#5 Delicate Arch, Arches

#5 Delicate Arch, Arches

Distance - 3.2 Miles
Ascent - 146m

Delicate Arch is probably the most famous arch in the park.  It's used on the Utah number plates and is a must do hike apparently.  I say apparently as this was the second hike in the day and the sun was feeling very hot on my head.  A half hour break to refuel and to restock my water and we was off up the hill.  The walk is pretty basic, walk up that hill and you are there!.



The view down.

There was a short sharp couple of switchbacks before the big climb.  For once there was no switch backs, just a straight run up the slickrock face.  The route is pretty much all south facing, so again no shade on offer.  Take a hat and water is my expert advice!

#4 Double O Arch and Dark Angel, Arches

#4 Double O Arch and Dark Angel, Arches

Distance - 5.2 Miles
Ascent - 110m

Overcoming a hurdle which has stopped you in the past is always a victory no matter how small the hurdle!  In this case the hurdle was a short but steep scramble up a rock 'fin' that halted me last year.  It wasn't much but I just couldn't see myself getting back down without slipping, even though the sandstone grips like sandpaper.  This year I came, I saw, I conquered (even with a little knee wobble and bum slide off a big step!).



Landscape Arch

The first mile of the walk is along well maintained trails to Landscape Arch, the longest in the world apparently.  There are a few side trails to other Arches and the whole area is great for exploring.  After Landscape arch the trail becomes more rough and ready (and natural) and climbs up and over fins of rock.