Length: 3 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

National Park: Arches National Park

Journal: "Park & Ride"

In Arches National Park (just north of Moab, UT), take the main road 11.7 miles to the Wolfe Ranch turnoff. Turn right and go 1.2 miles to the parking area.

Trail Description:

This trail takes visitors to one of the most famous Utah landmarks: Delicate Arch. The trail begins at an old homestead called Wolfe Ranch, where several small shacks still stand. After passing through the homestead, you will cross over a bridge, where there is a sign warning hikers of the sheer drop-offs to be found along the trail. Visitors are warned to control their children - we took a nice picture of our three year-old throwing a temper tantrum underneath the sign.

After the first half mile, the trail begins to ascend a hill of slick-rock. The climb is steep - in all, the trail gains about 480 feet in under 1.5 miles. This part of the trail is very exposed and can be strenuous, so hikers are warned to bring extra water.

The last quarter-mile of the trail climbs up a slick-rock shelf - it is here that you will find the sheer drop-offs that the sign warned about.

At last, at the end of the trail, is Delicate Arch. There is a viewing area from which visitors can take pictures and rest after the strenuous hike.

Return the way you came.