The most famous, must-see rock in Utah is Delicate Arch. It’s set amongst the diverse landscape of Arches National Park in Moab. In addition to its impressive height, Delicate Arch is celebrated for its fragile and precarious appearance, with the La Sal Mountains as its backdrop.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker, the allure of Delicate Arch is undeniable. It’s often on the top of visitor’s lists for things to see in Arches National Park and is a perfect trail for anyone looking to soak in the unique geology of Utah. Here are some details for visiting Delicate Arch, whether you’re a hiker or prefer an overlook near the parking area, along with tips on when to visit.
- Distance: 3 miles out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Experience: Intermediate (however all skill levels can complete this trail)
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 610 ft
- Cost: National Park Fees
Delicate Arch: Geologic Formation on Utah’s State License Plate
As the most well known arch in the park, you might recognize that Delicate Arch is the symbol on Utah’s state vehicle license plate! Over the years since it was discovered, it’s been called “Cowboy’s Chaps,” “Old Maid’s Bloomers,” and “Salt Wash Arch.”
Delicate Arch is made of sedimentary rock called Entrada Sandstone deposited around 150 million years ago. Initially, a salt bed beneath the sandstone caused the rock layers to buckle and fold. Over time, this created fractures in the rock.
Wind, water, and ice gradually wore away the softer rock layers, exposing the harder sandstone. As erosion continued, it hollowed out the softer parts, forming a fin or wall with a hole in the center. Eventually, this hole grew larger, and the arch took shape.Delicate Arch is still evolving as erosion continues to shape and change the landscape. These natural forces (like occasional freeze-thaw cycles) contribute to its ongoing transformation.
How Tall is Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch measures approximately 52 feet (16 meters) in height and is the largest free-standing arch in the park. The opening of light beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. It sits at an elevation of 4,606 feet.
This iconic landmark has become a symbol of the American Southwest, drawing hikers and photographers alike to witness its unique shape that took millions of years of geological processes to form.
Hiking the Delicate Arch Trail
While the 3 mile out-and-back trail to the base of Delicate Arch is rated as moderate, I saw hikers of all ages and abilities while on the trail. From grandparents with walking poles to young kids, it’s definitely doable for a wide range of hikers! Although, it’s got some incline, narrow ledges, and steep slopes that you must be careful with traversing.
Delicate Arch Trailhead
The trail begins from the Wolfe Ranch Trailhead, where you’ll see a cabin built by John Wesley Wolfe in 1906. A family of 6 lived in that small building! There is an area that has petroglyphs near Wolfe Ranch which you can get closer to before or after hiking to the arch.
Trekking Up to the Arch
Continuing on the trail, you’ll come to a section where you’re walking across wide slick rock (not slippery) on a steady incline. This is the most challenging part of the hike with the most elevation gain.
Take as many breaks along the way as you need, especially in the heat of the spring and summer! There is no shade along the entire trail so you must take precautions and monitor how you’re feeling and staying hydrated. Also, the slick rock portion can radiate the heat from the sun back onto you and this can become overwhelming. Wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water, and have a snack and/or electrolytes handy. These are all aspects you must keep in mind when planning your hike.
There is a short sandy section where the trail levels out. Following the trail, you’ll walk along a narrow rock ledge path with a rock wall to your right. From here you can see the uniquely eroded red rocks to your left. After this short section, you’ll reach the Delicate Arch!
Take your time here and get up close to take pictures under the arch! You might have to wait in line, but it’s worth it and you’ll treasure those pictures (I know I do!).
On your way back, by the end of the narrow rock ledge section, take a moment to look up at that wall. There is an arch above called Twisted Doughnut. You can climb up there and look through Twisted Doughnut Arch for one of the most captivating views of Delicate Arch!
My Experience Hiking to Delicate Arch
While at the summit, we saw one person who broke their ankle and had to be carried down the trail on a gurney by EMS! That was disheartening, to see someone make it up here, only to get hurt badly in the final moments.
It makes total sense though how someone could get hurt up in the bowl of Delicate Arch. The bowl is steeply sloped downhill and you can lose your footing or slip if you don’t have footwear with enough grip. People have died from falling into the bowl area or from heat stroke.
We hiked the trail mid day in April, so it was warm, but not too hot. The sky was clear and it felt perfect, I’d highly recommend visiting Moab in mid-April. Of course, there were many other hikers on the trail during this busy time and a good amount in line for pictures once we got to the arch. I don’t mind this much because the line goes by pretty fast and it’s very understandable as to why the trail is so crowded: it’s an amazing experience!
Besides the inherent danger of the bowl, walking up to and under Delicate Arch also gets your adrenaline pumping! I was nervous doing this at first because it was extremely windy and the arch is literally on the edge of a cliff! Once standing under the arch, it felt incredible and definitely gets your heart pumping extra fast!
Planning When to Hike to Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch tends to attract crowds, even in the off-season and particularly at sunset in spring, summer, and fall. It’s wise to go in the morning or early afternoon for less people. Still, you should expect to not be alone at the arch since it is so popular.
In case the parking at Wolfe Ranch Trailhead is full, there are extra parking spots further down the road at the Delicate Arch Viewpoints. Keep in mind that this will extend the hike’s total mileage quite a bit. Since the trail is so popular and people come and go often, waiting for a parking space at the main trailhead shouldn’t take too long.
Note that Arches National Park requires timed entry tickets from April 1 through October 31.
Delicate Arch at Night
As the sun dips below the horizon, this iconic sandstone arch transforms into a silhouette against the star-studded Utah sky. Capturing the moonlight glow and stars overhead, Delicate Arch at night is a photographer’s dream. The quiet, tranquil ambiance is extra special whether you’re a stargazer or a photographer.
Sunrise at Delicate Arch
Experiencing sunrise at Delicate Arch with an early morning hike is a fantastic choice. As the sun rises, it bathes the red rock landscape in a warm, golden glow. It’s a prime photography spot and a must-see for National Park lovers.
Arriving at the arch just as the first light breaks will allow for a quieter, more serene experience away from the hustle and bustle of the busy mid-morning through afternoon hours. The play of shadows and gradual reveal of the arch against the unique backdrop make for an unforgettable moment. You’ll max out your camera roll with amazing shots as the colors evolve with each passing minute.
Delicate Arch at sunrise is a great experience whether viewing from its base via the trail or from the upper viewpoint. Sunset is often a very busy time with crowds of people.
Viewpoints for Delicate Arch
Besides the 3 mile hiking trail, there are two viewpoints where you can see Delicate Arch.
Delicate Arch Lower Viewpoint
The easiest way to see Delicate Arch, the lower viewpoint can be reached by walking along a short, flat trail that’s wheelchair accessible.
- Distance: 200 ft
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint
Climb up sloped rocks and steps on this moderately strenuous trail to the Delicate Arch upper viewpoint. Although the path is steep, it delivers great views of the arch across the canyon.
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate due to incline
