Arches National Park (Day 2 - Part II)

Nov 14, 2008 :- The hike to Delicate Arch from the Wolfe Ranch parking area is a 3 mile round trip with an elevation gain of only 480 feet. The first one half mile is an easy walk along a well defined trail. Just beyond the Salt Wash crossing is an area where there are pertoglyphs. In the interest of time, I preferred to continue the hike rather than view the pictographs. One then approaches the slickrock and the climb becomes slightly strenous. The hike in the morning did not help either and I found that section of the hike tiring, requiring frequent halts than I had imagined. The rock cairns (piles of small stones), define the trail and help you not detour from the actual route. The trail then levels towards the top and then traverses a rock ledge as one proceeds further. As you go around it from the left you get a view of the Delicate Arch that the ledge hides.

Three to four groups of two/three had already occupied all the good spots for photography. Every change in the amount of sunlight was captured by these eager cameramen. Snow capped Lasal mountains could be seen in the distance.

The arch itself is 52 tall and is frequently seen on all custom license plates in Utah. It is formed of Estrada sandstone. In order to not deny fellow photographers the opportunity to click photographs at will, most hikers resisted the temptation to walk beneath the arch. A father and four sons, however stole the limelight by walking down the arch to enjoy the views into the valley and get some personal photographs. They were referred as the "Most Photographed Individuals" on the day by hikers around.

Most of us contined to witness the scenery around, until almost sunset. The hike back was in dim light at dusk and views towards the west were blissful. This time, I had adequate water and the lesser intensity of the evening light made things easier on the way back.

The drive back to Moab was slow with quite some cars along the road.