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Delicate Arch Hike: A Complete Guide
The ‘Icon of Utah’ that adorns every number plate in the state is a geographical wonder. People travel far and wide to see the 14m high opening, so it’s no wonder that it’s the most popular trail in Arches National Park. The Delicate Arch hike can be challenging for some due to the steep rocky path, however it’s well trodden and therefore easy to follow. The details below are based on a round trip from Delicate Arch Viewpoint Parking lot. You can park closer, at Wolfe Ranch, which saves around 1.6km each way, but it’s frequently overflowing. Below we’ve listed a basic trail guide in three easy steps!
Delicate Arch Hiking Route
Getting to Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
Arches National Park is fairly isolated. The nearest town to the Visitor Centre is Moab, around a 10 minute drive away. However it is possible to visit from further afar, just be aware that once at the park there is no public transport, so be sure to drive or take a bicycle. If this is a stop on your road trip then check out our American Road Trip for Hikers which lists our favourite stops and what we’d recommend combining them with!
By Plane
The nearest airport is Salt Lake City (230 miles away), located north of the park it’s a fairly simple, but long drive to the main entrance. Head south from Salt Lake City, following I-15 which eventually joins to US 191. Arches National Park Visitors Centre will be on your left, from here follow the instructions below from the main entrance.
From Moab
Drive North along US 191 until you reach Arches National Park Visitors Centre. This is the main entrance to the park and from here follow Park Road, north towards Wolfe Ranch Road. Here turn right and follow the signs for Wolfe Ranch, do not follow signs for Delicate Arch Viewpoint – this is a different trail that only allows you to see the arch from a distance.
Top Tip: Stopping at the Visitors Centre is a great opportunity to get a leaflet, and learn more about the Delicate Arch hike. It will give you more information on the history and rock formations along the route. This is also the last place with flushing toilets in the park.
Entrance
Entrance to Arches National Park is $30 per vehicle, however if you have an America The Beautiful Pass, the entrance fee is covered. It’s definitely worth considering the aforementioned pass, especially if you’re planning on visiting several National Parks within the year.
Accommodation
If visiting in mid summer, it might be worth staying somewhere with air conditioning. We camped to save money which meant we were up and out of the tent early anyway to avoid hiking in the heat. Because of the intense summer heat we recommend you finish hiking by 11am , which makes having access to a pool during the midday heat an absolute dream. That’s why we would recommend:
Where: Canyonlands Campground
Cost: Approx $40 per night, tent site, no hook up
Facilities: Bathrooms, Showers, Laundry Facilities, Fire Pits, Picnic Benches and more.
Bonus: It has a pool and even an onsite gas station to top up before hitting the road again!
Stage 1: Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
The Preliminary Hiking Trail
From the car park follow signs for the trail head, it’ll be fairly obvious as it’s often busy with tours and fellow hikers. The first stretch takes you along a dirt path, early on, a branch off to the left leads you to the historic Wolfe Ranch Cabin. If time is on your side it’s worth taking the short diversion to see the historical cabin, home of James Wesley Wolfe in the late 1800’s. However, the trail we’re following continues straight, cross a small footbridge and you’ll reach another spur. This time the diversion takes you to see a wall of Ute Indian Petroglyphs, which again if you have time is really worth seeing, it only adds 10 minutes!
Fun Fact: The Petroglyphs you’ll find during your Delicate Arch hike are believed to have been carved somewhere in the mid 1600’s and depict people on horseback. The Utes only began using horses once the Spaniards had introduced them which allows them to approximately date the carvings.
Stage 2: Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
Midsection (The Tough Bit)
Hiking on towards Delicate Arch, follow the route through the desert scrub until you reach a huge, open, expanse of steep rock. Known as slickrock, hiking the smooth, red, concrete like surface is the most challenging part of Delicate Arch hike. The trail, marked by cairns, is an unshaded path that climbs up the bare rock slab. If you’re unable to see the cairns, follow the zig zagging tourists ahead of you, until the rock plateaus at the top.
Top Tip: During summer months, set off in time to allow you to finish the hike before 11am. Alternatively only start your hike after 5pm to avoid the intense desert heat. Delicate Arch hike is completely unshaded and hard work, so be sure to take enough water.
Stage 3: Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
Nearly there!
Once you’ve made it up the steep ascent it’s a fairly easy trail from here onwards. Meandering through gullies carved by water hundreds of years ago, you’ll come across pockets of sand and local shrubs. The trail narrows for the last 200m and follows a cliff edge. It’s a sheer drop so take care on this section and keep an eye on any children.
Photo Tip: Just before you reach Delicate Arch, there’s a small opening, which is Doughnut Arch, this is a great photo opportunity to frame Delicate Arch within Doughnut Arch.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
As you come round the corner at the end of the trail, the world class wonder that is Delicate Arch, comes into view. The sheer scale becomes apparent when you see a person stood below the arch. Make your way around the edge of the stone bowl to join the queue of people getting their photo taken under the arch. Don’t forget to explore other areas and angles to view the arch from, often people stay at the main viewpoint.
We took a carton of strawberries up to watch sunset over the magical rock, it was an experience to remember for the rest of our lives. If you plan on taking snacks, don’t forget to bring your rubbish back down!
Top Tip: Hiking this trail at Sunset or Sunrise gives you the opportunity to see the rock in all its redness. If you want tranquility, hike the latter to avoid photobombers in the arch!
Once you’ve explored the natural stone amphitheatre and taken in the wonder that is Delicate Arch, head back the way you came. Bonus is, it’s all downhill from there!
Top Tip: If hiking this trail for Sunset, don’t forget to bring a torch and coat for the return journey. Once the sun sets, it gets very cold very quickly in the desert.
Delicate Arch Trail Summary
The epic geological feature is on everyone’s bucket list and it’s not until you visit Delicate Arch in person, that you appreciate the monumental size of the almost 16m high red rock formation. As a fairly short trail, Delicate Arch hike is a must for all those visiting Utah or passing through Arches National Park.
Key Points
- Take plenty of water, particularly if hiking in summer. Try to avoid the midday heat and hike before 11am or after 5pm.
- Be careful if hiking in winter, the trail can be treacherous due to snow and ice of the steep slopes of bare rock.
- It’s a popular trail so don’t expect solitude, winter sunrise tends to be the quietest time to see the natural wonder.
- Take a torch and coat if hiking for sunrise/sunset, it gets cold and dark very quickly once the sun has gone down.
We hope we’ve inspired you to take a road trip to visit Delicate Arch, if you’re looking for more road trip inspiration check out our Top 10 Scenic American Road Trip Stops. Let us know in the comments below if you have any more tips for visiting Delicate Arch or if you’ve visited and what you thought. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to see our most recent adventures!
All the best,
Eve and Nick