We’re planning a trip to southern Utah in October, and were planning to hike the Delicate Arch Trail in Arches NP. My husband and I aren’t “hikers,” but we’re both in pretty good shape (I run several miles a day, he works out at the gym), so it seemed doable. Now I’m reading the Rough Guide, which describes the trail as “grueling” and says that it “can take the wind out of the hardiest hiker’s sails.” I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this hike. How difficult did you find it to be? And to give some perspective, what would you say your fitness level is? Is this trail really just for hard-core hikers? The Rough Guide also says that in Bryce Canyon, “even a brief hike involves considerable effort” because of the altitude. I was planning on doing the Navajo Loop Trail (descent) / Queen’s Garden Trail (ascent) hike – any thoughts?

My husband and I (42 and 52) exercise regularly but are not in exceptional shape. We hiked almost all of the day trails at Bryce last September with no problem. Well, with one problem. It was a very hot day, the third week of September. I hiked a short trail in the early morning, then a longer one right after for a total of 12 miles. I had a baseball cap on because of the sun, but the cap wasn't ventilated and I ended up getting heat stroke. My husband, who wore no head covering whatsoever, was fine; of course, he hadn't hiked the shorter hike with me that morning. We haven't been to Arches, so I can't comment on that. I'd be interested in any responses though, because we're planning on going there this spring.

I hiked the Delicate Arch Trail and found it to be an extraordinary experience. You've got to do it to believe it. Given the your fitness level, you should have no trouble. In no way would I consider it grueling for someone who is relatively fit. It is a long walk over flat rock with a gradual increase in elevation. Since it is cool in October, it will be wonderful. My friend and I are 57 and 62, in decent shape but not serious hikers and had no problems during any part of the hike. Also, it is not at the edge of a cliff like the Grand Canyon paths and even though I don't like heights, this trail was fine.

I'm 53. not in good shape at all, but last May, I managed the two trails at Bryce that you mention. I was tired at the end, of course, and wish I had carried more water as it was 90. The park is downright magical, esp. when seen from different perspectives. Cannot comment on the other trails.

My husband and I are 44 years old. We hiked all of the trails that you mention. I 'm a regular exerciser (aerobics/weight training), my husband rarely exercises and smokes. He had a bit more trouble than I but neither of us thought they were particularly tough. DO NOT MISS THE DELICATE ARCH HIKE. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. WELL WORTH ANY MUSCLE ACHE AND SWEAT IT MAY COST YOU! You'll also love the Bryce hikes, you'll think you're in a fairy land. We went in Sept. and it was very hot. If it's still hot just be sure to take plenty of water.

Ann I agree with all of the above posters. All the trails you mention are well worth the trip! Bring plenty of water and you may enjoy early morning or late afternoon hikes more than the sweltering mid-day sun.

Delicate Arch is not nearly as bad as I heard it would be. May concern was walking on the edge of cliffs. This is not a problem until the last couple hundred yards and I felt a bit uncomfortable but nothing that could stop me from that VIEW! The moment I turned that corner and saw Delicate Arch my life changed! The trail is a bit steep going up to the Arch but nothing an AVERAGE person couldn't handle.

Bryce is spectacular as well. I don't remember the name of the trails but I think we followed Queens Garden around and ended coming uphill from Wall St. My suggestion would be to go the opposite way since the incline is very steep. Once again, you will have no problem. I saw a Chinese woman in high heels making the hike!!!! That was crazy!! Old people doing it - you'll be fine.

Given your level of fitness, you should be fine on your intended hikes. Heed the suggestions above about proper clothing, hats, sunscreen and water. We loved Navajo Loop; the walk through Wall Street (a narrow passage) is very cooling. There's some short switchbacks toward the end of this hike, but you should be fine. Queen's Garden also is a fine hike. If you have the time, the Fairyland hike (8-mile loop) gives more of an overall perspective of the area. We did not get to do Delicate Arch at Arches; we did the Devil's Garden trail (7.0 mile loop) so as to see more of the park. Even though the weather will be a bit cooler in October, go early when you're hiking in Arches. It's nice to beat the heat and the crowds (it won't be crowded then, but I like to enjoy as much solitude as a NP affords.)A good guidebook is "Utah's National Parks" by Ron Adkison (Wilderness Press.) It has detailed trail info on Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands hikes.

Approximately how long does the Delicate Arch hike take?

We hiked to Delicate Arch with our 9 and 10 year olds on a very hot day in June. I would not recommend going in the heat of the day like we did, but October should be much nicer. We chose to do a horseback ride in Bryce and just loved it. It was a 3 hour ride run by a private company and left from the lodge in the park. Kind of expensive but worth every penny!

no problems w/ delicate arch. fiery furnace hike can be tricky sometimes..some very minor rock climbing is involved ...but it is a ranger lead hike so how much trouble can you get into??

some sections in devils garden are very narrow and elevated...if you fall, you die. also not good if you have a problem w/ heights.

You won't have any problems doing Delicate Arch. My boys were 8 and 11 the first time they did it. My DH and I did it last year and were over 50 now. I would also suggest going beyond Landscape Arch to Dark Angel. You have to hike on the fins and it's awsome!

When my son was only 3 he did the Queen's Garden in Bryce all by himself. What does that tell you!

Have a good trip and do the hikes!

Utahtea

i just got back from bryce a couple of days ago and i am not in good shape (still working on it) and i did hike down the navajo loop trail and then back up the queens garden since it was less steep. this is a good idea if you are concerned about strenuous hikes. either way you will enjoy it. (i did have a little difficulty with the altitude at bryce-just had shortbess of breath fast than i normally would)

have fun!