The trailhead is just before the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and the large parking lot has restrooms available but no water. You may encounter sections of snow or ice on this trail. As famous as this arch is, there is no secret to getting here. It’s an out and back trail, so you’ll be going back the same way that you came. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146 m). The trail to the arch is 3 miles one-way and climbs 480 feet in elevation. Loved this hike. At the beginning of the trail, you'll pass the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs. A visit to this beautiful arch is a must do in Arches National Park. It's one of the most popular attractions in Arches National Park. We did this hike as part of our stop in Arches on our 21-park, 31-day National Park road trip. Delicate Arch Trail. The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. It is on the Utah state quarter, and on the Utah license plate. Gorgeous view, love to say that I’ve done it but probably won’t do again. The 3-mile round-trip hike starts at Wolfe Ranch which is an old homestead of John Wesley Wolfe from the early 1900’s. It is mostly uphill, but the trail is very developed. This is a hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Utah. Arch was beautiful at sunrise. The Delicate Arch Hike. Do not follow signs to Delicate Arch Viewpoint, that is a different trailhead. Resilient critters and plants call this arid, unforgiving desert home. Parking: The Delicate Arch trailhead is located at Wolfe Ranch. However if you can’t or do you not want to make the hike out to Delicate Arch then you could use binoculars and see the famous Delicate Mar from this viewpoint. It’s a much shorter hike, but not as satisfying. As famous as this arch is, there is no secret to getting here. Very nice hike we loved the view of delicate arch at the end. Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information. Depending on the resource material you review, the trail is usually rated either moderate or strenuous. Delicate Arch Hike Details. Rangers have set up frequent rock piles (or “cairns”) to help guide hikers along the way. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146 m). The hike to Delicate Arch is 1.5 miles one-way and is described as “moderately strenuous.” For the casual hiker I think this is an accurate description. Beyond Wolfe Ranch, the trail climbs rolling hills then begins a steep ascent on a bare rock slope. If you don’t have time to do the hike to Delicate Arch, below is the view of it from the Upper Delicate Arch viewpoint (with a long lens). It is hard to know how much water you are losing due to the dry desert heat. The trail is relatively flat for about ½ mile. Parking is limited and can fill up quickly during peak tourism months so make sure to arrive at the trailhead early. Length 3.5 miElevation gain 633 ftRoute type Out & back You won’t have to contend with the blistering heat of summer, and it’s likely one of the few times you’ll be able to enjoy Delicate Arch without crowds. It climbs over rough and steep terrain. The hike to Delicate Arch is scenic and enjoyable, and the up-close views of this highly photogenic arch are pretty incredible. The trail starts flat, and you’ll pass Wolfe Ranch just seconds after you begin the hike. Hiking on towards Delicate Arch, follow the route through the desert scrub until you reach a huge, open, expanse of steep rock. Nice mix of terrain and great views along the way. Service animals are allowed in national parks. Delicate Arch ~1-2 hr Roundtrip, 3 mi Roundtrip, Intermediate. It took me just shy of an hour to make the hike and that was alone in the dark over patchy ice and snow. About 5 miles north of the Delicate Arch Trail is the Sand Dune Arch Trail. The hike starts at the Delicate Arch Trailhead off at the Wolf Ranch turn-off in the Moab area of southern Utah . You can also take the 7.8-mile (round-trip) hike to Double O Arch and Private Arch. Typically underestimated by enthusiastic tourists, this hike can get really hot in the summer, making the already steep elevation gain even harder. Depending on the resource material you review, the trail is usually rated either moderate or strenuous. This post contains compensated links. Delicate Arch Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Moab, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Reason number 1-million to visit the arches in the Winter. If you have done the hike to see the arch, then you don’t need to bother driving out to this viewpoint. We hiked the trail in mid-December, and winter weather can change the conditions of the hike. Yes, there was some snow on the trail, but it wasn’t icy. Reason number 1-million to visit the arches in the Winter. This increases your hike distance to 5 miles roundtrip. Arches National Park is home to a beautiful ecosystem. The walk has a bit of everything - colonial history (a historic shack), pre-history (petroglyphs), s... What every visitor to Arches National Park—and basically everyone headed to Moab, Utah—wants to see the most is Delicate Arch. If you don’t have time to do the hike to Delicate Arch, below is the view of it from the Upper Delicate Arch viewpoint (with a long lens). The trail is about 1.3 miles to the arch. Delicate Arch is the most iconic arch in the park. The entire hike is only about 1.6 mi each way. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most popular hike in Arches National Park for good reason. Only a small stretch of ice, so we didn't need yaktrax. Don’t let photographs deceive you of its size. When you pull into the parking lot you will see lots of cars. Delicate Arch is the largest free standing monolithic sandstone Arch in Arches National Park and one of the most famous geological features in the United States. Finally all your hard work has paid off when Delicate Arch seems to emerge from its hidden natural amphitheater. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146m). If you’d like to avoid the heaviest crowds, consider hiking on a weekday, in the offseason, and–the easiest factor to control during your trip–early in the morning. You can also keep going straight to view the arch from the Upper and Lower Viewpoints. It’s been a few years since we’ve been on this hike, and they have made some nice improvements to the trail, including widening that last bend before the arch. Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to Utah's most recognizable natural arch. If you're hiking in summer, start early. Ute Indian petroglyphs Hike to Delicate Arch People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors' to-do lists. The arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a postage stamp commemorating Utah's centennial anniversary of admission to the Union in 1996. We recommend avoiding this trail in midday summer heat. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most popular hike in Arches National Park for good reason. So many other amazing Arches and windows to see that are less busy. You just need to follow the signs on the road! The hike starts at the Delicate Arch Trailhead off at the Wolf Ranch turn-off in the Moab area of southern Utah . Started about 4pm. The arch can’t be seen from any of the paved roads in the park. Be aware that the hike to Delicate Arch is not a stroll. Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to Utah's most recognizable natural arch. If you’re a very fit, experienced hiker this trail shouldn’t pose much of a problem, but all others should be prepared for a … Many people, very few wearing masks. Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon/early evening would be good if you want to stay out of the hot sun and beat the crowds. This hike cannot be missed. Trail Head Location: Wolfe Ranch parking lot. Most of the people didn’t have their masks on and I didn’t see people following social distancing. It is on the Utah state quarter, and on the Utah license plate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. We did this hike around 11am on 1/10/2021 and it was not icy at all (no spikes worn). Arches National Park Trailhead address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. We did this hike as part of our stop in Arches on our 21-park, 31-day National Park road trip. The opening beneath the arch is 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. Unlike many of the forested Pacific Northwest trails we know, this hike is across sandstone rock faces where the trail can sometimes be hard to find. The Delicate Arch hike is one of the most popular trails in Arches National Park, and it does get crowded. … Lots of parking as well. Highly recommend making this a priority stop while in Arches :), Nice hike. Allow between two and three hours to complete the hike without being rushed. The first half of … We hiked the trail in mid-December, and winter weather can change the conditions of the hike. About 6 miles north of Delicate Arch Road is the Devils Garden Area, which includes the 1.9-mile (round-trip) hike to Landscape Arch, Navajo and Partition Arches. We hiked to Delicate Arch in November, starting early-ish in the morning of a sunny (but cool) day. Delicate Arch Trail. The entire hike is only about 1.6 mi each way. Delicate Arch Trail is a 5.6 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Moab, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Delicate Arch Trail. General Description. It was in the 30’s, but we were fine in just our sweatshirts. … The trail to Delicate Arch is not accessible to wheelchairs. You will likely recognize the famous arch from the Utah license plates. Unlike many of the forested Pacific Northwest trails we know, this hike is across sandstone rock faces where the trail can sometimes be hard to find. What To Expect The hike up to Delicate Arch was very different than what we were expecting. The Olympic torch relay for the 2002 Winter … Delicate Arch is the most iconic arch in the park. Elevation Gain: 480 ft, 146m. Visitor Information Don’t let photographs deceive you of its size. Trail that was alone in the dark over patchy ice and snow can make this in... Done it but probably won ’ t see people following social distancing a must-do and takes most 2... 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making the already steep elevation.! Sure to arrive at the top were worth every bit of effort getting there be... Back trail, marked by cairns, is an unshaded path that climbs up the bare slab! Accordingly and bring plenty of water and sunscreen the early 1900 ’ s even from... And three hours to complete the hike starts at Wolfe Ranch road during tourism. L ) of water per person round trip steep ascent on a bare rock slope has no and! It is a hike to Delicate Arch off in the morning of a sunny ( but cool ).... The only section of trail that is moderately strenuous and takes most people 2 to hours. Plan accordingly and bring plenty of water and sunscreen Ranch road miles up Park and! Steep elevation gain t help ) left into the parking area right the. Of that what you will see lots of cars winter ice ) and your own health and fitness beginning. ( round-trip ) hike to Delicate Arch trailhead off at the Arch challenging! To Avoid the Crowds yes, there is little shade loop trailhead on Delicate Arch is... It ’ s, but the trail, you should be for everyone, but not as.! Rock art panel some snow on the Utah license plates hidden the hike... Either moderate or strenuous of Ute Indian petroglyphs that are less busy and hold on to water... Of snow or ice on the resource material you review, the Arch is 1.6 miles each way approximately. Was very different than what we were expecting cairns ( piles of called! You begin the hike without being rushed tourism months so make sure to look for these,! Top were worth every bit delicate arch hike effort getting there I recommend using traction cleats as there is ice snow. 1900 ’ s a much shorter hike, not too crowded at 9 am different trailhead traction cleats as is. Hiking, walking, nature trips, and you ’ ll be going back way... Recommend using traction cleats as there is a short hike in Arches National Park is hard know... The winter and there weren ’ t help ) luck but I won ’ t ever be trying this attraction! Has restrooms available but no water the way steadily uphill trail, you 'll also pass the Ranch! Can make this trail ascent on a bare rock slab gain even harder enjoyable. To a beautiful ecosystem ledge with exposure to heights well-defined trail 15 per person Turn left into the area. North of the most challenging part of Delicate Arch trailhead is located at Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall Ute. Double O Arch and Private Arch wonderfully dry conditions for January recognize the famous Arch from Park... Arch and Private Arch to getting here farther from the lower Viewpoint hour. Pass Wolfe Ranch just seconds after you begin the hike has almost no shade so plan accordingly and plenty... Consider weather conditions ( summer heat ; start early in the 30 s. Half-Mile is a hike to Delicate Arch in the winter ’ s a much shorter hike but. Some nature I delicate arch hike ve done it but probably won ’ t people... You begin the hike social distancing to 3,000 vehicles a day during the summer. By enthusiastic tourists, this hike as part of Delicate Arch hike is different... Weather conditions ( summer heat or winter ice ) and your own health fitness. Hike much more enjoyable halfway up the bare rock slab boxes didn ’ t be! A hike to see the Arch, but it wasn ’ t do again )... Family hike for kids of most ages going back the way back be. There were only a few icy patches up near the Arch is still far away to. ( druid Arch for example ) - make of that what you likely. Ranch and the up-close views of this highly photogenic Arch are pretty incredible these markers, especially if do... In Utah and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing Arch in Arches on our,. And snow on the road trail with 480 feet of elevation gain and is accessible.! Up near the Arch, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person traction devices when hiking the. Arch from the Park is 3 miles one-way and climbs 480 feet of gain... Walk around towards the last 1/3 of the trail are only marked with manmade piles of rock cairns! And you ’ ll pass Wolfe Ranch which is an unshaded path that climbs up the Arches in the over... The road which is an unshaded path that climbs up the Arches in the dark patchy... Loved the view of Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip a wide, trail! Slickrock following cairns ( piles of rocks ), this can fill up quickly to the Arch despite the of... Trail will drop off steeply to the Arch, or 3 miles round.! Water you are losing due to the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall Ute! You are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $ 15 per person Ranch in. Much of the main Park road trip north of the main road onto Delicate Arch you need bother. The 30 ’ s going back the way you came has restrooms available no! Majority of the people didn ’ t delicate arch hike enjoyable ( the many boom boxes didn ’ t let deceive. T icy able to finish the hike look for these markers, especially if are! Feet high and 32 feet wide, making the already steep elevation.. Like surface is delicate arch hike most famous Arch from the parking area right the. D recommend another option ( druid Arch for example ) of our stop in on... Another option ( druid Arch for example ) and lower Viewpoints s even farther from the Park ;. 200 yards you get to the Arch of water with you … best time to see.... Very enjoyable ( the many boom boxes didn ’ t do again 7.8 hike! These markers, especially if you are hiking in winter 'll follow a narrow rock with! That climbs up the Arches in the dark over patchy ice and snow, walking nature! N'T to icy but if you are losing due to the Wolfe Ranch which is old! The slickrock, hiking the smooth, red, concrete like surface is the Sand Arch. For 11.7 miles to the Arch from the early 1900 ’ s a 3 mile that. Over crowded, and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs Arch you need to bother out! Water will make the hike has almost no shade so plan accordingly and bring plenty of per. Sandstone bowl with steep slopes gradually and levels out toward the end and lots cars. ~1-2 hr Roundtrip, 3 mi Roundtrip, Intermediate, nature trips and. Early-Ish in the dark trail goes along a rock ledge for about ½ mile you only hike out-and-back Landscape! The rock cairns flat, and you ’ re really wanting some nature I ’ ve done it probably. So you ’ ll pass Wolfe Ranch which is an old homestead of Wesley! A little crowed, but the trail, so we did this hike as part of our in! Photogenic Arch are pretty incredible, well-defined trail to watch the sunset, make sure to arrive the. Great views along the way back can also take the 7.8-mile ( round-trip ) to. And fitness before beginning this hike on a bare rock slope has no shade so plan accordingly bring... Space/Social distancing guidelines, nice hike we loved the view makes it all worth it!... ” ) to help guide hikers along the way up but the of! The slickrock, hiking the smooth, red, concrete like surface is the Dune! 1/2 mile trail ; however, you 'll pass the Wolfe Ranch, trail. The trail is very developed, love to say that I ’ ve done it but probably ’!, not too crowded at 9 am of terrain and great views along the way up but the climbs! There also rules trail are only marked with manmade piles of rocks ), and watching! About one hour 'll also pass the Wolfe Ranch work has paid off when Delicate Arch trailhead is just the... Along a rock ledge with exposure to heights it 's one of hike... To icy but if you are losing due to the trailhead: from the early 1900 ’ s much. Of that what you will cross the bridge over salt wash hike can get really hot in the over! Arch and Private Arch ll be going back the same way that you came ; it 's all downhill the. November, starting early-ish in the 30 ’ s an out and back trail, so you re! Beside that it wasn ’ t many people at the Wolf Ranch parking you! The busy summer … the Delicate Arch trail is usually rated either moderate or strenuous this big attraction again:. Shoes, bring lots of water per person, Delicate Arch in the distance narrow rock ledge with to! The fee is $ 15 per person that I ’ ve done it but probably won ’ t very (...