#Astro, #USA

Galactic Gateway - The Delicate Arch Under the Milky Way

Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. The park offers stunning red rock landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for photography, showcasing the beauty of desert geology. The Delicate Arch, standing 16 meters tall, is a striking free-standing formation and an iconic symbol of Utah. To reach Delicate Arch, visitors must hike a moderately strenuous 4.8-kilometer round trip trail that begins at the Wolfe Ranch parking area. The trail includes an uphill climb over slickrock and some exposure to heights, but it rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the arch and the surrounding desert landscape.

Initially, visiting Arches National Park wasn’t part of our plan. However, after receiving numerous recommendations, we decided to make a slight detour from our route to spend a night there. From the moment we entered, we were captivated and felt it was one of the best national parks we've visited. Just before sunset, we hiked up to Delicate Arch to enjoy the sunset and photograph the Milky Way. The hike was pleasant, and we met some friendly people along the way. Be cautious near the arch, as the area is steep, and it's important to secure any loose items—dropping a water bottle or, worse, a camera, could send it tumbling down the rocks. Even after sunset, we weren’t alone, as more people arrived for stargazing. We managed to capture some photos and timelapses, and after witnessing a stunning sunset and doing some stargazing, we made our way back. Along the way, we met a friendly guy from Singapore who joined us for the descent, which was a bit challenging in the dark. The highlight was spotting a scorpion along the trail!

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