I Went Looking for Arches and Found America

Arches National Park ~ A Journey Back to Self & Country

A Red Rock Paradise: Hiking to Delicate Arch

Pulling off US 191 and entering Arches National Park felt surreal—like stepping into a sandstone paradise.

The sheer magnitude of these giant-sized sculpted pieces of layered rock demanded full and constant attention.

We entered the park without any fanfare. My husband proudly flashed his lifetime Senior pass, and we slid on through the entrance gate of a park that boasts over 1 million visitors annually.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that such a large number of people still covet and savor their time in the great outdoors—and we were honored to be included in the mass count.

We also learned that Arches National Park contains:

• Over 2,000 sandstone arches

• More than 700 species of plants and animals

• Over 76,000 acres (119 square miles) of protected space

  

  The Climb to Delicate Arch

Our plan for the afternoon? Hike up to Delicate Arch—described by nps.gov as “one of the most famous geologic features in the world.”

• Height: 46 feet

• Width: 32 feet

• Trail: 3 miles roundtrip

• Elevation Gain: 480 feet

At first, the elevation gain seemed like “no big deal.” Later? It turned into “Is this trail ever going to end?”

And we were off! With a backpack full of crackers, water, and several surprise tag-alongs:

• A monocular

• A pair of binoculars

• Two 24 oz. flasks of water

• Two containers of sunscreen

• Two sunglasses cases

• And a few other odds and ends

Yes—the backpack was very heavy.

The first part of the trail was gradual. But it quickly shifted into:
Keep your head down. Don’t look up. All will be well.

The incline grew with each step. We found ourselves stopping many times—to catch our breath, admire the views, and listen to the conversations unfolding around us.

Were there moments when we questioned if we really needed to see that famous arch?
You bet.
But we tamped those thoughts down and kept climbing—fueled by flashes of inspiration and the desire to witness that delicate arch of goodness.

That’s when I started to shift focus—from how I felt to what I was noticing.

What I Noticed Along the Way

Languages. So many languages! I lost count at six.
It made my heart soar.

As someone who deeply appreciates culture and history, being surrounded by such a variety of diverse humans was a dream come true.

The trail itself? Immaculate.
Not one piece of trash along the entire route.

With all the headlines about funding cuts to the National Park Service, I was more than relieved to see the park so well cared for.

And then—something magical:
No one was on their phone.

Except for taking copious amounts of photographs, there was no tech use.

No cell service = full focus.

Humans were immersed. Talking. Listening. Helping each other along the trail.

And yes—it was beautiful in rainbow-sized proportions.

Strangers offered encouragement. Warnings. Friendly guidance—especially as we approached the sheer rock face leading to Delicate Arch.

A Moment of Reflection

Two thoughts ran through my mind:

1. Thank goodness there was no ice or frost—
   That final stretch would have been impossible.

2. How would anyone be rescued without cell service?
   (I let that one go and proceeded with caution.)

Snapping back to the moment, I noticed people of all ages making the trek.

One family with four small children stopped to observe a pair of snakes hiding in the red rock.

A young boy watched as adults passed by and said incredulously:
“They didn’t even stop to look at the snakes!”

It reminded me of how often we walk right past meaningful moments—without a sideways glance—missing the magic that’s always available when we bring our full selves to an experience.

Stairs and ledge leading up to Delicate Arch

This Is the America I Know and Love

When we arrived at Delicate Arch, I took in the panoramic view.

As I caught my breath, I took in the scene before me. People sat in quiet clusters—resting, reveling, and soaking in the serenity.

That’s when it hit me:

This is the America I know and love.

The same America that said:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Yes, that America.

The one where we:

• Work together to achieve great things

• Encourage one another along the way

• Understand that things worth having are worth struggling for

• Share a vision and a goal, even among strangers

Our strength is in our diversity.

Our demographics don’t divide us—they form a rich, powerful, and extraordinary tapestry of humanity.

They lift the human spirit where it belongs—where our best selves can soar on wings of hope and float even higher.

TOGETHER,

• Breathing the same air

• Appreciating the same view

• Supporting one another
  —without needing to know someone’s birthplace or beliefs

Thank You, National Parks

And so, I say:

Thank you, National Park System.

For bringing your huddled masses together once more—in unity and hope.

For reminding us that anything is possible when we support one another.

As I began the slow descent from Delicate Arch, my renewed faith in the human spirit carried me down the sandstone ledges.

In that moment,
my heart remembered what it felt like to be home—
Among Earth’s most ancient offerings,
And all who showed up to witness and participate
One afternoon in early spring.

Sources:
Visitor statistics: irma.nps.gov – Arches National Park Reports
Trail and arch information: nps.gov – Delicate Arch

If you are interested in learning more about proposed cuts to the National Park Service, be sure to follow the link below.

Article:

Proposed Budget Cuts to National Park Service

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