Arches National Park – Overland For Good

The sudden appearance of this beautiful arch, perched on the edge of a huge sandstone bowl and framed by the scenic La Sal Mountains, will literally take your breath away.

Description

If you’re in Utah it is hard to miss the iconic image of Delicate Arch because it’s everywhere and even in your face on our license plates! However, it’s only when you hike to the arch that you will gain a full appreciation of this stunning natural formation! The opening below the arch is 46 feet high, making this the largest free-standing arch in Arches National Park, and known around the world.

During most of the hike, the arch is hidden from view. It is only at the end, as you round the end of a sandstone ridge, that Delicate Arch springs into view. The sudden appearance of this beautiful arch, perched on the edge of a huge sandstone bowl and framed by the scenic La Sal Mountains, will literally take your breath away.

LENGTH:

3.2 miles round trip and climbs 480ft.

TRAIL DETAILS:

The hike to the arch is not difficult. The short, popular trail traverses a desert landscape along a wide, well-defined trail for the first 0.75 miles and then follows a cairned trail up a slick rock slope with nice views of the red rock formation to the south. The hardest part is around 1 mile where you walk up a steep section of slickrock. Along the way, follow the rock cairns, or the people in front of you, for it is a very busy hike. Shortly before reaching the arch, the trail travels along an exposed sandstone ledge, which may be a concern for anyone with a fear of heights.
As an added bonus a 0.25 miles side trip near the trailhead visits a small panel of petroglyphs on a rock face near the Wolfe Ranch.
Oh! And for some added fun try this hike at night the 2nd time by the moonlight!

WEATHER

Make sure to bring sunscreen, and at least 2 liters of water per person.

Spring and Fall are the best months to visit to avoid the heat. There is no shade along this hike, so if you do go in the summer make sure to bring extra water.

Winter is the best month to go to avoid the crowds.

COST

$25 per vehicle to enter Arches National Park. Check the official website for updated fee information.

However, you can also purchase the Annual Pass for $80 to get into all USA National Parks if you are exploring more in a year’s time. You can purchase these passes onsite or we usually get our from a local REI as well! These are GREAT gifts you know explorers!

LOCATION

The trial head starts at the Wolfe Ranch Parking Area in Arches National Park, Moab UT

DIRECTIONS

The entrance to Arches National Park is north of the town of Moab, Utah.

From Moab, drive north on US 191 for five miles, or
From Interstate 70 (Crescent Junction), drive south on US 191 for 22 miles.
Drive northward along the park road for 11.7 miles to the Wolfe Ranch Road. Turn right and follow signs to the ranch. Do not follow signs to Delicate Arch Viewpoint, that is a different trailhead.