Delicate Arch
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Delicate Arch is a freestanding natural arch located in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah.
It is the most widely-recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on both Utah license plates and a postage stamp commemorating Utah's centennial anniversary of statehood in 1996. The Olympic torch relay for the 2002 Winter Olympics passed through the arch.
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[edit] History
Because of its distinctive shape, the arch was known as "the Chaps" and "the Schoolmarm's Bloomers" by local cowboys. It was given its current name by Frank Beckwith, leader of the Arches National Monument Scientific Expedition, who explored the area in the winter of 1933-1934. (The story that the names of Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch were inadvertently exchanged due to a signage mixup by the National Park Service is false.)
The arch played no part in the original designation of the area as a U.S. National Monument in 1929, and was not included within the original boundaries; it was added when the monument was enlarged in 1938. In the 1950s, the National Park Service investigated the possibility of applying a clear plastic coating to the arch to protect it from further erosion and eventual destruction. The idea was ultimately abandoned as impractical and contrary to NPS principles.
[edit] The hike to the Arch
The Delicate Arch is located at the end of a moderately strenuous, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hiking trail from the parking area at Wolfe Ranch. Taking more than an hour each way, the round trip is slightly more than 3 miles long and the Arch is completely hidden from view on this trail.
The first third of the hike gains only a slight elevation, but is through rugged, brushy terrain. On the middle third of the hike the trail is nearly invisible, along the face of an exposed slickrock outcrop. The elevation gain on this section is strenuous, but offers some excellent pauses to see the geology in the salt valley more clearly. Cairns (piles of rocks) have been placed by visitors and park staff to roughly suggest the trail to the top. But visitors will enjoy the huge expanse of completely exposed sandstone and tend to wander all over the mountain. Aiming for the top of the slickrock, mostly to the right (south) side will bring you to the correct trail at the top.
The latter third of the trail is the most rugged, as hikers have now nearly reached the "top" of the plateau. The Arch is still invisible, and the trail runs around outcrops, through washes and between stands of twisted brush and trees. The trail may be easier to follow, but will tend to wander as parts become muddy and difficult to walk through. During the 2004 fall season, the trail clearly followed the left (northern) side of the plateau, and brought visitors along a breathtakingly narrow shelf nearly 150 feet above a dry wash.
The arch rises suddenly into view around a corner in the trail and frames the La Sal Mountains to the southeast. Step carefully, the geology at the arch is unbelievable, and very rugged. Small children (4 years and up) can make this hike, with frequent stops and lots of water, but they will need to be closely monitored at the Arch as many of the unguarded cliffs plunge a hundred feet or more. The views of the southern expanse of the park are spellbinding. Visitors are strongly cautioned to be aware of weather conditions prior to the hike, as the entire trail is exposed to the elements.
[edit] Wildlife
During the summer months, White-throated Swifts (Aeronautes saxatalis) nest in the top of the arch.
[edit] Controversy
In May of 2005, climber Dean Potter caused rope gouges into the soft sandstone of the formation. [1] Under the rules active at the time, climbing Delicate Arch was not explicitly forbidden, however, it was understood that the named arch formations should not be climbed. Since that climb, the Park Service has closed the loophole by disallowing climbs on any named arch within the park year-round. Also, slacklining and the placement of new fixed anchors on new climbs is also prohibited.
[edit] References
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[edit] External links
