I'm leaving for Moab on March 20th meeting a fellow photographer who has a lung disease. I've hiked a lot of the Moab area over the years but have never hiked to False Kiva. He would like to photograph it and I was wondering how strenuous the hike is. Any information would be appreciated.
Posted by Grant Collier on March 7, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I'd say the hike is comparable to hiking 2/3 of the way to Delicate Arch. It's maybe 1 mile one-way and the terrain is not flat but nothing all that steep. Some participants in my workshop were afraid to go up the last part of the trail which switchbacked up to the ruins. But I'd say it wasn't too tough or frightening for those who have done any hiking around Moab.
I'll add that the "trail" isn't really much of a trail. It isn't a constructed trail, it's quite rocky, and there are two pretty steep sections, though they are not that long.
For most people, I would not consider this a big deal. However, your friend's lung disease adds quite a bit of concern.
The hike is downhill until the very end. So, your friend might do very well getting there, but have major problems getting back out.
I would use the Delicate Arch trail to guage his abilities, before committing to the False Kiva.trail.
As Bret mentioned, the "trail" is not obvious in a number of places. So, be aware the difficulty can be increased significantly if you make the wrong choices.
Posted by Jack Garrett on March 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I would differ a little from what these young dudes are saying...lol. I am 62 and I hiked this trail about 3 weeks ago. I would say that for my age, this will definitely work up a sweat on the way back. The other thing is if you don't like steep drop offs, this isn't the place to go, at least for me. I got almost all the way to it and it was like the trail just disappeared. I know I was close to the kiva but because I was feeling real uncomfortable, I turned around and came back without my prized photo. I'm just thinking that for a person with lung issues, this might not be a good option.
Thanks to everyone for you input. The suggestion on using Delicate as a test is a good one.
Jack thanks for the up front description of your experience. I'm in my upper 60's and my balance isn't what it used to be. I'll have to give this hike some serious consideration before deciding what to do.
Posted by Bob Falcone on March 16, 2009 at 2:48 AM
Don,
I'd be interested in hearing how things went, once you return. False Kiva is on my list of places to shoot in April.
Discussion
6 repliesThe hike is downhill until the very end. So, your friend might do very well getting there, but have major problems getting back out.
I would use the Delicate Arch trail to guage his abilities, before committing to the False Kiva.trail.
As Bret mentioned, the "trail" is not obvious in a number of places. So, be aware the difficulty can be increased significantly if you make the wrong choices.
Jack
Jack thanks for the up front description of your experience. I'm in my upper 60's and my balance isn't what it used to be. I'll have to give this hike some serious consideration before deciding what to do.
I'd be interested in hearing how things went, once you return. False Kiva is on my list of places to shoot in April.