![]() That’s difficult to do these days unless you are there very early in the day. ![]() Years ago, it was possible to catch the odd 5-to-10 second break in the action to snap a shot before the next visitor stepped under the arch. Suffice to say, the other visitors strongly encouraged her to take her lunch break somewhere else. On one of our visits to this sight, a woman decided to use her turn to sit down in the center of the opening, take her lunch out of her pack, and casually eat her sandwich. Visitors usually form a line to take turns getting their photo taken under the arch. Capturing an image of the arch without humans in the picture is challenging. Seeing Delicate Arch in person is a thrill, but of course, you’ll want to get a photo of it. Go slow, pay attention to where you place your steps, and get a helping hand if you need it and you should be fine. Very close to the last turn before reaching the arch, there is a short stretch of trail with a bit of a steep drop to one side. There’s only one spot on the trail that is a little sketchy. If you happen to be hiking the trail when few others are around, you’ll have to navigate by looking for cairns and noticing signs of footprints on the hard rock surface. The sandy trail gives way to slickrock as you get closer to the arch. (Total distance out and back is 3.2 miles) The trail is moderately difficult in mild weather, but can be dangerous in the full sun and high heat of summer. The exact date of these carvings is unknown, but considering that native people in the area would have acquired horses from Europeans sometime after the mid-1600’s, the petroglyphs must have been created after that.Ĭontinuing along the trail to the main event, you’ll hike 1.6 miles and climb about 600 feet elevation to reach Delicate Arch. A small panel of rock carvings depict desert sheep and riders on horseback. The ruins of the cabin give you a glimpse of what life must have been like here over a hundred years ago as settlers from the east started homesteading in the area.Ī short distance past the Wolfe Ranch ruins, you’ll see a sign at the edge of the trail that says “petroglyphs.” Take the short side trail to the left (north) to see one of the best-preserved examples of petroglyphs in the southwest. John Wolfe built this structure in 1906 while he and his son raised cattle nearby. Mere steps away from the parking lot, you’ll notice the remains of an old cabin. There are two bonuses waiting for you at the beginning of the trail you should check out first. Once you’re ready to tackle the hike, resist the urge to head straight to the arch. Getting there early in the day will improve your chances. By some miracle, we’ve always been able to find a spot either in the lot or within a short walking distance. The trail begins adjacent to the parking lot. Turn right (east) onto Delicate Arch Road and drive 1.2 miles to the parking area on the left (north) side of the road. ![]() Starting at the main (south) entrance to Arches National Park, drive about 11.5 miles into the park along the main road. Despite the crowds, this is a must-see destination and worth the extra effort it takes to experience it. ![]() That’s why there is usually a horde of people hiking to this natural wonder and taking its picture. It is a beautiful sight to behold in person and possibly the most striking example of a natural, sandstone arch in the park. Delicate Arch is the rock formation for which Arches National Park is best known. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |