This is a great early season hike in Arches National Park. Families with grade school-age kids and older can make this three-mile round-trip hike. Adult supervision is needed in only a few steep areas.
The big draw here is Delicate Arch, or perhaps "Utah License Plate Arch," one of the state's most publicized symbols. What kid hasn't seen the arch on Utah license plates?Another big attraction is that about half the trail is over slickrock marked by "cairns." Kids will love it.
Trail rating: ****
Scenic rating: ****
Distance: 1.5 miles, one-way.
Elevation: Approximately 500 feet.
Difficulty: Relatively easy for average hikers, though there is a steep section up a slickrock face, a section of walking in sand and a slight bit of scrambling around the arch.
Time required: Forty to 60 minutes to the top for average families or 30 minutes or less for fast hikers. Time required downward is about 30 to 40 minutes, but plan at least 20 to 30 minutes at the arch for a total time of 90 minutes to two hours.
Directions to trailhead: Arches National Park is about 225 miles from Salt Lake City, with Highway 6 through Spanish Fork Canyon and Price being the quickest route.
The turnoff to the trailhead for Delicate Arch hike is about 11.7 miles into the park. Travel 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot on a paved road. (Non-hikers can go further up the road to a naked eye viewpoint of Delicate Arch.)
Trail description: The trail passes through the Wolfe Ranch after 100 yards. (John Wesley Wolfe, disable Civil War Veteran, made his home here for nearly 20 years starting in 1888.)
After another 150 yards, the trail crosses a small bridge then climbs a small hill. After that, the slickrock climb -- the trail's hardest section -- comes into view. The slickrock is a well-worn path, and there are plenty of hikers to follow or meet coming down.
There's a little more up-and-down territory through sand before the final 100 yards to the arch.
Cautions: Children under 10 may need special help around the arch. Footing is good, unless the rock is wet or icy. Temperatures can get hot here in spring, summer and fall -- especially with the sun reflecting off the rock. Carry water with you.
Some reckless teens have done cartwheels under Delicate Arch, but this is no place to fool around. There is a cliff on the south side of the arch and a few others around.
Highlights: There's a special thrill hiking up the slickrock and being presented with a great view. Don't forget to take a camera for photos of family or friends under the arch. However, you may have to be patient for your turn under Delicate Arch.
Wildlife -- rabbits and squirrels -- may be seen in the final 800 yards to the arch.
Also, don't miss a "window" viewpoint just before you enter the Arch's bowl area. A little scrambling is required to reach this window.
Tidbits: This is a very busy trail. Seldom is there fewer than 20 people visiting the arch. There are usually 50 or more at any given time at the arch each afternoon. Weekends and holidays are even busier.
The Parks Service isn't considering limiting trail users yet, but that could happen some day.
Most visitors think the best time for photos is sunset.
Fees: There's a $10 per vehicle entry charge into Arches National Park.
Lodging/camping/water: Overnight accommodations are plentiful at Moab, just five miles from the park entrance. Camping is available at Devil's Garden Campground in the park on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pit toilets, but no water, available at the trailhead. It's best to fill up on water at the visitors center.
For more information: Call 1-435-259-8161, or visit the park Web site at: www.nps.gov/arch