Do you want to visit somewhere so iconic that it is literally on the Utah license plate? Hiking Delicate Arch is one of the most quintessential things to do in Utah. When you make it to the top you will be greeted with the sight of the arch and incredible views beyond. This hike is one of the best and most memorable in Arches National Park!
People often refer to this as the MOST famous arch in the entire world. It’s quite an incredible sight, because the arch stands tall with the legs connecting to the ground. When you see it, you’ll wonder how nature possibly made a rock formation like that. This geological marvel also sits directly in front of the majestic La Sal Mountains, adding to its beauty.
I have gone to Arches a couple times now and I have gone on most of the hiking trails in the park. Both times, I decided to do the Delicate Arch trail and each time it exceeded my expectations. Even though there are crowds of people around it doesn’t make this spot any less magical. If you only have time for one thing in this park, then you need to put this hike on your bucket list!
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Table of Contents
Delicate Arch Hike Details
Quick Hike Details
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 629 Feet
Type: Out and Back
Length: 3 miles
Where is Delicate Arch?
You can find Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, which is located in Moab, Utah. Once you enter the park, you will take the main road for about 12 miles before you see the turn off towards Delicate Arch. Continue on the road for 1.2 miles before you will see the parking area for the trail. Once you are there, you can find a spot and prepare to trek up the mountain.
What is the best time to go?
This area of Utah gets extremely hot, so the best times to go to Moab are in the Spring and Fall. There, you will get plenty of sunshine and experience more mild temperatures. The park can get crowded during these times, so plan ahead to beat the crowds.
Arches is one of the most crowded parks in the country, so you will need to time the hike well! Hundreds of visitors to the park spend time hiking Delicate Arch every single day. There is only one parking lot for this hike and it fills quickly. The earlier you go, the more likely you will get a spot and that you may even have the arch to yourself. Sunrise is the best time to avoid crowds.
However, if you don’t mind the crowds and you want to see the best lighting on the arch, then you should go at sunset. When you get to the top, you’ll notice plenty of other people camping out for a good view of the sunset behind the Arch. Expect to have people in all of your photos. Luckily, everyone is nice about taking photos with the Arch and you can wait in line for your shot!
What is the trail like?
Begin this trail at the parking lot and continue down the path to the right (the left leads to Petroglyphs). As you begin the trail, you’ll notice it start to climb up the hill right away. This trail continues up the hill and over smooth faces of the mountain. It can get very slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good traction. Make sure to take your time and pack plenty of water for the trek.
About a mile into the trail you will get to the point, where you have to turn to the left and walk over sandy areas and around the rocks. Kids love this area because there are some fun rocks to play on as you go. From there, you will continue through this path and then you’ll find an area where you can continue on the rocks of the right side. They can get a little slippery, so just be careful with your footing.
At the end of the trail, you will finally climb up and over the rocky wall. There, you will be greeted with the amazing views of the Arch and the La Sal Mountains behind. This area is shaped like a bowl, so you can sit on one side of the bowl and see the Arch from there or walk alongside it to stand in line for a photo with the Arch! You could pack a snack to enjoy at the top, because there are great places to sit, rest, and take in the views. Once you are ready to go, then you will return the exact same way you came up.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arches National Park requires timed reservations from April 3-October 3. These permits cost $2 per vehicle and you can purchase them on recreation.gov. The tickets are released 3 months prior to the date, with a limited number becoming available the day before at 6 pm.
- In order to enter the park, you will need to pay the $25 fee at the entrance station. You can use the accepted passes like America the Beautiful to get in for free.
- If you do not get a permit, you can get into the park as long as you arrive before 6 am in the morning.
- Parking at Delicate Arch fills up and there is no parking along the road there, so you will have to wait for a spot or go to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail. From there, you will have to walk on the road for a mile to get to the Delicate Arch trailhead. This adds two miles total, so the hike becomes five miles
- Always remember to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles when you go on a hike and leave the trail better than you found it.
- There are bathrooms at the trailhead, so you do not have to worry about that on the hike.
What should I bring?
Moab, Utah can get very hot in the early Fall, late Spring, and Summer. So, you will want to protect your skin, pack the 10 essentials, and bring plenty of water. If you plan on hiking early in the morning or at sunset, then you should also bring a headlamp to navigate the trail.
Packing List:
- Hiking Boots/Shoes with Good Traction
- Day Pack
- Headlamp
- 1 Liter of Water
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit
- Layers
- Sunglasses or Hat
Final Thoughts:
I don’t think that a trip to Arches National Park is complete without a trip to Delicate Arch. This is one of the best trails in the park, but it does require planning ahead of time. I have seen people of all skill levels hike this trail including young children and older individuals with canes(!), so most people can complete this hike.
Let me know in the comments if you found this hiking guide helpful!
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