There are plenty of stunning National Parks all over America and Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of Utah. Arches National Park offers great landscapes of arches and incredible rock formations. There are tons of short walks, long hikes, and even a couple of canyoneering routes throughout the park that are just waiting to be explored.
Top Arches National Park Hikes
The drive along through the park is stunning, but why just drive through it when you can get up close and personal with some of the magnificent sandstone fins, famous arches, and steep canyons? The place itself might remind you of Bryce Canyon due to the sandstone and the amazing red-orange colors.
When you decide to visit Arches National Park you will want to give yourself a couple of days, especially if you are planning on doing some hiking. Use our list of the 15 best hikes in Arches National Park so you can decide which one needs to be explored first.
1. Delicate Arch Trail
Delicate Arch is perhaps the most iconic image of Arches National Park. The trail, approximately three miles round-trip, is a moderately strenuous hike that ascends 480 feet, offering an unforgettable experience for adventurers.
Hiking Delicate Arch Trail isn’t just about reaching the symbol of Utah; it’s a journey revealing diverse geological features and a unique desert ecosystem. The first half-mile traverses a well-defined path, leading hikers through vast prairie lands dotted with native shrubs.
Upon crossing the one-mile mark, the trail becomes increasingly challenging, moving up slick rock with cairns guiding the way. The strenuous uphill hike rewards with sweeping vistas of the sprawling desert and the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance.
As you make the final ascent along a rock ledge, a 200-foot drop-off on one side, the Delicate Arch comes into view. Standing as a natural monument amidst the stark desert backdrop, it leaves hikers awestruck with its raw, natural beauty. Depending on the time of day, you might even catch sight of a spectacular sun setting behind the arch, casting a warm, orange glow.
Is Delicate Arch a hard hike? The difficulty of the Delicate Arch trail lies in the elevation gain and exposed slickrock terrain, especially in the hot summer months. It’s recommended to bring plenty of water, wear proper hiking footwear, and start early to avoid the midday heat.
Among popular hikes in Arches National Park,…
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