Delicate Arch Hike: What to Expect

ByTravelwithsoles

Oh my stars and sun, what gorgeous scenery. The Delicate Arch is a very famous geological feature in the world, that spans over 30 feet wide and stands over 40 feet tall. The Delicate Arch hike is by far one the most “SPECTACTULAR” scenic hikes in Arches National Park. You may recognize this beautiful icon from magazines, social media, and television. In this article we will cover optimal time to hike, Directions, know before you go, and essentials you will need for your hike.

Lori and Steve Standing under Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch at Sunrise

The Best Time to Hike the Delicate Arch

Even with the new reservation system, visiting the arch at sunrise gives you front row seats to get up close and personal with the Delicate Arch and allows you to avoid the crowds for photos at the arch. I suggest arriving at the Park entrance 1.5 hours before the official sunrise to allow ample drive time, parking, and to get on the trail before dawn.

Driving to Delicate Arch Trail from the Visitors Center Entrance

Once through the park entrance off US-191, it is approximately 13 miles to the Wolfe Ranch parking area. From the visitor center, travel approximately 12 miles and turn right onto the Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch Road. You will travel another 1.2 miles to the parking lot which will be on your left. Plan on about 30 minutes of drive time to reach the parking area.

Hint: Getting to the trail at sunrise also ensures ample park for the the Delicate Arch Hike

Delicate Arch Hike

  • Hike Distance: 3 Miles (out and back)
  • Difficulty: Moderate (middle section, strenuous)
  • Elevation: 600 feet
  • Time: 2-3 Hours from Trailhead

Segment 1- Easy Stroll

A view of hikers at the beginning of the trail.
Start of Delicate Arch Hike – Easy

The first .5 miles of the trail is flat and then turns into a slight incline. As you set off on your hike, look to your left and see the rustic Turnbow Cabin made out of logs as well as a wall of petroglyphs. We chose to view these features on our way back because we were so excited to get to the Arch (and on our first visit it, was still dark). Remember……. To bring a headlamp, if you choose to hike when the stars are still out.

Segment 2 – Steep Incline

A view of hikers on the second section of the trail which is known as slick rock.
Second Section – Steep incline on Delicate Arch hike

As the trail continues, there is a steep incline you will be walking on a formation known as slick-rock. The trail span the large rock formations, so follow the “Cairns”. If you need to take break because you are out of breathe, turn around and look behind you and admire the panoramic view. The view and ummm the hike are literally “BREATHTAKING“

Hint: What is a “Cairn”? A Cairn is a set of man made rocks piles in a tower to help guide you on a trail that is not easily recognized. Please don’t kick the cairns down, they are truly needed.

Steve taking a break from hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery from afar.
Steve taking in the “breathtaking” views at the top of the steep incline

Segment 3 – Trail Ledge Section

Haleigh on the third section of the Delicate arch hike which winds around on a you hike a ledge
Third Section of the trail – Haleigh hiking on the ledge.

Once up the Steep incline, you will enter a sandy trail portion of the trail. At this point watch for a sign and intersection. Stay to the left when you arrive at the intersection. This will wind around the side of a Canyon and you will see a steep drop off on your left side. The trail gets narrow and expect foot traffic in two directions. Be courteous and allow the foot traffic going up the hill to have the right-away-of-way on the trail.

Delicate Arch – Finally

This is a picture of Delicate Arch as you pop out of the trailhead
Delicate Arch

Unofficial Trail – Strenuous and steep

Lori standing to the side of Delicate Arch with viewers on The opposite side enjoying the views of the arch.
A side view of the Delicate Arch

During our first visit to Arch National Park, when we got to the intersection, the sign was down and we missed the “cairns”. We followed a group in front of us and went to the right. The hike was steep and seemed like forever compared to the directions. In the picture above we didn’t even realize we were standing right in front of the Delicate Arch. We just knew we were getting close because of the people at the Arch.

A view looking up at delicate arch from the unofficial trail.
Delicate Arch – hiking from the unofficial trail

Oh my stars, sun, and gorgeous scenery, you can’t image the “WOW” factor when we looked up.

Know Before You Go

Times Entry System New for 2022

To enter the park, a timed entry system will be implemented and will be in effect from: April 3 – October 3, 2022. The requirements, cost and reservation information can be found on Arches National Park timed entry system and will be in effect from: April 3 – October 3, 2022. We know that making reservations is not everyone’s favorite but the new reservation system will help with the jam pack Crowds. Prior to the reservation system and during the peak seasons, the Arches National Park Ranger entrance was closed by 8 am in the morning because the park was already at its capacity.

Do You Need a National Park Pass

Yes, you still need a National Park Pass to get into the National Park even with the reservations system. You can obtain a National Park pass at the Arches National Park Visitor Center or purchase an Annual National Park Pass on-line.

What to Bring

  • Headlamp if hiking at dawn or dusk
  • A backpack
  • A re-usable water bottle or hydration pack for each person
  • Sturdy shoes with good support and traction since the rocks may be slippery
  • Sunscreen – It gets hot very quickly

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