Читать книгу 50 Best Short Hikes in Utah's National Parks - Greg Witt - Страница 27
Оглавление6 Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Trailhead Location: Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking area
Trail Use: Walking, hiking, wheelchair-accessible for first 100 yards to Lower Viewpoint
Distance & Configuration: 1.4-mile out-and-back
Elevation Range: 4,356' at trailhead to 4,510' at Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Facilities: Pit toilets at trailhead; no water
Highlights: The easy way to see Delicate Arch from a distance
DESCRIPTION
Imagine that you’ve had a full day at Arches; it’s late in the afternoon, everyone is tired and hungry, and there’s no water in the car. You’ve seen the Windows, Double Arch, and Devils Garden. You have just 20 minutes remaining in the park, and not enough time, energy, or water to hike the Delicate Arch Trail. You know you could never forgive yourself if you left without seeing Delicate Arch, so what do you do?
If you can’t hike the 3.0-mile Delicate Arch Trail, a short walk to Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a good plan B. Nothing matches the drama and majesty of seeing Delicate Arch face-to-face. But from this trail you’ll see Delicate Arch just a quarter mile in the distance—close enough that you can return home and say, “I saw Delicate Arch.” And no doubt, this tantalizing glimpse will whet your appetite for a return visit.
Delicate Arch
ROUTE
From the east side of the large parking area, the trail heads east on a nicely graded, wide, compacted trail with a light gravel surface. This initial section of the trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and leads to an interpretive sign and a distant view of Delicate Arch.
From this junction, continue east on what was once a road leading to a viewpoint but now crosses slickrock patches of junipers on a route with cairns as your guide. The path continues, with intermittent views of the arch, toward a ridge, with Winter Camp Wash separating you from Delicate Arch. At 0.7 mile from the trailhead, you reach the Upper Viewpoint and a 200-foot drop-off into the wash below—an impressive view in its own right. Because most of the photos of Delicate Arch are from the Delicate Arch Trail and picture the other side of the arch, what you’re seeing is really a different perspective; still, you get the effect of the arch’s beauty and solitary position.
Backtrack the way you came, an easy downhill jaunt.
TO THE TRAILHEAD
GPS Coordinates: N38º 44.047' W109º 30.070'
From the Arches National Park entrance station, drive 11.7 miles on Arches Scenic Drive to Wolfe Ranch–Delicate Arch Viewpoint Road. Turn right and drive 1.2 miles to the spur road leading to Wolfe Ranch. Continue straight ahead for another 1.0 mile to the end of the road and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking area.
RATTLESNAKES
Although these venomous snakes are widely feared when spotted on the trail, rattlesnakes are vital to the desert ecosystem. They help control the rodent population and are food for other animals as well. Eight rattlesnake subspecies live in Utah. The most common is the Great Basin rattlesnake, found across the state. You might also come across the midget faded rattlesnake, a subspecies native to Arches. This snake grows to less than 2 feet long, is mainly active in the evenings, and lives in rock crevasses and burrows. If it sees you, this shy species will usually try to get out of your way. It does have a venomous bite, so if you see one of these local reptilian residents, it’s best to respect and enjoy this beautiful desert creature from a safe distance. Also remember that rattlesnakes are protected by Utah law and within the national park; it is illegal to harass or kill a rattlesnake.
