Delicate Arch, Moab Utah
Hiking Delicate Arch, Moab, Utah
Arches National Park is very simple to find. Just take US Highway 191 north from Moab, UT and the park headquarters will be obvious on your right just after you pass the Colorado River. From there, it is simple to take the park’s main road up to Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Viewpoint Rd. Turn right and a couple of miles later, you are at the parking lot.
From the parking lot, it is a simple 2 mile hike beginning over a simple dirt trail that turns to petrified dunes or slick rock as you begin to go up the hill. Be
The Trail to Utah Delicate Arch rises about 500 vertical feet beginning about 4300 feet and rises up to 4800 feet.
aware that there is a change in elevation of about 500 vertical feet as you climb up to the arch.
Wolfe Ranch and Indian Hieroglyphics
At the beginning of the hike, you will find 2 short side stops that you can take. First, you will see the Wolfe Ranch cabin on your left. This is the cabin where a nearly 70 year old John Wesley Wolfe and son Fred Wolfe moved to seek a more favorably dry climate and happened to move next to this awesome Utah landmark. At this point, you can look into the windows to get a glimpse of what is inside.
Some Well Preserved Indian Hieroglyphics on the Utah Delicate Arch Trail
A moment past the Wolfe cabin and you pass some really cool and very well-preserved indian hieroglyphics. They are up on a rock above the trail. We decided to move on the Delicate Arch trail to the arch and visit these side trips on the way back.
Arriving at the Delicate Arch
You don’t see the Delicate Arch until you are nearly there. There is a small window that you can look through as you get close that offers you your first view. As you come around the rock wall, you will see the Delicate Arch is on the other side of a slickrock bowl.
Be careful as you arrive at the arch. There are some dangerous elevation issues if you are not careful while Hiking Delicate Arch Moab Utah
Be careful as you approach the arch. There are some falling risk issues as you approach it and especially immediately behind the Delicate Arch. Be sure to hold onto your kids so that they don’t fall. Be aware that there is could be a lot of people waiting in line for their photo of themselves and the famous Delicate Arch. Be patient, you will get your turn. I am told that the earlier you get to the Delicate Arch, the fewer
Hiking the Delicate Arch near Moab, Utah is a mild hike over slickrock
the people. They probably did not mean July 4th on any year. It was very busy. We started our hike at 8:15am. Perhaps a couple of hours earlier would be better.
Whether there are a lot of people or not, it is a magnificent site particularly with the Manti LaSalle Mountains in the background.
Remember that the Delicate Arch is in a Utah Desert
You need to be sure that you are prepared for the hike. Wear comfortable shoes, clothes for the warm weather, sun block, a hat, and bring plenty of water! If you arrive at the park without enough water, they have a spigot for you at the park headquarters visitor’s center. It can get very hot with very few clouds and one can get dehydrated or sunburned very easily out there. Please remember to be prepared before you begin Hiking Delicate Arch Moab Utah.
Here are Some Other Links About the Arch That You May Find Useful
https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/delicate-arch.htm
https://utah.com/arches-national-park/delicate-arch
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For 2017 travel to Arches National Park Please Know:
https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
The park is undergoing road construction. The park road is closed 7 PM – 7 AM in order to do the construction at night and interfere less with daytime visitation. Therefore the Devils Garden campground is closed this year. And the Fiery Furnace hikes will not be available, likely to set up machinery in that parking lot.