![]() ![]() If you leave right at sunset, you should have enough light to get back to the car lot. If you are going for a sunset shot, bring a good headlamp. In fact, bring a spare or two.Also, there is no shelter out at the arch and slickrock is called slickrock for good reason. Raingear is lightweight and good insurance to have. The last time I photographed the Arch the forecast had “ZERO” percent of rain…and yes, it rained anyway. Bring rain-gear for you and your camera (unless the temperature is below freezing).A big hat with a wide brim, sunscreen and sunglasses will help.A couple bottles of Aquafina stuffed in your pockets isn’t going to cut it There are no sources of water, except what you bring with you, so bring LOTS of water…at least a liter or two. Summer temperatures in excess of 100F are common.Wear good hiking boots…you will appreciate the traction when you are trying to keep your balance on the slickrock that makes up much of the trail.Dave and Ginger Rathbun have a detailed article about the hike that includes lots of photos, use this link to see more.There will likely be tons of folks on the trail…you certainly won’t be alone, so there shouldn’t be any chance of getting lost.The hike should take you about an hour depending on your pace. Yes, it is only 1.5 miles to the arch, but remember that you are at an altitude of 4,800’…if you are a flatlander like me, you will find the thinner air will sap some of your energy. ![]() My guess it they both didn’t listen to that little voice and went a bit too far trying to get that unique shot. One of them was climbing on the sheer cliff behind the Arch and the other guy was in the ‘bowl’ in front of it. So…if that sounds like you, please keep in mind that at least two photographers have died at Delicate Arch.Not the standard postcard view that has already been printed a million times (okay, we want to get the postcard shot too…but we really want to capture something NEW). With that said, it is a truism that when any photographer worth their salt visits an iconic location, they want to get a unique shot.If you stick to the main trails, pay attention to where your feet are going (rather than looking out into the distance for your next shot) and listen to that little voice that asks you “Is this really a good idea?”…then you will be fine. This location isn’t inherently dangerous, but there are cliffs and drop-offs.Listen to that voice in the back of your head.This isn’t the typical National Park ‘scenic overview trail’ where you drive up, walk ten minutes on a paved trail, take a look and walk back. Summer Monsoons can result in wonderful sunset compositions…(Click on photo to see full resolution version) The Basics:Ī lot of the folks that trek to Delicate Arch the first time clearly don’t have any idea what to expect. This article is intended to help you do just that. If you are like me, Delicate Arch is not a spot that you will get to visit often…so you don’t have time to learn things the ‘hard way’…you want to be prepared so that when you get there you are able to maximize your time. Majestic, colossal, dramatic, colorful…I mean, what more could any photographer ask for? So earlier this year when I was planning a photo shoot at Delicate Arch, I was pretty surprised when I googled “Delicate Arch Photo Tips” and got only a handful of hits. After all, this incredibly graceful 65 foot tall sculpture of entrada sandstone is a photographic icon. If you are a landscape photographer, then you have seen images of Delicate Arch…probably hundreds of them. ![]()
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