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
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