Hiking Delicate Arch

Today for Travel Tuesday I am going to share with you another one of Utah's beautiful places.  Inside Arches National Park is a beautiful trail that leads you to one of the most famous arches, Delicate Arch.

I have been to this park many times, quite a bit in my childhood and many times as an adult.  I don't think I could ever get bored in this beautiful desert playground.

One of my favorite hikes is Delicate Arch, it's got everything.  Great trail, with incredible scenery along the entire way.

It's even got Indian Petroglyphs at the very beginning if you want to take a quick side loop trail.

Delicate Arch is classified per the National Park service as a difficult trail.  3.0 miles round trip with about a 480 foot elevation gain.

I actually just visited the park again over the weekend, and made sure to take my camera with me.  I probably have hiked this one at least a couple dozen times in my life and it's awesome each time.  We didn't get on the trail until a little later in the day, it was about 10am.  The temps were about 90 degree's and climbing when we started, so it was a hot one, but well worth it as you will see.

You'll start out on a fairly maintained park trail, easy walking as you head towards the sandstone rock you can see in the distance.

It's here that the majority of all the 480 foot elevation gain slickrock climbing begins.

Climbing the sandstone can be difficult for those out of shape, but can also be a great thigh workout for those who like to power through uphill.  I personally recommend a good sturdy hiking shoe, as it will help you keep your foot grip pretty well along the hike course.

Those afraid of heights may have a difficult time along this slickrock section of the trail.  But the cliff edge is plenty wide, even for when you have those coming down as others are going up to be side by side.  Like I said above, wearing a good sturdy hiking shoe will help both the experienced and inexperienced have good foot holdings even in these sections.

Keep your eyes peeled as you are on the trail, especially along the sandstone wall portions and you'll see this window arch.  It's actually easy to climb up the sandstone and stand right up underneath this arch too.

The famous arch itself isn't the only beautiful view to see from the top.  Depending on where you are standing you have vast views of all around, clear across towards the Colorado Plateau, La Sal's and even Canyonlands.

The only bad part about it, is this is a popular trail and grabbing a picture without tourists in or around the arch can be hard.  Which is why I recommend this hike in the off season.  I've done it in January and found the cooler temps a great time to visit.  However, it's a year round open park so anytime is a good time.

When you get up on top, if you like to be a dork like I do, you can have fun taking pictures as you relax and enjoy the view before you hike back down. (Ya that is me being goofy:)

Depending on where you stand, you can get some great shots of this arch.  One direction you've got the La Sal Mountain range behind it (like in the picture a few shots above.) Others, you have the beautiful sandstone cliffs.

Hiking this in the summer, it can easily go from 90-100+ degree's fast.  So even though it's only 3 miles long.  Bring plenty of water.  This is the dry desert, and there are very few if any portions of shade on this hike, depending on the time of day you climb it.

Yes, you can go up and stand on or around it and have some fun photo opportunities.  But be respectful of it, don't carve into it or leave any trace you were there behind.
(Ya that's me again posing for the camera:)

This is a beautiful hike, and like I mentioned above can be great almost any time of year.  If you visit Arches, I highly recommend you take the time to visit Delicate Arch.
I am very lucky to live in such an amazing state with so many gorgeous things for the outdoor lover in me to see and do!


Have you been to Utah's, Arches National Park before?  Did you hike Delicate Arch?  If you haven't, did you just add this to your bucket list?

Travel - Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

Today for Travel Tuesday, I'd like to take you on an adventure through Southern Utah and the bordering corner of Arizona.

First we travel to Lake Powell, Utah the Wahweap area near the dam.  If you are not familiar with Lake Powell, this is a lake along the route of the Colorado River.  It's the second largest man made reservoir in the U.S.  (The first being Lake Mead in Nevada)
Lake Powell is famous for boaters, fishermen and tourists who enjoy hiking.

The Wahweap Campground

This picture was taken from a top of the dam walkway.  Just down the river from here you'll hit Lee's Ferry, which has some amazing fly fishing opportunities!

If you do not own a boat, or cannot afford a houseboat tour, you can still see some pretty incredible vista's of the lake by driving around the Southern Utah/Arizona boarder areas.

Although all portions of this area are beautiful.  Antelope Canyon is pretty much the crown jewel of this trip.

Antelope Canyon is owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, you'll need to obtain all permits and tours through their offices.

These particular pictures are taken at the Upper East Waterholes.  However, there is also a Lower Antelope Canyon, tours and permits are separate.  They will take you out on 4 wheel trucks through the sand roads, and drive you right up to this entrance.

Early morning is the best time of day (in my opinion) to take these tours.

Although these pictures are not the best, because I didn't take the digital camera with me on this trip, a camera tip while in a slot canyon is NO FLASH.

A lot of people know I love slot canyons, and fortunately living in Utah I get to experience a lot of them.  Some are more difficult to get into than others.  This particular canyon is hiker and family friendly, meaning no experience other than the ability to walk or be carried through is needed.

Depending on the time of day, the rocks will look entirely different in color.  One hour they can look red, the next pink or orange as well as many shades in those colors.

Standing in these light beams made me feel like I was an angel from a T.V. show that was all lit up.  It was kind of fun.

This is the back of the slot canyon and the exit.

After visiting Lake Powell and spending an early morning hiking slot canyons on the Arizona/Utah boarder.  Drive back into Utah and visit one of the 10 wonders of the world and see Monument Valley.

I think you can see all you will want to see in Monument Valley, as well as the Valley of Fire in 2 days.  You'll have to buy a car pass to visit this area.  There is both exploration and hiking on your own, as well as guided tours.  However, you can see a lot of this on your own even with in the comfort of your own car, and get out and hike as you would like.

Take a lot of water with you out hiking.  In the spring and summer and even fall it can get quite hot.  However, in the winter it can get quite cold, so plan accordingly.

These are just 3 area's you can visit.  But if you have a longer time.  Area's of interest within the area.
* Hike The Wave (Slot Canyon) Permits are required and must be obtained before arriving.
* Visiting the famous Four Corners Monument - Where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado meet.
* Visit the Goosenecks State Park
* See the Mexican Hat Rock Formation
* Visit Navajo National Monument - Tons of hiking and views of ancient Indian Dwellings
*  If you enjoy seeing Indian Ruins there are plenty in this part of Canyon Country!

If you go:
- If you are flying in, I'd recommend the St. George, Utah Airport and you can take a beautiful drive over.  However, you could also fly into Page, Arizona which would put you right next to the Lake Powell area I mentioned above.
- If driving, no matter which direction you come you will have plenty of scenic views, but make sure you bring plenty of water, and fill up on gas as some service areas out here are a bit far apart.  I'd also recommend a well tuned vehicle so you don't risk any overheating.
- All area's above mentioned do require fee's, and there is not a 1 pass for all.  Visit their websites and plan accordingly while budgeting for this trip.
- For this area, I'd recommend 5-7 days.  This way you can get out and explore and you won't have to rush your trip.