As the name suggests, this park in southeastern Utah is home to the most significant concentration of natural stone arches in the US and the world.
About the Park and Why It’s My #6 Choice
Out of all the arches you will encounter, Delicate Arch is something you must see before leaving the park. This natural formation has indeed become an iconic representation of the state of Utah. This structure is on the cover of postcards, magazines, and travel guidebooks, but to see it with your own eyes is quite an indescribable experience. Get up close by standing under the arch. From here, you will truly appreciate the artistic talent of nature, and you can look out at the arid landscape and see the contrasting snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance. The reward in getting to the arches is that the view will not fail to take your breath away.
History of the Park
Founded on April 12, 1929, as a national monument, this park became an official national park in 1971 and has 120 square miles (310 square km) of land. Arches National Park contains the largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. This national park is a red, arid desert with oddly eroded sandstone forms, including many hooks. The 72,000 acre (29,000 hectare) park has over two thousand of these unique miracles of nature. This park lies on top of a salt bed that experienced extreme climate changes millions of years ago.
Where Is the National Park?
Arches National Park is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, Utah, and about 110 miles (177 km) southwest of Grand Junction in Colorado.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to visit Arches National Park are between April and May or between September and October. During this time, the temperature is between 60ºF (15ºC) to 80ºF (26ºC). However, the temperature rises above 100ºF (38ºC) during the summer and makes hiking very uncomfortable.
Best Day Hike in Arches National Park – Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch stands alone, unsupported by nearby walls or structures at the top of a large sandstone basin, a truely amazing site.
QUICK FACTS
- Location: Arches National Park, north of Moab in Utah
- Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Hard Route: Out and back
- Track Quality: Excellent loop
- Hazards: Heat exhaustion and dehydration
- Elevation: 146 m
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Pit toilet at trailhead
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Updates on trail conditions and closures
HIKE DETAILS
This is undoubtedly the postcard of Arches National Park, an arch that serves to frame a perfect panorama, especially if you arrive at sunset when the sun hits it fully and it turns red as fire! To see it, you can choose to go trekking or visit the viewpoints from below. All in all, the views are breathtaking. I recommend going on weekends when the crowd is at a minimum.
Full Track Description
Trekking to Delicate Arch: It is a round trip considered to be high difficulty, ascending a path of rocks and sand. Doing so will take two to three hours. Be careful; there is no shade, so wear a cap and take at least two liters of water. The trek starts from Wolf Ranch halfway up the side road in Arch National Park. If you have the time, it will be worth it; I am planning to see it during our next visit!
Delicate Arch Viewpoints: These are located at the end of the road, and there are two viewpoints that offer you a different perspective of the arch but both are from below and from a certain distance. The Lower viewpoint is next to the parking lot, and the Upper is about 400 meters higher in another direction.
Things to Note
People with walking disabilities may not be able to navigate the trails easily, as it might be too strenuous. Remember not to climb on any of the arches and make yourself aware of these safety concerns.
