HIke to Delicate Arch

This was our first time to Arches National Park and like the rookies we are, we didn't do much research before we visited. This hike however, is easy as long as you have water with you. And hey, you're in the desert. Why wouldn't you?

Which brings me to my first piece of advice for this hike, bring water. Especially if you arrive during the heat of the day like we did (we were there in May), approximately 2:30-3:00PM. Not only is it hot, but it's also busy. There were many other tourists hiking to the arch as well. 

The trailhead has a large parking lot and as busy as it was, there were plenty of spots. If the lot is full, there is another parking lot one mile off the trail head. You can park there but then your hike becomes a 5 miler instead of a 3 miler. The trail is fairly easy but the inclines can be long. I think a lot of people, like us, didn't come prepared (some didn't even have water from what I could see) and had to turn back before they could make it to Delicate Arch. While the hike can be tedious and tiresome at times, the view once you come around the corner to see the arch is quite spectacular and worth every step. 

Something to note, as you come up the final climb, before you can see the big arch, there is a small one on the right hand side of the trail with a smooth rock that you can climb up in (you can see it in the pictures). It gives you a very neat and different perspective of Delicate Arch. I recommend getting that view if you are able. Definitely worth it and the climb up into the arch is probably less than 20ft. 

Again, be prepared. You don't want to start the hike, find you can't make it all the way, and then have to turn around. 

If you're spending a day or two in Moab, I'd suggest the Moab Diner for breakfast. We were on a two week road trip, ate a bunch of different places, and this was hands down one of the best.