I love to go hiking and having a chance to explore regions of America that I have yet to see. Southern Utah has some of the most beautiful hiking areas that I have ever seen and I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to hike each one of these trails at every opportunity. The great thing about the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is that there is really something for everyone. Throughout the various trails, you can enjoy hiking, riding a dirt bike or riding a horse. It really comes down to your own personal preferences and how much adventure you want to put in your day.

Typically, I enjoy having an opportunity to hike into an area but I knew that this particular trail was going to be a real challenge for me to do it alone. I was interested in going to the Elephant Arch Trail and having the opportunity to examine the Elephant Arch itself at the end of the trail. This is located in the Mill Creek region and it is particularly sandy, making it fairly difficult for people to hike through. In addition, the trail is approximately 2 1/2 miles long so it can become rather laborious walking through such deep, loose sand for so long.

As a result, I made the decision to examine the rock formations on horseback. This is one of the best trails in the area for anyone that is riding a horse because that same sandy surface that makes it so difficult for a person to walk along the trail is excellent for equestrian activity. It was a relatively cool day so I was not worried about putting too much stress on the horse by asking it to take me the entire length of the trail and back. Generally speaking, the whole trip can be completed on horseback in just a couple of hours but I made the decision to take a little longer because I really wanted to take in the sites.

Once I reached the Elephant Arch I had the chance to simply stop and enjoy my surroundings for a while. I took a number of photographs and enjoyed taking it all in before I made the decision to head back. This was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had in quite some time and it is certainly one of the most beautiful trails that I have ever traveled. I would definitely make the decision to do it all over again. Having said that, I would probably decide to stick with completing the trail on horseback a second time as opposed to walking it myself. The exception would be after a decent rain because in the days immediately thereafter, the soft sand is packed a little harder. This makes it a lot easier to walk on the trail.

Although this particular trail is one that I prefer to complete by riding a horse, it does make an excellent way to get in some good physical fitness if you want to walk the trail. The added level of work that you have to do to get through it is a great way to stay in shape, so if you are looking for something like that, this may be the way to go. Personally, my soul purpose for taking the trail was to have an adventure and look at the rock formations so I simply wanted to enjoy the day. In truth, the day was even better than I had hoped it would be.

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Located within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Arch Trail is a short 1.5 miles, but gives hikers the opportunity to see amazing sandstone formations, as well as the impressive arches for which it is named. With a mostly flat rocky, yet sandyterrain, with the exception of one difficult sandy climb, this hiking trail is ideal for the most family members, although strollers are not allowed. For the best trip, go early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. It also provides a wonderful spot for breathtaking views and photos of the sun setting in the background.

Getting to Arch Trail

​The Arch Trail is easily accessible from the Sand Cove trailhead parking area right off Babylon Road. Simply take the Flicker Trail for 0.2 miles, head along the jeep road on the right for an additional 0.4 miles to reach the primitive Sand Cove camp area. (If you drive a high clearance vehicle with 4WD, you have the option of driving directly to the camp area using the jeep road and parking within the cove.)

What to Expect

​The start of Arch Trail is denoted by a trail sign and the trail is well marked throughout your hike.As you follow along the winding trail through a rocky drainage area, you will be amazed by the spectacular red rock formations that are essentially everywhere. Opportunities for great photos are all over the place, but many people love to pose under the small arch that stands alone approximately one mile into the hike. The trail slowly descends through a gorgeous array of sandstone formations, including some that have outstanding layered wave formations. Continue the trail until it dead ends onto a high promontory that looks down over the Virgin River, another ideal place for plenty of photos. You can follow the same route back or opt to use the alternative route that is located about 20 yards east of the arch. (This route is not marked, but it does provide a more gradual slope making it easier to return to the upper area and the starting point of the trail.)

Possible Difficulties

​For the most part, the Arch Trail is an easy hike, although it can get hot during the dry summer months, so be certain to put on sunscreen and bring plenty of water. By far, the area that may prove to be the most challenging for some hikers is the short, steep sand slope that is situated directly north of the arch. Although, this is a rather strenuous descend, a ridge to the west of the sand slope offers a great view of the distant arch belowthat you will want to check out. The total elevation change from one end to the other is 420 feet.

​If you are heading to southern Utah, there is no reason not to stop at the Red Cliff Desert Reserve. In addition to the short, relatively easy hike along the Arch Trail, there are plenty of other opportunities for great hikes with views that are both impressive and unique.

About ½ mile down the trail, visitors will find a small but beautiful stand-alone arch that is a popular photo site.  Another half mile will take visitors down to the Virgin River where the trail ends.  A short, steep slope with deep sand immediately north of the arch can be a little challenging to some hikers returning to the parking area, especially in hot, dry summer months. An unsigned, alternate return route exists about 20 yards east of the arch that allows a more gradual climb through partly sandy soils to get back up to the  main trail back to the start.  Otherwise, the Arch trail is not particularly difficult and is suitable for most families.

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Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Utah, your stay in this great State cannot be complete unless you partake in the popular Delicate Arch Hike. Delicate arch is synonymous with Utah, because it is one of the greatest landmarks in this part of the country. Located in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, delicate arch is considered one of the most beautiful arches in the world. People come here from various parts of the earth to hike and take pictures of this exciting arch.

Hikers come to Arches National Park all year round. If you want to enjoy hiking in delicate arch, you have to visit when the weather is best. It is not advisable to hike the trail in mid summer afternoons, because this period is always too hot for hikers. It is advisable to come in the summer evenings or summer mornings. If you want to hike in the evening, do not stay here until nightfall, because it is extremely dangerous to hike the trail by night. You can hike during the winter period, hike throughout the day during winter, but you should always study the weather forecast and avoid the trail when the weather becomes too cold.

When you are coming here to hike, you have to come along with your drinking water. There is availability of pit toilets; you have to bear this in mind when setting out for the hiking.

The trailhead of the delicate arch is located at the Wolfe Ranch. It is not difficult to gain access to the trailhead because there are signs displayed at strategic places to guide you. If you are going with your car during the tourist season, you should know that you will most likely not find a parking space for your car. You should be prepared to park along the road.

On your route to the trailhead, you will spot the famous Native American Rock. The rock is so attractive that you can spend a few minutes exploring and enjoying it. You can locate this rock through signed spur along the route. The elevation gain as you make your way up to the arch is 480 feet. You will not have any shade on the way. The hiking can be terrible when you do it in the midday, this is why it is recommended that you come early, or you wait until evening. If you want to make it during the midday remember to come along with your hat and sunscreen. Carry water along irrespective of whether you are coming in summer or winter season.

Delicate arch is a wonderful hiking experience. You have to be well prepared for it before you start; it is going to be strenuous. The length of the trail is estimated at three miles. There is no shade to rest in during the hike. You can attempt hiking with your kid, but you must be prepared to carry them before you complete the hike. Some places of interest you can meet as you hike the trail include the Ute Indian Petroglyphs and the Wolfe Ranch Site. You can take memorable pictures at this wonderful site. The Delicate Arch hike is an amazing experience you will never forget in your life.

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