Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch Hiking Trail

After 1.5 miles of moderately difficult hiking, you’ll be rewarded with an unbeatable view, and a chance to see the arch up close. On the way, expect to see petroglyphs, another arch (Frame Arch), and do some red rock scrambling.

Hikers beware, the Delicate Arch trail often surprises visitors by being more difficult than they’d expected. The entire trail is sun-exposed, offering little shade, and has multiple steep sections. Be sure to bring ample water, snacks, and sun protection, and do your part to protect the park. Please do not climb on the park’s natural structures or touch historic artifacts like petroglyphs.

Trail Details:

• Length: 3.2 miles round trip, 1.5 miles to Delicate Arch
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Elevation Gain: 550 foot gain
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Type: Out-and-back, mostly slickrock, hikers only
• Trailhead: Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot Get Directions.
• GPS Coordinates: 38.735502, -109.520666
• Tips: Bring plenty of water and a camera, pets are not allowed

Directions To The Trailhead

Trail Map

Delicate Arch Viewpoints

As an alternative to the three mile hike, visitors can see the arch from two separate viewpoints, both of which are more accessible than the hiking trail. You’ll start at the same trailhead (Wolfe Ranch parking lot), where both viewpoints and the hiking trail start off. The lower viewpoint is the closest by, but a short trek to the upper viewpoint will provide a much better vantage point.

LOWER VIEWPOINT

The lower Delicate Arch viewpoint is just less than 14 miles from the visitor center, at the Wolfe Ranch parking lot. Take the trail on the right to reach the lower viewpoint.
Getting to the Viewpoint: The lower Delicate Arch viewpoint lies just less than 14 miles from the visitor center, on Delicate Arch Rd. Get Directions

UPPER VIEWPOINT

From the same parking area, you can take a short walk to the upper Delicate Arch viewpoint. The upper viewpoint is .5 mi away, and the trail leads up a fairly steep incline. However, you’ll have a much better vantage of Delicate Arch. This viewpoint is the best alternative if you won’t be able to hike to the arch during your visit.
Getting to the Viewpoint: The trail starts at the same parking area. Take the trail on the left a half mile up the hill to the viewpoint. Get Directions

Tips for Seeing Delicate Arch

Visit at Sunrise or After Sunset

Delicate Arch is the busiest destination in the park. If you plan to hike the trail between noon and sunset, expect to share the trail with many other hikers. For a less crowded experience, we’d recommend visiting the arch during sunrise, or after the sun has set. Remember, Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, so you can get an early start and watch the sun rise over the park, or see the Delicate Arch’s silhouette beneath a starry sky.

How Long Is The Hike?

The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. Allow between two and three hours to complete the hike without being rushed.

Don’t Bust The Crust!

Arches National Park is home to a beautiful ecosystem. Resilient critters and plants call this arid, unforgiving desert home. While it may seem unassuming, many areas of dirt play a critical role in providing water to the ecosystem. This biological soil crust (or cryptobiotic soil) is incredibly sensitive, and will be damaged if stepped on. Please watch your step, stay on the trail, and do your part to help protect the park.