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This is THE hike to do in Arches National Park. We came to ANP a few years ago but were unable to do Delicate Arch Hike at the time. But it always sat in the back of our minds how we wanted to do it. So when we came back to Moab for Canyonlands, we squeezed in Arches just to do the Delicate Arch trail. This hike of approx 3 miles round trip will lead you to unparalleled, beautiful views of Delicate Arch. It was decently crowded when we got there (though I imagine it would get much busier during peak times), but there were still plenty of more isolated spots to enjoy the peace of the arch. You definitely have to be prepared for this hike. I'd say the hike is moderate to strenuous depending on the weather - there is no shade cover, and there are some areas of steep incline. It can get so incredibly hot, and you have to be prepared with A LOT of water. While you can do the Upper Viewpoint area for a short 0.5 mile hike, delicate arch is still so far away that it looks tiny in the distance and its true magnificence is lost. If you can manage the full hike, you should do it - you will not be disappointed.
Delicate Arch is the most iconic landmark in Utah and one of the greatest natural wonders in the world!!! Doesn't get any better than this. Delicate Arch measures 52 feet tall and 32 feet wide. It is without a doubt the #1 visitor attraction at Arches National Park. To arrive at the arch, it's just a 1.6 mile hike (each way) but the 1.6 miles can be deceiving. It's mainly all uphill and if you hike in the middle of the summer day with the sun beating down on the slickrock pavement, the trek can be an arduous and sort of a strenuous one. Since Delicate Arch is so popular, most people would suggest visiting in the morning time when it's not so hot out and you can beat the crowds. But when I stopped in at the Visitor Center, the park ranger mentioned coming to Delicate Arch for a beautiful sunset. So, you do have to weigh options and plan your explorations accordingly. When you finally complete the 1.6 miles, you'll uncover Delicate Arch standing alone as the centerpiece focal point of a magnificent backdrop. There's plenty of viewing area for spectators to take a seat and admire the views. It's like a circular arena or theater for hikers to catch their breathes from the climb and come face to face with the #1 most recognized arch, anywhere! When you are ready, you can walk around the arena bowl towards the left hand side of the arch and wait in line to take pictures with it. That's how it's done. The wait can be 10 - 15 minutes when busy, and when things slow down, there can be 1 or 2 people ahead of you. And what I noticed was...everyone was kindly asking each other for photos. So if you are waiting in line, don't be surprised if the person in front of you turns around and asks you for that favor. Everyone says "yes" and I found people to be respectful of others when taking photos with the arch. For these special moments, you can walk underneath Delicate Arch, touch it, or pose however you'd like. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I actually found standing back by the edge of the bowl offered better perspectives rather than standing so close to the arch. What also was interesting from my POV, the background behind Delicate Arch felt like a canvas painting, as if you're transported to the set of a Hollywood movie scene. Overall, it was a surreal experience. There was a park ranger hanging out by the arch. She was ensuring everyone was cooperating and being respectful of the arch. She also answered questions and shared stories about the wonderful arches located around the park. Since I didn't have anyone to take a picture with, I asked her for one. Thankfully she didn't say no :) Overall, you can use 30 - 45 minutes hanging out and viewing Delicate Arch. And then along with hiking to and from it, I'd say it takes 3 hours to complete the journey from the parking lot. It's such a rewarding scene to be here and then completing seeing the remaining arches felt like added bonuses. Delicate Arch is a one of a kind wonder. When you hike to it and get to experience it with your own two eyes, it reinforces how good life can be.
I planned this trip last minute, and when I get here, I find out the Delicate Arch is inside a National Park and you must make a reservation before 4 p.m. to go in. I wish I would've seen this, but I was able to make a reservation and went in right at 2 p.m. You can still go in after 4pm for free. The hike is good, but once you get to rocks to start hiking up, that could be tough, but even if you're not in shape, you can still do it. If it's summer, bring a lot of electrolytes to drink, snacks, and good hiking shoes. Once you get to the arch, it is mind-blowing and worth the hike. Getting closer to the arch, just be careful as you walk, and if it's too windy, just be careful as it can stumble your balance.
We entered the NP at 6pm to avoid the heat and straight away heading to Delicate Arch trailhead. 1.5-mile hike to the arch, this is not an easy trail. there is no other trail sign, except the tiny one along the trail. when you came to the narrow cliff trail, you're almost there. A must see in the park, this is iconic arch on Utah license plate. A good planning helps a lot. Started at 6pm, the weather was cooling down ~80F, which enable us to hike/walk faster, it took us 50 minutes to reach, compared to 1.5 hours that most people did when the weather ~100F. Also, reaching the Arch during sunset, the golden hour is a great time to take photos.
This review is for Delicate Arch Trail which was a ~3.2 miles round trip that took ~1.5 hours to complete. Steady inclines throughout the trail. Once the trail changes from dirt to rock; follow the trail markers. Stunning views of the arch and the surroundings. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/5zibZuQDjo4
The most iconic arch in the area! The hike into Delicate Arch although not hard, is not a stroll and requires some agility and physical ability. The payoff is lovely. Coming around the sandstone wall to see this amazing example of natures sculptural beauty is really captivating no matter how many times you see it. Arriving for sunset can be the best. I know many for night time star gazing and that would be fun too We enjoy this hike every time we go to Arches and never tire of its beauty. It's fun to watch how people engage. Take photos. Walk under it. Many like us just find a comfy spot and relax and take in the experience. Countless photos, the constantly changing light makes you see want to capture its every moment. If you don't have the time or physical ability there is a nice view point that you can visit for a more distant peak at the arch.
An excellent short hike with some steep inclines and wonderful views of Delicate Arch! This is a great moderate hike to tackle while exploring Arches National Park. We arrived at the parking lot around 7:30 am and were kind of shocked to find that it was already 2/3's full. I guess that's not too shocking considering that this is one of the most popular hikes and natural arches within the park. However, I'd recommend starting as early as possible to ensure that you have a parking spot and to escape the afternoon heat. There are attendants outside who will guide you to open parking spots, but once the parking lot is full, they will restrict vehicle access. The hike is only 3 miles long round trip, but there are some steepish parts along the trail. It also gains over 600 feet in about 1.5 miles, so I'd chalk this up as a moderate hike. Also, the heat will slow you down since there is no shade. Bring a good amount of water and sun protection with you. The trail begins on a flat paved path and connects to a dirt trail until you reach rock steps. This is where the trail begins to incline. You'll basically be scaling up slick rock until it levels out. Since there were a good amount of people on the hike with us, we basically just followed the small crowd. But there are cairns on the slick rock section since this part of the trail doesn't really have a path and can be a bit hard to follow. On the way up to the arch, you'll have some magnificent views of the park's landscape. The views are incredibly stunning! Every time we took a short break, we made sure to really soak in the views. Right before you make it to the Arch, there's this gnarly section where you're basically walking on a ridge with a steep drop off. If you have any kind of fear of heights, don't look down during this part. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about because it's the only part of the trail like this. I got a little queasy looking down myself, but it was really interesting to see how far up we were from the ground. You'll turn a corner and then BOOM! The arch just appears and practically hits you in the face! It's such a huge natural arch! I still can't believe that this is naturally occurring. It's it simply amazing. From here, you can actually hike down right next to the arch. You'll have to wait in line if you want to have a picture by yourself next to it. Otherwise, the vista point near the end of the hike is still a great place to take a picture. We didn't end up down to the arch as we wanted to explore more of the park, but it looked like fun. This was my favorite trail to hike while I was in Arches National Park and would recommend simply for the amazing views of Delicate Arch at the half mark.
The last time I was in Moab, UT, I did not get a chance to hike the infamous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park... you probably have seen this arch in tons of travel magazines. I decided to do a solo road trip back in June 2022 and make it happen. Yes, I know... I'm a tad late on this review. Thanks for your patience! Let me tell you... it was a STRENUOUS hike! Not easy... I almost didn't make it to the arch. I had to take so many breaks to get my heart and breath in order. Very steep inclines heading up, but once I got over the top, then all is okay from there. I would recommend you do this hike early in the morning so you avoid the heat as much as possible. I started late morning so that didn't help. Bring lots of water to stay hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking shoes so you have a good grip on the rocks... you'll be walking as if you're slanted and there are a lot of uneven rocks. Wear a hat to give you shade for your face. Put on some sunscreen prior to hike and maybe even during as needed. Pace yourself... DO NOT rush up there! When I finally made it to the arch, honestly, it is better viewed from a distance. As I got closer, it looked different, but then again, everything is grander in size when you're up close and personal. I spent some time admiring the arch from a far plus being visited by ravens LOL. There weren't too many people, but there was a diverse group of old and young folks doing the hike. Someone was nice enough to help me take a pic of me and arch. I'm practically a spec in the pic... okay maybe a few specs LOL. Thank you! On the way back, it was a lot easier since it was all downhill. Total miles roundtrip is about 3 miles. I took 2 hrs to get up there and about 1.5 hrs to get back down. I did it and I survived it! If you haven't hiked the Delicate Arch and you desire to, then do it. Don't think about it... otherwise, you think too long, you won't do it. All I ask is that you plan and prepare for it. Now there is another area where you can go to and see the Delicate Arch from far away or at least get closer to it, but it won't be right next to it. You're open to do that. Despite my challenges heading up, it was an amazing experience all around. Happy Hiking!
This was the first hike we did when arrive to Arches and at around 8AM, the parking was already quite packed. There are bathrooms right before you start the trail. The markers are easy to follow with one patch of rock incline that takes you up to delicate arch. We went in April and at 8am there wasn't too many people there where there was hardly any wait to take a photo. Once you arrive, its like stadium set up that dips in the center. The middle of Delicate Arch has a large space for you to stand and take pictures. I saw someone going a yoga bridge under the arch -- very cute. One thing pictures don't show is how windy it can be! I was wearing a long sleeve the majority of the time. Also there's not much shade throughout the whole hike so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. I would also recommend hiking boots/shoes than regular tennis so you have a nice grip because there are times when you're walking in a diagonal and a grip would be really useful. Hidden in the opposite side of the arch is a little hole and then you can take a little inception photo that has an arch in an arch. Very enjoyable hike and when going at the right time, is not too crowded or hot!
Most have already had good advice on how to get here during the day (hydration, proper hiking shoes, planning the time). My advice for night hikers are: bring a head light/flash light, offline map (google map worked for me) as going up, big chance you'll lose track of the trail once you hit a solid rock plain/dome. But it was fun to search for it. Going back down was easy. Hike at day and night was definitely worth for me.
Bottom Line: The most famous arch in Arches National Park that requires a "difficult" three-mile round trip hike to access it up close. My husband and I decided to hike out to Delicate Arch for sunrise because we heard it was epic and we wanted to beat the crowds. I wouldn't really say the sunrise was epic but we did beat the crowds. We started at the Wolfe Ranch trail head in pitch black and made the trek across a bridge, along uneven ground, up a large expanse of slick rock and around the ledge of a canyon. We used our headlamps for most of the way and experimented with one light versus two lights and red light versus white light. I found that I needed white light to see because my red light just didn't illuminate the ground. Anyway, when we turned the corner at the last ledge we saw Delicate Arch for the first time gracefully balancing in the distance with sunrise not too far off. Seeing Delicate Arch when I turned the corner was magical. Unlike some hikes, its not like you see Delicate Arch for a long time in the distance. For us, bam, it just appeared out of no where and that was a really cool experience. We found a place to perch ourselves on the rocks like some had already done and many more came to do in the next 30 minutes. Sunrise came and we got a better view of the arch but it wasn't epic. On the day we visited the arch it was quite hazy and when I later asked a park ranger about it she said that haze isn't rare due to dust in in the air and forest fires burning in neighboring states. I later read, I think in the Arches Visitor Guide, that late afternoon is a better time to photograph Delicate Arch. Something I really liked about Delicate Arch is that when I visited everyone was very respectful of each other. People sat on the rocks quietly talking amongst themselves and taking pictures of the arch from a distance. It seemed everyone was letting each other get early morning pictures of the arch without other people in them and without making a stampede to take photos under the arch. I suspect the customary line for photos under the arch formed not long after I left to make the hike back down. If hiking to Delicate Arch in the dark I definitely recommend downloading the All Trails map in advance and using it for navigation. Some parts of the trail, like on the large expanse of slick rock, are not marked and we relied on our downloaded All Trails map to not get lost in the dark. A head lamp or flashlight is also a must if hiking in the dark. We hiked on an early October morning so the heat wasn't much of an issue for us but we still carried plenty of water to combat the dryness of the desert. If hiking to Delicate Arch in the morning after sunrise sunglasses are a must because for parts it seems like you are hiking right into the sun. We were also prepared with hats, sunscreen, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and a first aid kit. The Visitor Center rates the Delicate Arch Hike as "difficult." At three miles it is a short hike but it has plenty of uneven surfaces. During the day I am sure the sun is relentless. I can see this being difficult in the heat but when I hiked it I would put it more in the moderate category. For those not wanting to make the hike to the arch there is also a Delicate Arch Overlook that involves a very short and easy hike. Overall, this hike was a nice way to start the morning but I feel sunrise at Delicate Arch was a bit over hyped. Perhaps it is better at a different time of year and on days when it isn't as hazy.
The Delicate Arch trail was extremely difficult especially in 90 degree full sun. I hiked this trail with my 10yr old and 12yr old. They completed the hike but struggled. It was worth the steep inclines and blazing heat beating down on us. Bring triple the ice cold water and snacks you think you will need. Cooling towels are a must the end is worth the struggle.
In A Nutshell: -Delicate Arch is worth the trek to get to it. -My advice is to pack enough water, snacks, time & a flashlight. -It's a nice little hike up some rocks w/ some signage. -However if you go later in the evening, you may not have people to rely on who are going up & coming back down while it gets darker. -Once you get to the arch, you may have to wait for a turn to take a photo next to it. -The parking lot is a decent size, I had no trouble finding a spot. -There are restrooms available too w/ hand santizer. Overall, this was a nice little challenge due to me being unprepared, but it was surmountable & worth seeing.
12 days ago
4 months ago
The hike was a lot longer and strenuous than we felt it was billed as. Give yourself 40 minutes to get up there, 30 minutes to check it out, wait for pictures ( there is a line). 25 minutes to hike down. Bring a headlamp for the sunset time. It gets dark quickly read more
This is THE hike to do in Arches National Park. We came to ANP a few years ago but were unable to do Delicate Arch Hike at the time. But it always sat in the back of our minds how we wanted to do it. So when we came back to Moab for Canyonlands, we squeezed in Arches just to do the Delicate Arch trail. This hike of approx 3 miles round trip will lead you to unparalleled, beautiful views of Delicate Arch. It was decently crowded when we got there (though I imagine it would get much busier during peak times), but there were still plenty of more isolated spots to enjoy the peace of the arch. You definitely have to be prepared for this hike. I'd say the hike is moderate to strenuous depending on the weather - there is no shade cover, and there are some areas of steep incline. It can get so incredibly hot, and you have to be prepared with A LOT of water. While you can do the Upper Viewpoint area for a short 0.5 mile hike, delicate arch is still so far away that it looks tiny in the distance and its true magnificence is lost. If you can manage the full hike, you should do it - you will not be disappointed. read more
Delicate Arch is the most iconic landmark in Utah and one of the greatest natural wonders in the world!!! Doesn't get any better than this. Delicate Arch measures 52 feet tall and 32 feet wide. It is without a doubt the #1 visitor attraction at Arches National Park. To arrive at the arch, it's just a 1.6 mile hike (each way) but the 1.6 miles can be deceiving. It's mainly all uphill and if you hike in the middle of the summer day with the sun beating down on the slickrock pavement, the trek can be an arduous and sort of a strenuous one. Since Delicate Arch is so popular, most people would suggest visiting in the morning time when it's not so hot out and you can beat the crowds. But when I stopped in at the Visitor Center, the park ranger mentioned coming to Delicate Arch for a beautiful sunset. So, you do have to weigh options and plan your explorations accordingly. When you finally complete the 1.6 miles, you'll uncover Delicate Arch standing alone as the centerpiece focal point of a magnificent backdrop. There's plenty of viewing area for spectators to take a seat and admire the views. It's like a circular arena or theater for hikers to catch their breathes from the climb and come face to face with the #1 most recognized arch, anywhere! When you are ready, you can walk around the arena bowl towards the left hand side of the arch and wait in line to take pictures with it. That's how it's done. The wait can be 10 - 15 minutes when busy, and when things slow down, there can be 1 or 2 people ahead of you. And what I noticed was...everyone was kindly asking each other for photos. So if you are waiting in line, don't be surprised if the person in front of you turns around and asks you for that favor. Everyone says "yes" and I found people to be respectful of others when taking photos with the arch. For these special moments, you can walk underneath Delicate Arch, touch it, or pose however you'd like. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I actually found standing back by the edge of the bowl offered better perspectives rather than standing so close to the arch. What also was interesting from my POV, the background behind Delicate Arch felt like a canvas painting, as if you're transported to the set of a Hollywood movie scene. Overall, it was a surreal experience. There was a park ranger hanging out by the arch. She was ensuring everyone was cooperating and being respectful of the arch. She also answered questions and shared stories about the wonderful arches located around the park. Since I didn't have anyone to take a picture with, I asked her for one. Thankfully she didn't say no :) Overall, you can use 30 - 45 minutes hanging out and viewing Delicate Arch. And then along with hiking to and from it, I'd say it takes 3 hours to complete the journey from the parking lot. It's such a rewarding scene to be here and then completing seeing the remaining arches felt like added bonuses. Delicate Arch is a one of a kind wonder. When you hike to it and get to experience it with your own two eyes, it reinforces how good life can be. read more
I planned this trip last minute, and when I get here, I find out the Delicate Arch is inside a National Park and you must make a reservation before 4 p.m. to go in. I wish I would've seen this, but I was able to make a reservation and went in right at 2 p.m. You can still go in after 4pm for free. The hike is good, but once you get to rocks to start hiking up, that could be tough, but even if you're not in shape, you can still do it. If it's summer, bring a lot of electrolytes to drink, snacks, and good hiking shoes. Once you get to the arch, it is mind-blowing and worth the hike. Getting closer to the arch, just be careful as you walk, and if it's too windy, just be careful as it can stumble your balance. read more
We entered the NP at 6pm to avoid the heat and straight away heading to Delicate Arch trailhead. 1.5-mile hike to the arch, this is not an easy trail. there is no other trail sign, except the tiny one along the trail. when you came to the narrow cliff trail, you're almost there. A must see in the park, this is iconic arch on Utah license plate. A good planning helps a lot. Started at 6pm, the weather was cooling down ~80F, which enable us to hike/walk faster, it took us 50 minutes to reach, compared to 1.5 hours that most people did when the weather ~100F. Also, reaching the Arch during sunset, the golden hour is a great time to take photos. read more
This review is for Delicate Arch Trail which was a ~3.2 miles round trip that took ~1.5 hours to complete. Steady inclines throughout the trail. Once the trail changes from dirt to rock; follow the trail markers. Stunning views of the arch and the surroundings. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/5zibZuQDjo4 read more
3 years ago
The most iconic arch in the area! The hike into Delicate Arch although not hard, is not a stroll and requires some agility and physical ability. The payoff is lovely. Coming around the sandstone wall to see this amazing example of natures sculptural beauty is really captivating no matter how many times you see it. Arriving for sunset can be the best. I know many for night time star gazing and that would be fun too We enjoy this hike every time we go to Arches and never tire of its beauty. It's fun to watch how people engage. Take photos. Walk under it. Many like us just find a comfy spot and relax and take in the experience. Countless photos, the constantly changing light makes you see want to capture its every moment. If you don't have the time or physical ability there is a nice view point that you can visit for a more distant peak at the arch. read more
An excellent short hike with some steep inclines and wonderful views of Delicate Arch! This is a great moderate hike to tackle while exploring Arches National Park. We arrived at the parking lot around 7:30 am and were kind of shocked to find that it was already 2/3's full. I guess that's not too shocking considering that this is one of the most popular hikes and natural arches within the park. However, I'd recommend starting as early as possible to ensure that you have a parking spot and to escape the afternoon heat. There are attendants outside who will guide you to open parking spots, but once the parking lot is full, they will restrict vehicle access. The hike is only 3 miles long round trip, but there are some steepish parts along the trail. It also gains over 600 feet in about 1.5 miles, so I'd chalk this up as a moderate hike. Also, the heat will slow you down since there is no shade. Bring a good amount of water and sun protection with you. The trail begins on a flat paved path and connects to a dirt trail until you reach rock steps. This is where the trail begins to incline. You'll basically be scaling up slick rock until it levels out. Since there were a good amount of people on the hike with us, we basically just followed the small crowd. But there are cairns on the slick rock section since this part of the trail doesn't really have a path and can be a bit hard to follow. On the way up to the arch, you'll have some magnificent views of the park's landscape. The views are incredibly stunning! Every time we took a short break, we made sure to really soak in the views. Right before you make it to the Arch, there's this gnarly section where you're basically walking on a ridge with a steep drop off. If you have any kind of fear of heights, don't look down during this part. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about because it's the only part of the trail like this. I got a little queasy looking down myself, but it was really interesting to see how far up we were from the ground. You'll turn a corner and then BOOM! The arch just appears and practically hits you in the face! It's such a huge natural arch! I still can't believe that this is naturally occurring. It's it simply amazing. From here, you can actually hike down right next to the arch. You'll have to wait in line if you want to have a picture by yourself next to it. Otherwise, the vista point near the end of the hike is still a great place to take a picture. We didn't end up down to the arch as we wanted to explore more of the park, but it looked like fun. This was my favorite trail to hike while I was in Arches National Park and would recommend simply for the amazing views of Delicate Arch at the half mark. read more
The last time I was in Moab, UT, I did not get a chance to hike the infamous Delicate Arch at Arches National Park... you probably have seen this arch in tons of travel magazines. I decided to do a solo road trip back in June 2022 and make it happen. Yes, I know... I'm a tad late on this review. Thanks for your patience! Let me tell you... it was a STRENUOUS hike! Not easy... I almost didn't make it to the arch. I had to take so many breaks to get my heart and breath in order. Very steep inclines heading up, but once I got over the top, then all is okay from there. I would recommend you do this hike early in the morning so you avoid the heat as much as possible. I started late morning so that didn't help. Bring lots of water to stay hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking shoes so you have a good grip on the rocks... you'll be walking as if you're slanted and there are a lot of uneven rocks. Wear a hat to give you shade for your face. Put on some sunscreen prior to hike and maybe even during as needed. Pace yourself... DO NOT rush up there! When I finally made it to the arch, honestly, it is better viewed from a distance. As I got closer, it looked different, but then again, everything is grander in size when you're up close and personal. I spent some time admiring the arch from a far plus being visited by ravens LOL. There weren't too many people, but there was a diverse group of old and young folks doing the hike. Someone was nice enough to help me take a pic of me and arch. I'm practically a spec in the pic... okay maybe a few specs LOL. Thank you! On the way back, it was a lot easier since it was all downhill. Total miles roundtrip is about 3 miles. I took 2 hrs to get up there and about 1.5 hrs to get back down. I did it and I survived it! If you haven't hiked the Delicate Arch and you desire to, then do it. Don't think about it... otherwise, you think too long, you won't do it. All I ask is that you plan and prepare for it. Now there is another area where you can go to and see the Delicate Arch from far away or at least get closer to it, but it won't be right next to it. You're open to do that. Despite my challenges heading up, it was an amazing experience all around. Happy Hiking! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This was the first hike we did when arrive to Arches and at around 8AM, the parking was already quite packed. There are bathrooms right before you start the trail. The markers are easy to follow with one patch of rock incline that takes you up to delicate arch. We went in April and at 8am there wasn't too many people there where there was hardly any wait to take a photo. Once you arrive, its like stadium set up that dips in the center. The middle of Delicate Arch has a large space for you to stand and take pictures. I saw someone going a yoga bridge under the arch -- very cute. One thing pictures don't show is how windy it can be! I was wearing a long sleeve the majority of the time. Also there's not much shade throughout the whole hike so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. I would also recommend hiking boots/shoes than regular tennis so you have a nice grip because there are times when you're walking in a diagonal and a grip would be really useful. Hidden in the opposite side of the arch is a little hole and then you can take a little inception photo that has an arch in an arch. Very enjoyable hike and when going at the right time, is not too crowded or hot! read more
Most have already had good advice on how to get here during the day (hydration, proper hiking shoes, planning the time). My advice for night hikers are: bring a head light/flash light, offline map (google map worked for me) as going up, big chance you'll lose track of the trail once you hit a solid rock plain/dome. But it was fun to search for it. Going back down was easy. Hike at day and night was definitely worth for me. read more
4 years ago
Bottom Line: The most famous arch in Arches National Park that requires a "difficult" three-mile round trip hike to access it up close. My husband and I decided to hike out to Delicate Arch for sunrise because we heard it was epic and we wanted to beat the crowds. I wouldn't really say the sunrise was epic but we did beat the crowds. We started at the Wolfe Ranch trail head in pitch black and made the trek across a bridge, along uneven ground, up a large expanse of slick rock and around the ledge of a canyon. We used our headlamps for most of the way and experimented with one light versus two lights and red light versus white light. I found that I needed white light to see because my red light just didn't illuminate the ground. Anyway, when we turned the corner at the last ledge we saw Delicate Arch for the first time gracefully balancing in the distance with sunrise not too far off. Seeing Delicate Arch when I turned the corner was magical. Unlike some hikes, its not like you see Delicate Arch for a long time in the distance. For us, bam, it just appeared out of no where and that was a really cool experience. We found a place to perch ourselves on the rocks like some had already done and many more came to do in the next 30 minutes. Sunrise came and we got a better view of the arch but it wasn't epic. On the day we visited the arch it was quite hazy and when I later asked a park ranger about it she said that haze isn't rare due to dust in in the air and forest fires burning in neighboring states. I later read, I think in the Arches Visitor Guide, that late afternoon is a better time to photograph Delicate Arch. Something I really liked about Delicate Arch is that when I visited everyone was very respectful of each other. People sat on the rocks quietly talking amongst themselves and taking pictures of the arch from a distance. It seemed everyone was letting each other get early morning pictures of the arch without other people in them and without making a stampede to take photos under the arch. I suspect the customary line for photos under the arch formed not long after I left to make the hike back down. If hiking to Delicate Arch in the dark I definitely recommend downloading the All Trails map in advance and using it for navigation. Some parts of the trail, like on the large expanse of slick rock, are not marked and we relied on our downloaded All Trails map to not get lost in the dark. A head lamp or flashlight is also a must if hiking in the dark. We hiked on an early October morning so the heat wasn't much of an issue for us but we still carried plenty of water to combat the dryness of the desert. If hiking to Delicate Arch in the morning after sunrise sunglasses are a must because for parts it seems like you are hiking right into the sun. We were also prepared with hats, sunscreen, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and a first aid kit. The Visitor Center rates the Delicate Arch Hike as "difficult." At three miles it is a short hike but it has plenty of uneven surfaces. During the day I am sure the sun is relentless. I can see this being difficult in the heat but when I hiked it I would put it more in the moderate category. For those not wanting to make the hike to the arch there is also a Delicate Arch Overlook that involves a very short and easy hike. Overall, this hike was a nice way to start the morning but I feel sunrise at Delicate Arch was a bit over hyped. Perhaps it is better at a different time of year and on days when it isn't as hazy. read more
3 years ago
The Delicate Arch trail was extremely difficult especially in 90 degree full sun. I hiked this trail with my 10yr old and 12yr old. They completed the hike but struggled. It was worth the steep inclines and blazing heat beating down on us. Bring triple the ice cold water and snacks you think you will need. Cooling towels are a must the end is worth the struggle. read more
5 years ago
In A Nutshell: -Delicate Arch is worth the trek to get to it. -My advice is to pack enough water, snacks, time & a flashlight. -It's a nice little hike up some rocks w/ some signage. -However if you go later in the evening, you may not have people to rely on who are going up & coming back down while it gets darker. -Once you get to the arch, you may have to wait for a turn to take a photo next to it. -The parking lot is a decent size, I had no trouble finding a spot. -There are restrooms available too w/ hand santizer. Overall, this was a nice little challenge due to me being unprepared, but it was surmountable & worth seeing. read more
This was my favorite hike in the whole National Park probably because it's the most famous in Utah. It's on the Utah's license plates haha. More of a moderate hike with a lot of slopes but nothing impossible. Just make sure to bring couple bottles or gallon of water and you will be okay. Ohhh and sunscreen because there's no shade when the sun hits! (: read more
3 years ago
Very much worth the small hike. The place is amazing and you will be glad you did the hike. Bring some water along the way. This is not exactly a stroll in the park since there is some definite incline required to complete the hike. We went sometime late morning and there were already plenty of people on the trail and at the Delicate Arch. Once we reached the arch there was a little bit of a line to get a picture taken there but it wasn't too bad. read more
Like other reviewers mentioned, schedule your time for the trail, walking the trail is not trivial, give it an hour, reach the arch before sunset, and it's getting dark quickly, prepare a headlight if you can for getting back to parking lot. read more
It's called the world's most famous natural arch. The light opening beneath it is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. Delicate Arch is a Utah icon; you'll recognize it from that state's license plates. When visiting Arches National Park, the best way to see the largest free-standing arch in the park is to do the 3 mile round trip hike if you are able. If not, there is a viewpoint where you can park and see the arch from one mile away. The parking lot for the trail gets full as we found out when we visited on a recent Monday night. It seems everyone wants to see the arch at sunset (just like us!), but we couldn't find a parking spot so we returned early the next morning for a sunrise trek. There was plenty of parking available before dawn, but we still weren't the only ones there. After the not-too-strenuous 1.5 mile hike to the arch, we encountered a large group of people scattered around, waiting for the sun to rise. Everyone wants to take a photo of themselves beneath the arch and once people actually started doing that, others would boo and hiss because they wanted a clear shot of the JUST THE ARCH! However, you can't really stop that train once it's out of the station, so you need to be quick and take people-free arch photos while folks are walking to and from the natural wonder. It is worth the hike and I'm glad that we got up early to beat the crowds. read more
Delicate Arch - Arches National Park (Moab, Utah) Delicate Arch stands over 50 feet and is one of the most popular arches to visit at Arches National Park. You have probably seen this arch before. It is in a lot of photos (Google it) and even on one of Utah's license plates. We visited Arches National Park and knew if there was only one arch to see, we are going to see Delicate Arch. We attempted to visit the arch for sunset, but the parking lot was full, and the trail was way too busy. It is also listed on the trailhead signs that the best time for photographing the arch is during the afternoon and mornings are cooler. We decided to be cool and came back the following following morning prior to 6:00 AM, found parking, hiked the 1.5 miles to the arch in darkness, and waited for the sun to rise. Except for about 75+ people that were already at the arch, we had it all to ourselves. The arch is a sight to be seen and, in my opinion, needs to be seen in person. The arch is simply amazing, especially during sunrise. Now for the technical stuff... Delicate Arch can also be seen from the viewpoint or up close by hiking to it. The hike from the parking lot to Delicate Arch is only 3 miles RT and for me, it was an easy hike. Just keep in mind that you are starting at an elevation over 4,000 feet, the elevation is 480 feet, and the entire trail is exposed. Bring a good pair of shoes with a decent grip and some hydration with you. I also do not recommend this hike if you have a fear of heights. There's no shame in seeing this famous arch from the comfort of the viewpoint parking lot. read more
4 years ago
Took my bff on an adventure to Moab.... Hiked this about 30 mins before sunset. I would recommend going 30 mins earlier. It was dark when we arrived. Enjoyed the silhouette and the Milky Way. read more
We got to the park at 9:30 am but it was already closed due to capacity. It didn't open for another 3 hours so we had to do this hike mid day in over 100 degree weather. It was difficult at this time so make sure to bring plenty of water if you are hiking in this heat. There were a few spots with shade to to breaks in, but not many. I think the heat made it feel much longer than it really was because it felt never ending. Once we got to the top it was a beautiful view. The hike back down was obviously way easier then read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
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