What to do? What to do? Only 1 day in Moab and what should we do to make the most of it? We had originally planned about 10 days in this area but, because of our RV problems, we found ourselves with only 1. Thus, it becomes a choice: what is the best thing to do? And, if you know Gary and me, we chose to hike. 2 of the best hikes in this area are the Fisher Towers and the Corona Arch trails. And, why not combine them with a scenic drive? Well, we can do this because the scenic drive gets us out to one of the hikes. But, it is a beautiful scenic drive, along the Colorado which is wide and flowing fairly smoothly at this point, though there are some small rapids as these rafters found out. But on either side of this scenic drive are towering red rock cliffs through which the Colorado has carved its passage. The deep red of the cliffs was covered with desert patina and surrounded at the base with rock and gravel that has fallen off. We wound through this narrow passage for quite a few miles before the valley widened out and ranches, farms and vineyards appeared.
We arrived at Fisher Towers, put on our packs, grabbed our poles and set off. The hike is around some incredibly tall red rock hoodoos which have formed fins carved by water rushing off the cliffs. These fins spread out like the fingers of a hand and we walked around each and between them. Always ascending, oh, yes, always on an incline. But, isn’t that what a hike is supposed to be? Narrow red rock trail, often on slick rock. I love my Vibram soles which keep me on the slickrock like glue. In and out of one fin, around the point and then in and out of the next fin. Incredible views the whole way. Rocks of varying hues from light lavendar to brick red to deep orange.
Hoodoos of comic book shapes. What does this shape look like? A little animal with a long snout spreading its legs out in front of it. Or maybe it’s a witch with a tall pointed hat. Depends on where you are in your hike and your view.
Large monolithic rock structures. Here is one called the Titan.
And, did I mention the ladder? Yep, a ladder to get you down one short cliff only to go up on the other side. Love those ladders. You can see the trail above me, the while line heading up towards the middle of the picture.
We also got to see some rock climbers. On the way out we saw them beginning their climb and as we were returning, we saw them at the top. Back at the parking lot, we saw 3 guys sitting in their lawn chairs, drinking their beer as they watched the climbers and applauded when each reached the top.
And, then it was on to our next hike: the Corona Arch. We had read that if you take only one hike in the Moab area, make it the Corona Arch. We had been in Moab several years ago but spent out time in Arches and Canyonlands NP and didn’t get to many hikes in Moab itself. Today we filled in. The hike weaves into the red rocks, over several ledges, around several corners, up a ladder, up a cable next to some footholds carved out of the rock. A fun challenging hike with a WOW at the end, when you round the last corner and spy the Bowtie arch and the Corona arch to its right. The trail is one of the most popular trails in Moab and the number of people on the trail when we were emphasized that fact. The arch in back of them is the Bowtie arch.
And, then there was the cable, stretched along the footrests carved into the rock. This was right after the ladder. I”m being pretty careful where I put my foot here.
Both hikes were fun, challenging and a good workout. Would we do them again? You bet, the next time we’re in Moab.
And, that was our tourist hat trick: 2 hikes and a scenic drive.
7.3 mi., 2598’
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