Moab, UT
May 29, 2016
The trail to Delicate Arch is a 3 mile (round trip) in and out hike. What it lacks in length, it makes up for in aerobic workout. The hike in climbs a steep slick rock section that gets the heart pumping. Joe and I have enjoyed seeing Delicate Arch at least once during all our previous visits to Moab.
Being Memorial Day Weekend, we were up and out the door at 7:00 and happy to find NO line at the entrance and a parking spot at the trailhead. That is not to say that no one else had the same idea...we were among many other hikers moving at their own pace to this iconic and most recognizable arch in Utah.
A bit of history along the way describes the John Wesley Wolfe ranch which was built in 1888 and abandoned in 1910.
The small creek we crossed had definitely gone over it's bank during heavy spring rains.
Just past the bridge is a short loop to an excellent Ute petroglyph panel.
The horses and riders surrounded by the bighorn sheep with the dog figures were carved as early as 1650. Utah is named for the Ute Indians who moved into the area around 1300.
Then the fun begins...the first part of the trail is wide with ups, downs, and arounds that lead to a steep slick rock hill.
Four years ago, when Joe and I first did this hike we named a rock Potty Rock and every year since, we have seen it.
The climb up the slick rock offers pretty vistas to keep me busy with my camera (umm, that's my excuse for frequent stops and I am sticking to it) !
...until you get to a small ledge that climbs up to Delicate Arch.
On the right there is a small arch called Frame Arch. It has that name because you can look through it to take a picture of Delicate Arch. Its a steep, short climb I have never attempted before so thought I would give it a try this year.
On the hike back down the ledge if you look to the right, there is another arch (unnamed).
What another great day ! Since the end of May, the temps have soared to the low 100s...not sure how much more hiking we will get in this month. We have had several great trail rides and seen some awesome petroglyphs...more on that later.
HAPPY TRAILS !
P.S. The three gossips were standing tall and ready for the day as we entered Arches NP.
HA- Joe your following wants those pictures! Take all the breaks necessary :) Altho I've done this beautiful hike it's wonderfully documented! Thanks for sharing, better than my memories :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeff.
DeleteYou may have had quite a walk but you ended up with the some great photos as the reward.
ReplyDeleteDelicate Arch is magnificent. And you are so right Jeri...well worth the effort!
DeleteSuch a beautiful hike and arch. The colors are so pretty. Love the potty chair :-))) Love seeing the trees growing "out of" the slick rock.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to me too Jodee how the trees take hold in the rocks and grow.
DeleteI love that taking photos allows for breath catching:) I don't remember Frame Arch, but I do remember the unnamed arch. Now I have to rehike the Delicate Arch and check out Frame Arch. I love your photo through the arch. Stay cool! It has been hot there, for sure.
ReplyDeleteHey Pam...Frame Arch will be on you right ( going towards Delicate Arch) when you get to ledge. I needed a hand to make the big step up, but had no trouble sitting and scooting down.
DeleteThe scenery is stunning but I wonder what posses you to stay when the temps soar into the three digits? By the way, it's a fitting name for your potty rock. The nameless arch reminds me of an old, bow-legged man.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year the temps have soared so early in June Gayle. It's a dry heat with no humidity (or bugs) so it doesn't feel quite as hot as it would if we were in the south east with temps in the 80-90s. Early mornings and late afternoons are still very pleasant...good thing we are early risers!
DeleteI like the no humidity & no bugs part. I think I could adapt to the dry heat under those conditions.
DeleteGreat photos--love the one taken through Picture Frame!
ReplyDeleteThank you Janna and Mike. I was glad I did it...not as bad a climb as it looked.
DeleteLove your hikes. sure wish we could do that, the scenery is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks George and Susie. There are lots of hikes (walks) here you could do here that are just as scenic and are real easy!
DeleteI definitely count on those picture taking stops to get me through some of the tougher hikes we have done! Gotta admire the incredible beauty around us, you know!
ReplyDeleteYes we do Lisa!
DeleteOne of the reason we have to come back, we missed hiking to Delicate Arch!
ReplyDeleteThe scenery there is not getting old, thanks for all the wonderful captures.