On my roadtrip back to Colorado from Antelope Canyon, I made a pit stop at Arches National Park. It was only a quick stop, but I had a plan in mind. My sights were set on hiking to the infamous Delicate Arch.
The drive into the park was absolutely beautiful. I could have literally spent a week and not even scratched the surface of it's wonders.
Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural arches, but the Delicate Arch is one of the most popular. It's almost an iconic symbol for the state of Utah and is on the state's licenses plates.
Before I embarked on my adventure, I did a little bit of research. Roundtrip the hike is about 3.2 miles. It took me about 2 hours to climb, but I also hung out at the top for awhile to enjoy the scenery.
The best time to see the Delicate Arch is when the sun is setting. There were lines of photographers waiting for the perfect moment to capture the free-standing stone structure.
The trail can be a bit tricky at times and isn't for the faint of heart. There were a couple times I glanced over the cliff and felt instantly dizzy from the drop. The trail is very heavily trafficked, so you don't have to worry about hiking alone, like I did at Corona Arch.
When I got to the top I waited in line to get my picture taken under the arch. One poor guy had gotten stuck taking tourists' photos for about 15 minutes.
Can you see me?
After I got my picture taken, I found a comfortable seat and enjoyed the views. I pulled out a picnic I had prepared, which consisted of only the essentials: Diet Coke and Oreos.
I picked the perfect time to hike down, because it started to rain almost immediately. Fortunately the way back was easier and much less strenuous. I even stopped to see some petroglyphics from the Ute Indians!
When it was my turn, I carefully crept out to the middle. I've recently realized that I have a small fear of heights, so as I was making my way my stomach was in a knot and I could feel my heart racing.
Ute Indian Petroglyphs
Want more on Arches National Park? Check out Bram's blog from Travel. Experience. Live.
Mohit Agarwal
Well made it to the iconic arch but sadly couldn’nt get the sunset ……the antelopes you started from are also holds a picturesque tag for every photographer…
Alice
Arches National Park is one of the parks I would like to visit next year during my trip to the United States West Coast & National Park, so your post is truly inspiring.
I would like to go around September, do you think is a good choice?
And you have said that the trail can be tricky, but only for the height or also for the difficulties reaching the Delicate Arch?
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Melissa
Wow this is gorgeous!!! Whats the hike like? Tough? I am a family traveler so like to know if the walks are suitable for the kids. This looks like a gorgeous walk.
admin
|AuthorIt was such a beautiful hike. I did see a few kids on the trail, but I wouldn’t suggest it for really young kids. There are some steep parts!
Sanne - Spend Life Traveling
I was in Utah a couple of months ago but unfortunately never made it here. There are just so many incredible National Parks in the US, I never realized that! Beautiful pictures by the way, I will definitely add this to my long lists of places still to visit in the US 🙂
Nomadic Foot
These arches looks stunning and it will be more beautiful with a sunset i guess. I would love to visit this park asap. Thanks for sharing the information.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren
Wow! I would have never grasped the scale of the arches until I saw you standing next to one of them. They’re HUGE! I would love to see this in person. Adding to the bucket list!
neha
That arch is so huge. And the place looks beautiful. I can relate to your fear of height, I also have it..still I would love to go here
Larry and Jaala
My wife and I both loved Arches, both the famous trails and the not so famous. There is so much exploring to do there off the beaten path!
Punita Malhotra
Wo!..nature is truly astounding. Some amazing rock formations there. Love the arch! Would love to go.
Sudipto
This trek looks so beautiful. I think this delicate arch is made of sandstone. What do you say? I’ll be visiting America next year and will surely keep this place on my itinerary.
admin
|AuthorYep, you’re right! Entrada sandstone to be more specific. It’s crazy what water and time can do!
snigdha
Wow simply amazing. this one is so huge.such magnificent rocks .would surely add it to my list 🙂
Brown Gal Trekker
Awesome place to enjoy nature. I have yet to go to Utah. It sounds like an easy day trip to do. Lovely photos.