Pocketful of Treasures: Hike to Utah's Iconic Delicate Arch

I love exploring off the beaten path, but the owner of the RV park we were staying at said Delicate Arch is where it's at and a must see before leaving Moab. We had another trail already picked out, but since you never know when these beauties will fall we decided to check it out.

You'll need to travel approximately 15 miles into the park to reach the trailhead, but you'll pass many beautiful sites, including Balanced Rock and The Great Wall, along the way. There was ample parking, including a separate lot across the street for RVs and busses. They say the best time to photograph the Arch is in the late afternoon, but due to time restraints we had to visit midday. Thankfully, the temperature were a perfect 50 degrees.

Even with the cooler temperatures, much of the hike you are exposed and shade is pretty much non-existent. Be sure to bring plenty of water.

The first half mile of the hike follows a well defined path. At this point it even feels like you are walking more along a tourist attraction than a hike in nature. Don't worry, the hike only gets better and breathtaking views await!

The next part of the trail you will follow the cairns along the slickrock. The trail goes up, up, up the slickrock before leveling off.

Just before reaching the arch, the trail follows a rock ledge.

Along the ledge you'll see a "window". If you can make the climb up to it, it’s worth the view and provides an awesome photo opportunity. I went up with our oldest three children without any problems.

There are several steep drop offs that made this momma's heart pound a little with so many kiddos to watch and keep safe. It is certainly not the most dangerous or difficult hike that we have done, but be smart and be safe. We allowed our children to run wild and free along the slickrock, but kept a much closer rein on them along the ledge and at the arch.