Just north of Moab, Utah is Arches National Park, a protected collection of nature’s awesome formations. The short, abrupt climb up from the highway is precarious at times but well worth the views.

We decided against the 6 mile hike to Delicate Arch, the iconic cowboy chaps, as we could do 6 short hikes rather than one. This was shot from a great distance.

My priority was to see Landscape Arch, which I thought was more delicate, and the scenery was amazing!

Everywhere I turned were more gorgeous views.

We thought this guy looked like a statue from Easter Island.

I read about hikers in 1991 who were resting under Landscape Arch when they heard cracking and pebbles started to fall from the arch. They fled just before a 60 foot, 180 ton slab peeled away and crashed to the ground. We were grateful for this view of an endless struggle with gravity.

A short trail led us to this heavy arch. I love the texture in the rock.

We could see this high arch from the road and had to check it out, but only from below. No rock-climbers here!

Praying hands trailing off into rows of fins was a memorable, quick hike. We walked right between the hands!

Between the Praying Hands is this 12 foot arch with a variety of textures.

The slot narrows until the passage is blocked.

The power of water erosion is evident through these layers.

People have been admiring these beautiful rocks for a few centuries.

The judges look out over all the beauty.

No trip to Moab would be complete without a visit to the Sunset Grill up on the hill. There is so much to see in this area, we stayed overnight and explored more arches at Natural Bridges National Monument.