Monday, April 30, 2012
Delicate Arch, Moab
Delicate Arch is a famous landmark of Utah, I visited Arches National Park last summer and I was hooked right when I drove into the gate. The way all the rocks formed and cut making beautiful patterns all around the park. Even though the hike to the Delicate Arch wasn't easy but it was worth it after you reach the arch itself, it was a indescribable sight when you are actually there yourself. This is a hike and not a stroll, it is an easy hike if
it is treated as such. The trail is heavily traveled and well defined. From the trail head
you can see the remains of the John Wesley Wolfe Ranch, which was built in 1888 and
abandoned in 1910. Just past the Homestead you will cross Salt Wash on a suspension
bridge. Once
over the bridge take a short, signed spur trail to your left which leads to an excellent
Ute petroglyph panel that depicts horses and a bighorn sheep hunt.
The
first part of the hike is on a wide and well defined trail that leads to the base of a
steep sandstone hill also known as slick rock. Once you have begun hiking on the slick rock
you must follow cairns (stacks of rocks) as the route slowly climbs over the sandstone
hill. The route is well traveled and easy to follow. As you near Delicate Arch you will
pass Frame Arch on your right. The arch is often used as a picture frame for photographing
Delicate Arch. Just before you reach Delicate Arch the trail follows an impressive 200
yard ledge which was blasted from the sandstone. Just past the ledge you will reach
Delicate Arch.
Credits:
NPS.gov
Silver Lake
You’ll find picnic
tables at various places around the lake. And many interpretive signs
along the way. Take your time on this hike. Enjoy the scenery. It’s a fantastic and peaceful place in the fall when the leaves are changing color. My favorite time up here. The lake is well stocked with fish. You’ll need a Utah fishing license to drop a line though. Take insect repellant during the summer. The mosquitoes can be quite annoying. I forgot my repellant the last time I hiked this trail, it was a painful one with all the mosquitoes swarming around trying to suck your blood.
Direction & Information:
Silver Lake might be the easiest hike on this website. The lake is circled by a boardwalk and is well signed. There are picnic tables and benches strategically located around the lake. The hike around the lake requires about 30 minutes, but most will spend several hours at the lake relaxing in the exquisite surroundings. The lake is stocked with fish and fishing is allowed with a Utah State fishing license.
The Information Center (which in winter is the ticket and rental office for the Solitude Nordic Center) is located at the trailhead. During the summer months the US Forest Service operates the Information Center over weekends and on holidays between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Both the Information Center and walkway are wheelchair accessible.
Everyone should carry a one liter of water. Water is plentiful in this area, but all water taken from lakes and streams should be filtered before drinking. Insect repellent is a good idea as mosquitoes can be bothersome during certain times of the year. A mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is highly recommended.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is within Salt Lake City Watershed, therefore special restrictions apply and are strictly enforced. No domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses) are permitted in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
More Information
Credits:
Utah.com
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