Deb's Digest

Hiking to Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is something both LindaLou and I have been thinking about since we booked this Adventure by Disney. We read about the challenges associated with this hike, especially in August and made it our trip goal to prepare for the hike. We both worked out in our own ways to prepare for the hike. We are both very glad we did.

The Arches National Park website describes the trail as follows:

The first half-mile is a wide, well-defined trail.
Open slickrock with some exposure to heights.
Upon reaching the slickrock, follow the rock cairns.
The trail climbs gradually and levels out toward the top of this rock face.

Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail goes along a rock ledge for about 200 yards. This ledge is about 3-4 feet wide with a sheer drop off. The only good thing about it was that the ledge titled into the rock wall, so it was easier to "hug".

The Hike!

The Delicate Arch hike begins at the Wolfe Ranch Parking area. Though it is only 3 miles roundtrip, the estimated time to complete the hike is 2-3 hours. The Park guide lists it as a strenuous hike!

The Elevation at the Arch itself is estimated at 4,829 feet. As we had a 480 feet rise in elevation during our trek, we started out somewhere around 4,400 feet. The first half mile was a well defined trail. We were slowly but steadily climbing upwards. I was really glad I had my hiking boots on as it helped me with traction and getting a firm stand on the rocks.

Our guides Tiffany and Mike talked to us several times the day before and the day of about the hike. It would be rough, yet worth the view once we arrived. We were encouraged to bring as much water as we could carry as there was virtually no shade along the trail.

I carried 3 bottles of water, one with energy drink; LindaLou carried 4. Our group was well prepared, however we were shocked at how many people we saw hiking the trail with no water at all. I find this very foolish given the heat and nature of the hike.

Soon our well defined trail turned to "slick rock" and we had to follow the trail markers (which wasn't always easy).

We took frequent rest stops.

About 1/3 of the way up the trail, one of the folks we were traveling with stopped in his tracks with possible heat exhaution. LindaLou and Kate were near by as the 3 of them (along with guide Mike) were the "caboose" of our group. Fortunately, after a few minutes, the person was ok enough to return to the bus. Our Adventure Guide Mike superbly handled this medical event and took control calmly. He did everything you could ask for and more.

Here's the last 200 or so yards along the ledge!

Tiffany held up the group so the rest of us would catch up. She's encouraging us by pointing around the corner, where we will finally see the Delicate Arch!

to be continued.......