How to Visit Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Hike to Arch’s picturesque Delicate Arch with this complete trail guide. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including how to get to the trail, the best time to visit, what to bring, & all about the trail.
Delicate Arch is by far one of the top arches to visit in Arches National Park. Standing 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the largest free standing arch in the entire park and it’s the one featured on Utah’s license plate. Panoramic views, breathtaking arches, and a colorful landscape make Delicate Arch one of our favorites in Arches National Park.
There are 3 ways to see Delicate Arch, first and most popular is the 3 mile trail that takes you right up to the arch. This strenuous trail is a great spot to experience a sunrise or sunset in the park.
For those looking for an easier route, the Lower & Upper Viewpoints are shorter and less strenuous walks, however Delicate Arch is much further in the distance.
Pets aren’t allowed on the trail or viewpoint to Delicate Arch.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 3.0 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 538 FT | Time: 3 Hrs | NO PETS
GETTING TO DELICATE ARCH
MAIN PARK ENTRANCE
From the main park entrance to Arches National Park it’s 13 miles or about a 25 minute drive to the Delicate Arch Trailhead. From the visitor center take the main park road for 11.5 miles. Make a right on Delicate Arch Road, continue for 1 mile. Trailhead parking will be on the left. Further down the road is parking for the Upper and Lower Viewpoints.
See our Complete Guide to Arches National Park for details on the parks reservation system, entrance fees, pet policy, & more.
WHEN TO VISIT
Arches National Park is open year round with March to October being the busiest time for the park. Summers bring extreme heat with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Monsoon season in Arches is mid June to mid October bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods. For fewer crowds, consider arriving at the park before 8 a.m or after 3 p.m.
Always check for current conditions before embarking in Arches National Park.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Arches National Park is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated water bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Arches there are a few trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Arches. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when visiting Arches. There aren’t any food options in the park, so it’s a good idea to pack a good lunch and plenty of snacks.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTER
Open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Arches National Park. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip.
NEARBY TOWNS
MOAB
A popular outdoor city and known as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Biking, hiking, off roading, rafting as well as a host of other outdoor activities are what bring most travelers to Moab.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 3.0 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 538 FT | Time: 3 Hrs
The trail to Delicate Arch starts on a flat & smooth path toward the historical Wolf Ranch, a one room cabin built in 1898. Peer out to the right and you can see the windows out in the distance.
After the ranch you’ll cross the salt wash and come up to a connecting loop that takes you to a viewing of some amazing petroglyphs.
About a mile into the trail you’ll start the steep climb up slickrock toward Delicate Arch. There are trail markers throughout the path guiding you through so you shouldn’t get lost. This part of the trail is very exposed so you if do this in the summer come prepared with sun protection.
Once you reach the top of the slickrock the path becomes very sandy as you walk through a wash with scattered juniper trees to provide shade from the sun if you need it.
As you near Delicate Arch the path will become more narrow with a steep drop off on the left and a sheer rockwall on the right. Those afraid of heights might be uncomfortable with this section.
Just around the corner on the right is Delicate Arch. Some hikers will make their way right up to the arch from the viewing area. The path is sloped down so do be cautious if you decide to go up to the arch. Its important to note that there is no shade while you’re at the arch so make sure you bring enough water, snacks, and sun protectant.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever hiked to Delicate Arch!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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