Desert Racing in Arches National Park

The second half of our trip to Moab was full of thrill-seeking highs and lows. After our first couple of days we knew that we still had a lot to fit into the rest of our trip. So the next morning we immediately filled up on a tasty breakfast at the Eklecticafe and made plans on how to tackle everything we wanted to do.The weather that morning was honestly, pretty crappy. Drizzling rain and freezing temps... odd doesn't begin to describe the unusual behavior of the Moab desert that weekend (you'll see why later). So we postponed a planned meet up with some of Rusty's friends in hope that by the afternoon the weather would clear up and we could enjoy off-roading together a bit more.Visiting Arches National Park sounded like a better plan since we didn't have to get out of the car a bunch if we didn't want to. So we headed into the park and drove through cloudy skies and lovely richly dark red rocks which had been soaked with rain the night before.First we stopped at the Park Avenue formation and then at Double Arch since they were both a quick jaunt from the car. When we arrived into the first pull-off, the sun started to peek out and the temps slowly rose to a mild warmth, making the view of the arches unforgettable and enjoyable enough to climb into. And yes, we did climb into them.I never visited Double Arch the fist time I came to Moab, and honestly it was my favorite arch of this trip. The views of the actual rock face were spectacular. And laying with your back against the course rock gazing up at this immense natural formation was breathtaking.As the weather got better, we decided to make one last hike to the top of Delicate Arch. Due to the steepness and for those who maybe don't like heights, the hike to the top is a bit difficult. But really anyone (and everyone) makes it to the top with little difficulty.It was a bit scary watching people climb all over the actual arch, not sure why but instinctually it makes my stomach do flips. Maybe it's because there's nothing I can do to stop someone or save someone from getting hurt up there. But if you get a moment of pause in between anxiety, this arch is probably one of the most beautiful views of the entire park.I highly suggest going at sunrise or even a sunset. While both times attract a lot of people as well, they usually stay away from climbing all over the arch since there's a lot of professional photographers telling them to!After we had our fill of Arches we headed out of the park for some late lunch at Moab Brewery and to make plans with Rusty's friends for a meet up.Brandon, a good friend of Rus's, was also in town with a few RZR side-by-side vehicles that are kind of like dune buggies but more beastly. He was kind enough to invite us on a little trail riding and some thrilling off-roading adventures.And woa... So. Much. Fun.We met up just as the weather was at the peak of sunny and warm to strap ourselves into these metal cages on some powerful motors. We followed the Seven Mile Rim Trail around to the Uranium Arch.The road was full of craggy rock faces and tough bumps pretty much all the way to the top of the cliff face. But once we reached the very top it was well worth it. The view was unbelievably high above Moab and all you could see was the beautiful desert landscape as far as the horizon with tall snowcapped peaks dotting the landscape.As we descended down to the trail head we climbed some crazy rock faces and then raced high-speed along the sandy roads flying into the air over hills. Now that we had a taste of what these side-by-sides could do, Rusty took one for a spin. As we raced, and turned, and flipped our stomachs akin to the sensation of a roller coaster, we knew we didn't want to stop. We couldn't get enough and started all shouting over the engines how we needed vehicles of our own.

Almost suddenly, while we were at a stopping point on the trail. A storm rolled in within seconds released a downpour of fat cold rain, drenching us to the bone. It was absolutely wild.Here we are surrounded by staggering red rock mesa tops in the middle of a desert, and now we're under one of the most intense rain storms I've seen. As we sped away trying to get out from under the clouds, it began to hail! We started laughing at the surreal scene we found ourselves in. The icy cold hail smacked us in our knuckles while they gripping the bars in front of us.Once we got out from under the rain we splashed and wound our way through the muddy and wet river bed over gorgeous hills covered in sage brush. After a few minutes we reached a secluded little area with a pull-off and what appeared to be a rock face in front of us.Once we climbed up into the rock face we realized there was a small tunnel like cave that lead all the way through to the other side. We crawled out from under the overhang and looked out into pools of soft red rock in a valley. It was lovely. We talked about youth and those lucky enough to grow up in that area, learning to be an explorer from birth. It was a wonderful way to stop and take pause of the adrenaline rush of a day we just experienced.After the fast and flat ride back to our cars we all hugged and smiled our way back to the cabin for warm showers. We ended the night at a BBQ joint, savoring cold beers and slow roasted entrees. The next morning we fit one last off-roading adventure into the trip... and all I can say is that the trail was a bit over the top for me.With steep drop offs to either side and at some points lacking any vantage point of where we were on the trail, I was a little overwhelmed. But it was all ok, my gal pal Rachel decided she was sick of the bumpy ride anyway and got out to walk behind the jeep. Which was so much more enjoyable to me. So I got out too and loved it much more. I was able to hike a little, take some great photos and video, and still see Rus experience the trail too. Comfortably and relaxed on top of the rock face it was much more peaceful and I was able to enjoy the experience a bit more.We refueled once more at the Brewery (yeah, we really liked that spot) before we braved the 6 hour trek back to Denver. Between the trail and ride back we spent a long 10 hours in the car that day and when I got home all I wanted to do was crawl into bed.Moab the second time around was almost better than the first time, but in just a different way. We got to share the experience with our good friends, braved new territories, created lasting memories, and had some hard belly laughs along the way. It was a refreshing experience and while full of top-octane-level fun, there were also a few hidden moments of reflection that always seem to happen in the desert.I can't wait until the next time. Because in Moab, there will always be something that pulls me back.