Located in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, Delicate Arch is one of the most photographed natural arches in the world. Despite not being an especially large arch, the backdrop around Delicate Arch is what makes it so special. It’s a hike that is accessible for all ages, from young children to senior citizens. However, if it has been a while since you’ve last hiked and you’re not used to the altitude, I recommend doing this hike in the morning as to avoid the heat. If there’s only one hike you can do at Arches National Park, make it this one!
Delicate Arch Hike Details
Distance – 3 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Elevation at trailhead – 4349 feet
Elevation at Delicate Arch – 4829 feet
Elevation gain – 480 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well-maintained, mostly slickrock
Amount of water recommended – 1 to 2 liters, there is no shade
Bathrooms – Yes, located at trailhead
Seasons to hike – All year-long
How to get there:
Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab, Utah, along US-191. Upon entering the park, rangers will give you a map. Follow the park road 12 miles where you will see signs for the Delicate Arch turnoff. Follow this road to a large parking area on the left side of the road. (See a Google map of this hike at the end of this post)
Hitting the Trail!
The hike can be divided into three sections. The first part is relatively flat and gains some elevation. After only 0.1 miles, you’ll see an old corral and log home on the left, known as Wolfe Ranch, where James Wesley Wolfe and his family lived from 1888 to 1910. Take a minute to look around at the living circumstances back then, before crossing a small foot bridge over Salt Wash. After the foot bridge, you’ll see a sign and a side trail off to the left that, with just a five minute walk take you to a Ute petroglyph panel, depicting horses and bighorn sheep.
Shortly after returning to the main trail, the middle section starts, which involves hiking up a long inclined slab of slickrock, where the trail is marked by cairns. (Piles of small stones.) Since there is no shade on this hike, this part can be rather miserable in the heat of the day, so bring water and a brimmed hat.
The final third of the hike is also marked by cairns as the trail passes around and through a couple of dry washes. Up to this point, Delicate Arch is still not visible. The last part before reaching the arch follows a part of the trail that was formed by blowing out a trail along the left side of a rock fin. Just to the right about 20 feet up from the trail, you’ll see Frame Arch, which you can climb up to and catch your first glimpse of Delicate Arch, which makes for a unique photo shot and your first view of Delicate Arch.
Delicate Arch through Frame Arch
After passing Frame Arch, the trail will narrow and a drop off will be on the left side of the trail as you approach the end of the rock fin. Then, BOOM, there is Delicate Arch, basking all the alone with a beautiful backdrop! Many hikers like to stand under the arch for pictures, but please be considerate and don’t stay there for more than a couple of photos. Truth be told, if you’re standing under the arch and the photographer is framing all of Delicate Arch in the picture, you will look like an ant. People won’t be able to tell that it is even you. Try taking your picture from this vantage point instead. It won’t disrupt others that are taking photos of the arch, and it actually looks a lot better. I’ve done this hike at least a dozen times, during different seasons of the year and times of day, and it never gets old. I snap several pictures each time, as if it’s my first time there!
To take a good photo of you and Delicate Arch, stand here. You will be too small under the arch to see while also fitting the entire arch in the picture.
Once there, take plenty of time to take pictures at a variety of angles of Delicate Arch. The best time to photograph Delicate Arch is at sunset during the late winter months. It will also be less crowded than during the summer. It’s common to have hundreds of hikers at the arch during the summer sunsets, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Delicate Arch at sunset
After you’ve had your fill of photos and water, begin your trek back the way you came. The hike will seem completely different going down. Parts that may have left you breathing hard on the hike up, will be a breeze on the way down. If hiking up for sunset, be mindful that a headlamp or flashlight on the way back will be handy!
What to Bring on this Hike:
Be sure to get different angles of Delicate Arch while you’re there
A rare angle of Delicate Arch
We’d love to connect with you! Catch up with YOUR HIKE GUIDE on Instagram or Facebook.
To see more hikes we recommend in Southern Utah, click here.
