Cherokee Arch and Surrounds

It was a beautiful spring day on our last team hike in the Gorge. Skies were cloudy, but temperatures were above average and reached a high of 77°F/25°C. The weather was comfortable enough for t-shirts, which sadly means the camping crowds were also making their first appearance. Snakes are sure to follow, so we will have to wait until fall for more off-trail adventures. Thankfully, our last day together in the field was a good one.

Lost Camp Arch

Conglomerate stone layers at Mushroom Arch


Cherokee Arch was the largest of the arches we visited, seeming to hover like a heavenly staircase over a massive rock cave. Water splashes down from above, making a slight waterfall effect when viewed from the below. Massive boulders make wonderful impromptu tables for a snack or packed lunch. We spent our time shooting photos and shooting the shit.

Cherokee Arch

Peppered around the surrounding area is a collection of rock windows. Rock windows are smaller openings in the rock, not large enough to be considered an arch. The inartfully named Rat Windows run the gambit from easily accessible to requiring a rope and harness. We were able to approach some, while having to be satisfied by spotting another from a distance on a neighboring cliff.

Rat Window #1

Climbing through the window


As the leaves return to the trees, and the sticker bushes start to branch out, going off trail in the Gorge becomes much more difficult. And that's not even taking into consideration the return of the snakes from their winter hibernation. Or ticks. Or bears? Either way, the season for serious arch hunting is almost at a close. Thanks to my buddy Dale for taking us out into the woods to discover some beautiful and amazing things.

"Yeah, probably should go around. It's nothing but thicket through here." Haha! Sure thing, boss.

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