The Delicate Arch Trail

My husband and I went on an extended vacation to Utah, Colorado, and Utah again.  We started in scenic Moab, Utah, home of the famous Delicate Arch.  I had always wanted to see it and we were sort of passing through, so we stopped for a few days.  The trail was only 3 miles round trip and we did it on the first day we were there.  Even though it was June, it was only about 90 degrees out and there was a lot of wind and cloud cover so it was actually really nice (for people who had come from 110 degree weather).  We were told to go to the Arch in the afternoon because the light is better for pictures.  Well, I took about a thousand pictures: here are just a few of them.

Here is the start of the trail.  The trail is moderate and not too difficult.  We saw young kids walking it and also people with no shoes on (not too smart to bring flip flops on a hike), and also some people without water (not smart at all...this is the desert people!). 

The trail was marked by cairns which hikers were admonished to follow.  Unfortunately and apparently, my husband and I are novice hikers since we did not follow the cairns and veered right when we should have veered left.  This is the sight we saw when we cleared the cover.  Can you see the Delicate Arch??

We spent about 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get to the Arch.  We clearly saw people at a closer vantage point and we wanted to get there.  While we wandered around looking for footprints and cairns I got some nice scenic shots.  The Arch is in this one too. 

Finally, after climbing to higher ground we looked below and saw a very clear trail of cairns.  We wondered where we went wrong, but continued onward to the Arch.  Finally, when we turned the last corner we could see it in all it's splendor.  Unfortunately, it was also very windy.  The local weather claims about 35 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph.  I believe it was closer to 50 up there.  Have you ever experienced wind so strong that when you are talking your saliva is forced out of your mouth and splatters all over your own face??  Yes, that's what it was like.  It was amazing!  It was easier to sit than stand, but it was beautiful all the same.  I wish we could have gotten closer but it was just too windy.

And here is the proof. 

On the way back down there was even more gorgeous scenery. 

The big sky made it wonderful for me.  I love big skies with clouds and light.  

On the way back we followed the correct trail and found exactly where we went wrong.  We directed people who were coming up so hopefully they found the right trail at the fork in the road.  In all it was a fabulous hike and I would do it again in a second.