Length: 3 mi (4.8 km)
Elevation Gain: 480 ft (146 m)
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Delicate Arch, in Arches National Park, is one of the most iconic arches in Utah. “In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world.” (NPS) You will see it on billboards, outside of hotels, and on license plates when you travel to Arches National Park. Due to its popularity, expect larges crowds any time of the day.
Accessing Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Starting Location: Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot, Castle Valley, UT
GPS (DD): 38.735550, -109.520694
There are three ways to access Delicate Arch. The first, and easiest way, is found at the end of Delicate Arch Road, off of the main Arches Scenic Drive (GPS (DD): 38.73401, -109.50186). There is a parking lot and access to two trails. As it’s difficult to see Delicate Arch from the main road, you will need to get out of your car and hike.
The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint is an easy and level .06 mi (91 m) hike. This viewpoint allows you to see the arch 1 mi (1.6 km) away. To get a slightly closer and less obstructed view, you can hike to the Upper Viewpoint (.5 mi (.8 km) walk with stairs). I’ve done both, and while the views were nice, they gave me no indication of just how magnificent this arch really is.
Hiking the Delicate Arch Trail
The best way to see Delicate Arch, if you are up for a moderate hike, is to park at the Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot. Here you will find the Delicate Arch Trailhead. This parking lot fills up quickly. If you are unable to find parking, for an additional 2 mi (3.21 km) round trip, you can park at the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint trailhead and then hike back up to the Wolfe Ranch Parking lot along the Delicate Arch Road.
“The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146m). Along this steadily uphill trail, you’ll also pass the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs.” (NPS)
The Delicate Arch hike is full of lots of diversity. I found it a little bit difficult to navigate at first. Part of the hiking trail is a giant and angled slickrock slab. We just kept hiking up, hoping that we would see a sign of the continued trail. Thankfully, at the top of the slickrock slab, we saw a sign indicating that the trail continued to our left. There were also cairns left by other hikers helping us to navigate the rocky terrain.
As you get near the end of your hike, you will pass by the Twisted Doughnut Arch. This arch is easy to miss as it is higher up, but it allows you to see the Delicate Arch through a frame of sorts. Delicate Arch isn’t otherwise visible until the last bend in the hiking trail.
When I first hiked to Delicate Arch, I turned the last corner of the hike, stopped, and audibly gasped. I then stood there speechless. It was larger and prettier than I could have ever imagined. Pictures truly don’t capture the majesty of this arch. Although it was crowded, I felt so happy to be sharing this space with others. What an incredible formation! It was well worth the hike.
Weather at Delicate Arch
You need to be prepared for all kinds of weather on the Delicate Arch hiking trail. There is little shade, and as such, it can get quite hot. It’s important to use sun protection and to bring plenty of water. When we hiked to Delicate Arch, we started by taking off our jackets. Near the end of the hike, however, we hit a cliff wall on our right side with a steep drop-off on our left. At this shady section, we had to hike through small patches of snow. You never know what you will find while hiking to Delicate Arch. I imagine the smooth sections would be quite slick and dangerous in the rain.
Photography Tips at Delicate Arch
A less crowded time of day to see Delicate Arch is just before sunrise. When we went at that time, we found parking and had cooler temperatures. However, there was a deep shadow on the front of the arch, which made taking photographs more difficult for me. Sunset illuminates the front of the sandstone surface but is also the most crowded time of day. You will need to decide what your own priorities are when hiking to and photographing Delicate Arch.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, Arches National Park provides amazing landscape photography opportunities. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Arches National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time visiting Delicate Arch!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Arches National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Arches National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Moon Arches & Canyonlands National Parks: Hiking, Biking, Scenic Drives (Travel Guide)
- Best Easy Day Hikes Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (Best Easy Day Hikes: Where to Hike)
- Utah National Parks Arches & Canyonlands Day Hikes
- The Geologic Story of Arches National Park (Classic Reprint)
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