We’re exshausted, having spent the afternoon on a wild goose – or should I say wild arch – chase through the Moab wilderness. We were searching for that most mystical of arches, Tukuhnikivats, the unpronouncable. No one we asked had ever heard of it, not the park rangers at Arches National Park nor the woman who walks her dog each afternoon on the dirt road to Pritchett Arch. Yet, we were certain it existed. In fact, the framed photograph of this pretty, uniquely shaped arch hanging on the wall of our Best Western hotel room was living proof. And we even had detailed directions on how to find it in my handy-dandy guide, Photographing the Southwest,Volume 1–A Guide to the natural landmarks of Southern Utah. In fact, we followed its instructions to a tee, risking our 4-wheel drive rental SUV on the rocky dirt road off of US 191. (Good thing my husband is pretty expert at off-road driving. I couldn’t have done it myself – thanks, honey!).
From the McDonalds in Moab, follow US 191 south for a little over 12 miles, and turn off on the unmarked dirt road with the small sign indicating Pritchett Arch. After 0.4 miles, take the right fork and continue for 1.2 miles. Park here and follow the rough track heading north for 1.1 miles. Looking northwest, spot the small opening of Tukuhnikivats Arch high on your left. We headed off on foot, ready for the next mile of hiking up and down the long, steep hills of Behind-the-Rocks. But alas, it was not to be. Tired as we were, far as we went, we never did find sweet Tukuhnikivats. However, as we finally turned and hiked back to our car, we were greeted once again by the orange glow on Behind-the-Rocks that accompanies each sunset and sunrise and that makes this place so special.
But as I look back on my many photos of this day, Day 12, Day of the Fruitless Search for Mystical Tukuhnikivats, I decide to show you a panorama made from three images of Landscape Arch in Arches National Park, which we visited at sunrise. To download a pdf on buying fine art photography, click here.
Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
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