Leitão
Brad, I hear you. I felt that way about Capitol Reef NP. We did not spend much time there at all. Glad you liked these photos.
nesfelicio
Amazing shots, Egidio!
Hope to be able to visit this one day.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Nes. Make sure you go when the weather is comfortable there. Every hike is very exposed and with no cover against the sun.
nesfelicio
Thanks for the tips!
Egídio Leitão
You’re welcome.
Anne Sandler
Thank you! Thank you, Egidio for taking me into areas of Arches that I can get to any more. Your photography is simply beautiful. Arches is one of my favorite National Parks.
Egídio Leitão
Anne, I am happy that you went along on this hike with me. That trail is wonderful, but it can be very intimidating. Thank you for the feedback.