How strenuous is the hike to Delicate Arch?
Hiking Trail Overview
- Trail Length: 3 miles round trip.
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Elevation Gain: 480 feet.
- Pets: No.
- Directions To The Trailhead: Drive 11.7 miles north into the park on the main road until you see the right-hand turn to Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch.
What is the famous arch in Utah?
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is the most recognizable arch in Arches National Park, and perhaps anywhere in the world. It also happens to be located along one of the most dynamic hiking trails within Arches National Park.
Why is Delicate Arch so famous?
In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park.
Is the hike to Delicate Arch scary?
The trail to Delicate Arch is moderately difficult for the average person who is reasonably fit. It begins easily enough near Wolfe Ranch and then gradually ascends over the slickrock. There is no shade. Some sections of the trail are a little steep.
Why does Utah have so many arches?
The arches formed as the result of erosion through weak parts of sandstone fins composed of Jurassic-age Dewey Bridge Member of the Carmel Formation and Slick Rock Member of the Entrada Sandstone. Utah is also unique in its abundance of entrenched river systems, which often form spectacular natural bridges.
Is Delicate Arch broken?
As its name suggests, Delicate Arch is fragile and park rangers go to great lengths to ensure that park visitors don’t damage it. But despite their best efforts, the same natural forces that created Delicate Arch will one day reclaim it, just like they reclaimed the neighboring Wall Arch, which collapsed in 2008.
Why is the Delicate Arch important to Utah?
A Stone Icon. People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors’ to-do lists. In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world.
Where is the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park?
It also happens to be located along one of the most dynamic hiking trails within Arches National Park. More than 480 feet above the parking lot and trailhead in the valley below, Delicate Arch is hidden in a bowl at the top of one of the park’s famous sandstone fins.
How tall is the Delicate Arch in feet?
Nearby, the Upper Viewpoint (0.5 mi / 0.8 km walk with stairs) offers a slightly less obstructed view. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146m).
Can a pet be on the Delicate Arch hike?
The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Pets are not allowed on any trail in the park. Delicate Arch is a major destination for visitors to Arches National Park. Part of the hike to Delicate Arch requires hiking up this steep slickrock slope. The trail has no shade and can be very hot in summer.