Delicate Arch trail gives you an opportunity to get a closer look at one of the iconic rock formation in the world. It should definitely be on your to-do list if you are visiting the park. The park consists of more than 2000 stone arches. But this arch is recognized as the symbol of the state of Utah. And we can totally understand why!

The delicateness of the formation and its towering height is something that you won’t experience anywhere else. The opening beneath the arch is 46 feet and 32 feet wide. The Arch had a few names in its history like Cowboy’s Chaps, Old Maid’s Bloomers, Salt Wash Arch. In 1934 Arches National Monument Scientific Expedition named it as Delicate Arch since it is the most delicately chiseled arch by nature.

On the trail, you will first come across the Wolfe ranch as soon as you start from the parking lot. On either side of the trail, you will see short bushes with rocks around. After crossing a bridge you will come across a signboard for petroglyphs. Till half a mile the trail is well marked with small stones on either side. After that, the trail surface starts to be more rocky with a gradient increasing gradually.

Climbing through some steps, you will come to point where in front of you, there is a big slab of slick rock with bushes. Even though there are no markings for the trail, it is hard to make a wrong turn as you will see crowds following a path ahead of you.

Once you cross the Slick rock, the trail narrows a bit and involves more ascending of small rocky land. You can marvel at the power of nature’s erosion seen on these rocks over the period of time. Just keep following the few signboards marked as “Trail” till you reach the narrowest ledge portion. Once you reach this area, you still won’t see the Delicate Arch, but you are super close to it. Walk with care on the exposed ledge.

After crossing the ledge, you will see the delicate arch standing tall, spreading its magical glow all around. In the background, you will see the tall towering mountain table tops of the park. Take your time to soak in the views.

The hike is uphill throughout the way till you reach the bowl area of the arch. That being said, it was a totally fun and rewarding experience, since it is not often that one can see nature’s beauty at its best. The views of Delicate Arch from here is totally unobstructed and something which is very difficult to put in writing.

We highly recommend everyone visiting the park to take time and experience this hike so that you can add this to your list of sparkling moments!!!

Delicate Arch is definitely one of nature’s marvellous creation and we bet you would feel the same!

We hope you enjoy this trail as much as we did. Thank you for reading, and follow our adventures on  Instagram soulsoncloudnine