Going to Arches next month to do some hiking and sights seeing. I watched a video on the hike to Delicate Arch and want to know if the trail is as narrow and high as it appeared in the video. I am a 68 year old woman, in good shape, but with some fear of heights! Is this a trail someone who has done it, would think I could do without difficulty? Are the rocks as slippery as they appeared in the video on Youtube? I have hiking boots and two walking sticks I just bought. Are there other areas my husband and I should see here? We also plan on going to Canyonlands. Any suggestions? I saw that Goblin Valley would be interesting. Is this far from Moab as that is our home base. We also would like to see some Petroglyphs. Suggestions? Thanks for your help.

There are several petroglyph sites in the Moab area. You can get a map for several at the Arches VC. Look along Potash road for a bear one and there is a site on Kane Creek road, near a small camping area and farther along just past where the pavement ends in a rock with several, one of which is a birthing scene. Look at Courthouse Wash and the Golf course sites too.

If you go north on 191 and take 70 east a short way to Thompson spring, there are some nice petroglyphs and pictographs a couple of miles north of 70.

If you go to Goblin Valley, check out Temple Mt. wash for petroglyphs too.

I haven't been to Delicate Arch yet, but the hike out to Landscape Arrch is easy and you can stop at Pine Tree arch along the way.

Several arches are easily seen ffrom the road or on a short hike.

If you go to the Needles district of Canyonlands there is a famous rock called Newspaper Rock on the way in. Island in the Sky district has some easy hikes and fantastic views.

Delicate Arch was my favorite hike in Arches. There are a couple patches of sliprock of less than 100 yards each.
Do not try it right after a rainstorm. I didn't use hiking poles but if they make you feel more comfortable, use them.
Get to the north end of the park to see Landscape Arch (easier walk). Sign up for the Ranger led Fiery Furnace walk.
There are some petroglyphs near the start to the Delicate Arch walk. The other petroglyphs I saw were along the highway in Capitol Reef NP. The hoodoos in Goblin Valley SP are worth the detour.
Where are you going after you leave Moab? If you are going toward Bryce Canyon or Zion, drive on scenic Rt. 12.

If you aren't used to using hiking poles, they could be more of a hindrance than a help. Also, they do not help on rock surface; but do for dirt, sand and similar conditions. I would suggest practicing with them if you are going to use them.

I was in Arches a few years ago. I'm 69 now so I can relate to those of our age.

I went to Delicate Arch twice. Both times for sunset.

The first time it was the day we got there and it was cloudy so I went back a few days later for a spectacular sunset.

There is nothing difficult about the hike. There's a drop off in a couple of places but the trail is wide there.

Unless it has just rained, there's nothing slippery.

What you should note is that it's all uphill (moderately) going, so unless you're accustomed to elevation (about 5,500 feet) drink water enroute and rest as required. The trail is not narrow so you won't be holding anybody up.

If you plan on going for sunset take with a flashlight as you may not get back before dark.

In Arches Balanced Rock is not a hike but roadside.

The Windows area has the North & South Windows, Turret Arch and Double Arch all in a circle around a parking area.

If I remember correctly, Landscape Arch was not far or difficult.

Canyonlands is not one of my favorites. If you go there make sure you stop at Dead Horse Point State Park.

For another idea. You can drive along Rte 120 east until Fisher Towers. Then it's an easy hike to the bottom of the area where they shot the Citibank commercial where the girl climbs to the top of the Corkscrew. Under 1 hour.

The hike to Delicate Arch is not real difficult or scary. There is one very short section of the trail just as you get to the Arch viewing area that drops off on one side. Some folks think its a bit intimidating but you can hug the wall so you're not near the side that drops off.

The hike is on slickrock but it is not slippery unless you were hiking immediately after a rainstorm. I've done the hike to Delicate Arch for sunset and its great. Last Sept, we were lucky enough to have a full moon too! If you do it, be sure to bring flashlights for the walk out.

I really prefer other hikes in Arches over Delicate Arch - the hike to Tower Arch, Devil's Garden and Primitive Trail - there are far fewer people on them and the scenery is spectacular.

In Canyonlands, the very short walk to Mesa Arch ends at an amazing view. The scenic drive through the park is worthwhile, the view at nearby Dead Horse Point SP and the drive on Rte 128 along the Colorado River just outside of Moab are stunning.

If you google "Moab rock art tour" you can print a brochure that outlines the sites around Moab that emalloy described above. Most of them are easily accessible with little to no hiking involved.

Goblin Valley SP is a pretty neat spot but its a 2 hr drive from Moab. How many days do you have?

There are a lot of great petroglyph sites around Moab. Pop into the visitor center for a guide. I bought a great petroglyph guide to the Southwest at the Visitor Center.

Newspaper Rock, 30 minutes south of Moab, is one of our favorites. It is an easy walk from the parking area with hundreds of petroglyphs on one rock.

There are also a lot of good ones along the river by Moab. Sometimes the panels are difficult to find. The guides break up the mileage in detail so pay attention to that. If you haven't been petroglyph hunting before you need to be aware of the type of rock the petroglyphs are found on. The cliff faces are usually darker in color and smooth. Many times they are higher up off the ground. Be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars to hunt for them. Also, when you see another car stopped, it is a good sign that they are looking also.

We also really liked the Wolfe Ranch panel. Not many people venture up there so you might have the place to yourself.

Goblin Valley is two hours from Moab, off the 24. It would make for a long day trip but is an interesting spot.

http://www.discovermoab.com/rockart.htm

http://climb-utah.com/Moab/newspaper.htm

Thank you all for your input! I feel somewhat better about the hike to Delicate Arch. Guess I need to look straight ahead and not over the side! I am grateful for the directions to Petroglyphs too. We plan on going to Canyonlands and would like to get to Fisher Towers and Dead Horse State park. We will have 5 full days to explore. After reading all your descriptions, we are even more excited to see the area. We went to Zion and Bryce a few years ago. I made it to Scout's Landing and my husband went all the way up to Angel's landing. I think right now, Zion is our favorite of all we have seen, but Arches is sounding better and better! Thank you all again. I really appreciate your input.

Just get rubber tips for your hiking poles and you will be fine with them on slick rock. Helps keep you going uphill and saves your knees on the downhill!

Thankfully we did get the rubber tips for the sticks. We were just discussing this morning whether we made a mistake buying the sticks, but feel better knowing the rubber tips may be a good thing.

landfree1,
Regarding the sticks: I had recently had major back surgery prior to our trip to Switzerland. My leg had still not recovered fully and was weak and a bit uncertain/slow to react at times. We rented walking sticks, 2 per person, in Lauterbrunnen, just in case.

I was really glad we did. It made all the difference. I felt so secure with the sticks. We hiked everyday on our eight day trip without one mishap. We even hiked on the glacier on the Jungfrau!

Using walking sticks is in essence like having four legs, if one slips there are three more holding you secure. I think you will be happy you bought the sticks.
Have a great trip,
Michele

Thanks Michele! Your trip sounds wonderful. I have always wanted to go there!

The entire hike up to Delicate Arch is pretty easy...a bit taxing since it is all uphill but not steep. It is over "slickrock" but slickrock is more like rough sandpaper...not slick at all unless there is loose gravel on it. The only section near an edge is this one:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34945817

It is fairly wide and the trail angles in toward the wall...it isn't that scary and you can hug the wall. It isn't a sheer drop as you can see so that makes it less scary as well.

Strongly agree with the suggestion of going to Dead Horse Point State Park -- it's just breathtaking, and generally with far fewer visitors than either of the nearby NPs.

Rubber tips do help. I would still do a few practice hikes with the poles to get used to them and learn how to use them properly. Will make it easier for you.

Don't Miss It!!! You'll be SO glad you hiked it. Truly an amazing sight.

Also don't miss:
Double Arch
Turret Arch
Windows Section
Balanced Rock
Landscape Arch--The entire Devils Garden Hike is good too
All of these are short, simple, and easy hikes/walks.

Goblin Valley is indeed another place not to be missed, in my opinion. You might also consider Dead Horse Point. The view there is similar to that of Grand Canyon.

I have hiked twice to Delicate. Once in the morning and once at evening. Either way is good and either way you can get a good sunrise or good sunset. I like the morning far far better as there are a fraction of the people there(maybe 2 or 3 other groups on the trail). At night, be prepared for hundreds. Plus, mornings are a lot cooler. In the evening, it can be difficult to stand under the arch for a photo op, as many many people want to do the same thing. Either time you go, do allow yourself at least 30 minutes at the top to really take the whole thing in. Its a good time for a snack and something to drink. If your up to it, walk to the other side of the arch and take it in from several angles.

I don't think you'll have any problem on the trail. Right before you get to the arch there is a short section, with a dropoff, but not really that big of a deal. The going up is harder than the going down. Take as many breaks as you need to on the way up. If you go at sunset, take a flashlight for each person.

Rather than a flashlight [using poles will make that difficult] use a headlamp:

http://www.rei.com/product/825732/bl...9-001b2166c62d

All comments are valid above except the recommendation to hike to Tower's Arch and the primitive trail at the end of Devils Garden. Problem is walking in sand - difficult.
If you have 4-wheel drive, you can drive next to Tower Arch from Balancing Rock.

Delicate Arch - about 2-3% constant grade - just go slow. The petroglyphs are off the trail past Wolf Ranch over the bridge to the left. The arch is best photographed at sunset = more people.

At Temple Mountain, it is pictograph not a petroglyph panel.
As recommended earlier, Sego Panel at Thompson off I-70, at exit 185. Drive north about 4 miles. They have been restored and are excellent. Of course the finest panels are at Canyonlands Maze District, but requires serious walking.

Goblin Valley is a treasure with an excellent campground. Problem is motel access - none there. Green River or Hanksville is your choice depending on direction of travel. None are 5, 4, 3 -star, but Whispering Sands is the preferred. Joy's B&B is very quaint (542-3252). Green river has many motels - Google them.

Suggest reading a complete guide from Zion to Arches
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00COBH45M

Vaga

Vaga correction
The 5,4, 3 Star was directed at Hanksville. Green River has more modern accommodations.

Sorry
Vaga

Goblin Valley doesn't have a motel directly in a park, but it isn't that far to Green River or Hanksville(about an hour), so that is no big issue. It will take you almost an hour to get from end of the road in Arches to lodging anyway.