Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the most recognizable arch in Arches National Park, and perhaps anywhere in the world. It is so picturesque with snow capped La Sal Mountains on the background and Grand Canyon like surrounding. Delicate Arch has graced many magazine covers, mantle pieces, coffee tables, stamps, license plates, and a variety of other media. It is an international attraction. While Arches National Park has more than 2,000 stone arches, Delicate Arch stands out as a symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most recognized geological features in the world. The arch, which features an opening 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, is the largest free-standing arch in the park, and — as the name implies — it seems to defy gravity in its size and design. That said, this isn’t an easy hike, as it contains a significant climb up a steep slickrock slope. There’s no shade, and it gets quite hot in the summer, so anyone taking this trail should be prepared for what’s to come. For those who aren’t up for the hike, there are two other viewing options: The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint just down the road only requires a 100-yard walk over flat ground to get a fine look at the arch from a mile away. From the Upper Viewpoint, you get a slightly less obstructed view, but you need to walk half a mile with some stairs. The opening of the arch cannot be seen from the road, so the Delicate Arch Trail is the only way for visitors to get a good look at the formation up close. To start, the trail climbs over rolling hills before a steep ascent on a slickrock slope with no shade. During the first part of the hike watch for collared lizards, which can run on their hind feet when chasing prey. (Don’t worry, they won’t chase you.) This hike can get very hot in the summer months, so park officials discourage hiking this trail midday during the summer. Once you get over the slickrock climb, the trail levels out. This section puts you among huge sandstone domes, and you’ll find cairns along the way to mark the trail. As you get closer to Delicate Arch, you can see Frame Arch (also known as Twisted Doughnut Arch) to the right. True to its name, this arch forms a perfect "frame" for a photograph of Delicate Arch, but be careful climbing up to it. Further along, the trail follows a ledge that hugs a rock wall for 200 yards — keep an eye on your kids here. When you finally come around the corner and see the full breadth of Delicate Arch, you’ll know why this is such a classic hike. You can walk over to the arch and have your photo taken standing under it, but when you’re done, please move away so others can take pictures. While the distance is manageable for most people, it’s more strenuous than a lot of hikers expect. Be sure to bring along at least two quarts of water per person for this trip. On your way back and shortly before you return to the trailhead, it’s worth adding a quarter mile to your trip for a detour to visit Wolfe Ranch and see a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs.. Through the spring and fall, the park’s temperature usually reaches 65 to 85 degrees during the day, with nights as much as 30 degrees cooler. In the summer, daytime temperatures routinely hit 100 degrees, so hikes in the morning and evening are preferable. Make sure to bring along sunscreen and extra water for any summer hike. The trail is open year-round, and in the winter you can take advantage of the near solitude. But be aware, you may need poles or shoe spikes to navigate the trail, which can get icy.

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