Delicate Arch Trail is a 3.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Moab, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
rock climbing
walking
bird watching
partially paved
views
wild flowers
wildlife
rocky
no shade
no dogs
Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to Utah's most recognizable natural arch. You will likely recognize the famous arch from the Utah license plates. The hike starts at the Delicate Arch Trailhead off at the Wolf Ranch turn-off in the Moab area of southern Utah . There is a large parking area right off of the main park road. From the parking area you will cross the bridge over salt wash. The hike to Delicate Arch is just over 1.5 miles each way, approximately a 3 mile hike round-trip. It is best hiked in spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler, or during the golden hours just after sunrise or and before sunset when the rocks seem to turn a magical color and the air temperature is bearable again. Take at least 1 quart (1 liter) of water per person! There is no shade. Open slickrock with some exposure to heights. The first half-mile is a wide, well-defined trail. Upon reaching the slickrock, follow the rock cairns. The trail climbs gradually and levels out toward the top of this rock face. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail goes along a rock ledge for about 200 yards. A visit to this beautiful arch is a must do in Arches National Park. Parking is limited and can fill up quickly during peak tourism months so make sure to arrive at the trailhead early.
Have sunscreen!!! Went during December and my face is angry with me. Views were beautiful & the hike was worth it! Took us under 1.5 hrs to complete, with a break to take photos and enjoy the view.
Scary in parts, difficult in parts (but I was able to complete it being quite chunky and out of shape), and completely worth it. I really enjoyed this area and would have loved to stay at the end of the trail viewing the arch for quite some time, but we left quickly because the wind today was insanely powerful up there.
Definitely the most busy trail yesterday. Lots of the slick rock for the last half, icy on the final ledge up to the arch, but you come around the corner and the arch is beautiful. Husband says favorite hike as nothing else like this...despite being a bit busy, not as crowded at arch, can’t imagine how crowded it must be in summer. See the petroglyphs on the final stretch back to the car!
Bring spikes or yak tracks for the last little stretch!!! We had a sheet of ice on the path at the very top and people were walking in their socks to keep from sliding off the path - was 100% fine with the yak tracks!
sabrina Tan recorded Delicate Arch Trail
We didn’t really made it to the arch lol The trail to the front side of the arch is pretty icy and slippery. We were about to give up and head back then we saw there is another “trail” to the other side of the arch but after we get there we were not able to see the pretty view of the arch. So I don’t recommend going there during winter. Btw now is thanksgiving week.
Michelle Calbo recorded Delicate Arch Trail
This was absolutely awesome! We took our daughter who is a year in a half. Had her in her carrier the whole time. In the beginning it was a little rough because the elevation and really rocky and the stone. After you get passed that it’s rocky with sandy. Then you go along side the mountain and turn the corner and bam your reward!!! My mom who is 62 did this hike I also say many other people who were older doing the hike also with kids! A must see!!
We did this trail with 20 people of all abilities, everyone enjoyed it. I would consider this an easy hike. Beautiful from all angles. Amazing blue sky and the weather was the perfect temperature. Very quiet on the trail and at the arch. A must see iconic figure.
Experience the iconic Utah arch at the end of the hike. The first half is flat and easy, middle part is a gradual climb across a single rock face (like Stone Mt Georgia), then the trail is more angled - especially at the bowl in front of the arch. The trail was busy at 3 PM on a Tuesday in mid-November.
Worth the hype. Do it at sunrise for a small crowd (10 people when i got there for a 7am sunrise in early November). On the way down we passed hundreds of people. Would have been a totally different experience with all those people up there.
Anthony Carroll recorded Delicate Arch Trail
So beautiful and worth it!
The classic Utah hike. Not to difficult. Kids can do it. Must see.
There is a 'window' about 100 ft before you reach the Arch. It is at the start of the narrow ledge. You have to climb up 15 ft to reach the 'Window'. Great photo opp with view of the Arch.
This hike is a must do! It’s very doable at only a few kilometres. The view is amazing and you’ll capture some beautiful shots. We went in December which was a quieter time to go and left early in the morning. Practically had the place to ourselves before others started to arrive. It was a bit slippery at points. Both my husband and I fell one after the other on an icy step. Be careful if going early in the morning. One of my favourites!
Dani S.
The most rewarding hike ever.
William Klein recorded Delicate Arch Trail
Nov 4, 2019. I arrived at sunrise to beat the crowds. Its generally an uphill hike until you reach the arch. Its moderate hike, I only stopped once on the way up for about 2 mins. The slick rock incline will get your blood flowing. Ha. This is an absolute must do hike if you are in Arches. If you are pressed for time without many breaks the hike is about 1 hr (plus view/rest at the arch). Come early it you want it to yourself.
Amazing hike at dawn with Santiago talking about life.
Must-do in Arches. We went at sunset, which was gorgeous and worth the crowds.
The hike is great. Views at the arch and surrounding area are second to none. If you're interested in what the hike looks like, check out my video: https://youtu.be/yZuAJiRrhqg
nice day in October
Get there early (or late) but it’s going to be crowded either way. Regardless, if you’re in arches, you have to do this hike... it’s a must!
Harsha Sudanagunta recorded Delicate Arch Trail
Hiking shoes a Big big big Big Big must if you want to stand right underneath the Delicate arch (to get a picture clicked for obvious reasons).
