Delicate Arch: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Delicatearch.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Delicate Arch]]

{{short description|Freestanding natural arch}}

{{Infobox landform

| name = Delicate Arch

| type = [[Rock arch]]

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| photo = Delicate arch sunset.jpg

| photo_caption = View of the Delicate Arch at sunset, August 2005

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| map = Utah#USA

| map_image =

| map_size =

| map_caption = Location in Utah##Location in Utah

| label = Delicate Arch

<!-- ___location -->

| ___location = [[Arches National Park]], [[Utah]], United States

| coordinates = {{coord|38.743517|N|109.499341|W|type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| coords_ref = <ref name="gnis"/>

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| elevation = {{convert|4606|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="gnis"/>

| height = {{convert|52|ft|m|abbr=on}}

}}

'''Delicate Arch''' is a {{convert|52|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} freestanding [[natural arch]] located in [[Arches National Park]], near [[Moab, Utah|Moab]] in [[Grand County, Utah|Grand County]], [[Utah]], United States.<ref name="gnis">{{gnis|1427330|Delicate Arch}}</ref><ref name="report">{{cite report|url=https://nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/arch/arch_gre_rpt_view.pdf|title=Arches National Park: Geologic Resource Evaluation Report|website=nature.nps.gov|publisher=[[National Park Service]]|page=9|access-date=March 10, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128135456/https://nature.nps.gov/geology/parks/arch/arch_gre_rpt_view.pdf|archive-date=January 28, 2017|via=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> The arch is the most widely recognized [[landmark]] in Arches National Park and is depicted on [[Vehicle registration plates of Utah|Utah license plates]] and a [[postage stamp]] commemorating Utah's [[centennial]] anniversary of [[admission to the Union]] in 1896. The [[2002 Winter Olympics torch relay|Olympic torch relay]] for the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] passed through the arch.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Olympic torch makes way into Utah for first time|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2002/news/2002/02/04/torch_utah_ap/|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=February 4, 2002|access-date=July 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719224500/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2002/news/2002/02/04/torch_utah_ap/|archive-date=July 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Delicate Arch''' is a freestanding [[natural arch]] located in [[Arches National Park]] near [[Moab, Utah|Moab]], [[Utah]].

It is the most widely-recognized [[landmark]] in Arches National Park and is depicted on both Utah [[license plate]]s and a [[postage stamp]] commemorating Utah's [[centennial]] anniversary of [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood|statehood]] in [[1996]]. The [[Olympic torch]] [[relay race|relay]] for the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] passed through the arch.

==History==

[[File:Cloudy Sunset at Delicate Arch (8520706358).jpg|thumb|Delicate Arch and adjacent large [[panhole]] at sunset, February 2011]]

Because of its distinctive shape, the arch was known as "the Chaps" and "the Schoolmarm's Bloomers" by local cowboys. It was given its current name by Frank Beckwith, leader of the Arches National Monument Scientific Expedition, who explored the area in the winter of [[1933]]-[[1934]]. (The story that the names of Delicate Arch and [[Landscape Arch]] were inadvertently exchanged due to a signage mixup by the [[National Park Service]] is false.)

Because of its distinctive shape, the arch was known as "the [[Chaps]]" and "the Schoolmarm's [[Bloomers (clothing)|Bloomers]]" by local cowboys.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Dfw39LEixkC&q=delicate+arch+%22the+chaps%22&pg=PA84|last=Green|first=Stewart M.|title=Best Easy Day Hikes Moab|publisher=[[Globe Pequot Press]]|___location=Guilford, Connecticut|page=84|isbn=978-0762767830|year=2011|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Many other names have been applied to this arch including "Bloomers Arch", "Marys Bloomers", "Old Maids Bloomers", "Pants Crotch", "Salt Wash Arch", and "School Marms Pants".<ref name="gnis"/> The arch was given its current name by Frank Beckwith, leader of the Arches National Monument Scientific Expedition, who explored the area in the winter of 1933&ndash;1934. Although there is a rumor that the names of Delicate Arch and [[Landscape Arch]] were inadvertently exchanged due to a signage mixup by the [[National Park Service]] (NPS), this is false.<ref name="Hoffman">Hoffman, John F., ''Arches National Park''</ref>

TheThis arch played no part in the original designation of the area as a [[U.S. National Monumentmonument (United States)|national monument]] (Arches National Monument) in [[1929]], and was not included within the original boundaries; it was added when the monument was enlarged in [[1938]]. In the [[1950s]], the National Park Service investigated the possibility of applying a clear [[plastic]] coating to the arch to protect it from further [[erosion]] and eventual destruction. The idea was ultimately abandoned as impractical and contrary to NPS principles.

In the 1950s, the NPS investigated the possibility of applying a clear [[plastic]] coating to the arch to protect it from further [[erosion]] and eventual destruction. The idea was ultimately abandoned as impractical and contrary to NPS principles.<ref name="Hoffman"/>

==The hike to the Arch==

The Delicate Arch is located at the end of a moderately strenuous, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hiking trail from the parking area at [[Wolfe Ranch]]. Taking more than an hour each way, the round trip is slightly more than 3 miles long and the Arch is completely hidden from view on this trail.

Nature photographer Michael Fatali started a fire under the arch in September 2000 to demonstrate nighttime photography techniques to a group of amateur photographers. The fire discolored portions of the sandstone near the arch.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://photo.net/nature-photography-forum/001oMT|title=Fatali Pleads Guilty to All Charges|last=Vigh|first=Michael|newspaper=[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]|___location=Salt Lake City|date=December 8, 2001|access-date=March 10, 2019|via=photo.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/878430/Photographer-admits-fire-role.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007183813/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/878430/Photographer-admits-fire-role.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2018|title=Photographer admits fire role|last=Welling|first=Angie|newspaper=[[Deseret News]]|publisher=[[Deseret Digital Media]]|___location=Salt Lake City|date=December 7, 2001|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref> Fatali was placed on probation and fined $10,900 in restitution to the NPS for the cost of cleanup efforts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/02/us/national-briefing-rockies-utah-sentence-for-burning-arch.html|title=National Briefing: Rockies: Utah: Sentence For Burning Arch|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|___location=New York City|date=February 2, 2002|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

The first third of the hike gains only a slight elevation, but is through rugged, brushy terrain. On the middle third of the hike the trail is nearly invisible, along the face of an exposed [[entrada|slickrock]] outcrop. The elevation gain on this section is strenuous, but offers some excellent pauses to see the [[geology]] in the salt valley more clearly. [[Cairn]]s (piles of rocks) have been placed by visitors and park staff to roughly suggest the trail to the top. But visitors will enjoy the huge expanse of completely exposed [[sandstone]] and tend to wander all over the mountain. Aiming for the top of the slickrock, mostly to the right (south) side will bring you to the correct trail at the top.

In 2017, the [[United Utah Party]] was founded, and chose Delicate Arch as its official party logo.

The latter third of the trail is the most rugged, as hikers have now nearly reached the "top" of the plateau. The Arch is still invisible, and the trail runs around outcrops, through washes and between stands of twisted brush and trees. The trail may be easier to follow, but will tend to wander as parts become muddy and difficult to walk through. During the 2004 fall season, the trail clearly followed the left (northern) side of the plateau, and brought visitors along a breathtakingly narrow shelf nearly 150 feet above a dry wash.

==Geology==

The arch rises suddenly into view around a corner in the trail and frames the [[Manti-La Sal National Forest|La Sal Mountains]] to the southeast. Step carefully, the geology at the arch is unbelievable, and very rugged. Small children (4 years and up) can make this hike, with frequent stops and lots of water, but they will need to be closely monitored at the Arch as many of the unguarded cliffs plunge a hundred feet or more. The views of the southern expanse of the park are spellbinding. Visitors are strongly cautioned to be aware of weather conditions prior to the hike, as the entire trail is exposed to the elements.

Delicate Arch is formed of [[Entrada Sandstone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov:80/arches/html/3d001.html|title=USGS - Delicate Arch|website=usgs.gov|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|access-date=March 10, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304203929/http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/arches/html/3d001.html|archive-date=March 4, 2009|via=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> The original sandstone fin was gradually worn away by weathering and erosion, leaving the arch. Other arches in the park were formed the same way but, due to placement and less dramatic shape, are not as famous.

==WildlifeEcology==

During the summer months, [[Whitewhite-throated Swiftswift]]s (''Aeronautes saxatalis'') nest in the top of the arch,.<ref>{{cite sometimesweb|url=http://www.viamagazine.com/weekenders/rock_art07.asp|title=Arches dartingNational toPark: andHere froare withsix greatfun rapidityfacts about Utah's famed Delicate Arch.|access-date=March 10, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208103015/http://www.viamagazine.com/destinations/arches-national-park|archive-date=February 8, 2012|via=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref>

==ControversyClimbing==

In May of 2005, a careless climber caused rope gouges into the soft sandstone of the formation. <ref>http://outside.away.com/outside/features/200606/delicate-arch-climb-1.html</ref> Under the rules active at the time, climbing Delicate Arch was not explicitly forbidden, however, it was understood that the named arch formations should not be climbed. Since that climb, the Park Service has closed the loophole by disallowing climbs on any named arch within the park year-round. Also, slacklining and the placement of new fixed anchors on new climbs is also prohibited.

In May 2006, climber [[Dean Potter]] performed as many as six [[Free solo climbing|free solo ascents]] of the arch. Climbing Delicate Arch was not explicitly forbidden under the rules in force at the time, which only stated that routes "may be closed" on any named arch; however, most climbers accepted that the named arch formations should not be climbed. The NPS has since closed the loophole by disallowing climbs on any named arch within the park year-round. [[Slacklining]] and the placement of new fixed anchors on new climbs are also prohibited.<ref name=Neville>{{cite web|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/rock-climbing/How-Delicate-Was-Dean-.html|title=How Delicate Was Dean?|last=Neville|first=Tim|website=outsideonline.com|publisher=Outside Integrated Media, LLC|date=June 1, 2006|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

Controversy ensued when photographs taken after Potter's climb appeared to show damage caused by a climbing technique called [[Top rope climbing|top roping]]. Potter stated on several occasions that he never damaged the arch, and no photos exist of Potter using a top rope setup on the arch. Previous climbers may have top-roped the arch, leaving the existing rope scars.<ref name=Neville/> Potter did admit to using a counterweighted rope over the top of the arch, within a natural groove,<ref>[[Patagonia (clothing)|Patagonia]] and Dean Potter (June 8, 2006). [https://www.outsideonline.com/1828261/official-statement-patagonia-and-dean-potter-delicate-arch-climb "Official Statement from Patagonia and Dean Potter on the Delicate Arch Climb"]. ''outsideonline.com''. Retrieved January 2, 2020.</ref> as well as four [[Spring-loaded camming device|cams]] in a horizontal crack of harder rock at the summit. He used the rope and cams for protection while rehearsing his free solo route and to rappel back down after the free solos. Two fellow climbers also ascended via fixed ropes, one of whom recorded video of Potter from the top.<ref name=Neville/>

==Tourism==

Delicate Arch is one of the main tourist draws in Arches National Park. The parking lot at the Delicate Arch Trailhead, although large, fills up quickly on most days. The trail to Delicate Arch is 3 miles (4.8 kilometer) round trip with an elevation change of 480 feet (146 meters). The trail is well defined for the first 1/2 mile, then does a steep incline over open rock. There is a narrow ledge for the last 200 yards (183 meter) before reaching the arch.<ref>“Delicate Arch Trail” interpretive sign. National Park Service, Arches National Park. Viewed March 20, 2023.</ref>

==See also==

{{portal-inline|Utah}}

==References==

{{reflist}}

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==External links==

{{commons category|Delicate Arch}}

* [http://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/longtrails.htm Arches National Park Trails Page]

* [httphttps://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/delicate-arch.htm Arches National Park homepageDelicate Arch page]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070518072611/http://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/longtrails.htm Arches National Park Trails Page]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090609000118/http://www.roundus.com/listing/1061/ Panorama Under Arch] (archived 9 June 2009)

{{coor title dms|38|44|37|N|109|29|58|W|type:landmark}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100628224430/http://www.onnetworks.com/videos/beautiful-places-in-hd/arches-national-park-delicate-arch?autoplay=true%2F Beautiful Places episode of Delicate Arch] (archived 28 June 2010)

* [http://www.3d-exposure.com/panos1/delicate-arch-1.html Panoramic View of Delicate Arch at Sunset] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315061505/http://3d-exposure.com/panos1/delicate-arch-1.html |date=March 15, 2016 }}

[[Category:GeographyNatural arches of Grand County, Utah]]

[[Category:GrandArches County,National UtahPark]]

[[Category:Natural arches]]

[[Category:Rock formations]]