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You are here: Home / Family Travel / Moab, Utah: Delicate Arch Hike In Arches National Park

Moab, Utah: Delicate Arch Hike In Arches National Park

December 15, 2014 by Scarlet

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My best friend lives in Utah. I visited her recently and she showed me around Moab, Utah. I packed a suitcase full of layers because I was afraid I would freeze to death in Utah in November. However, we had really beautiful weather. It was cold but very bearable in just jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and sometimes a coat. The hike to the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park made me feel alive in ways that I hadn’t felt in some time. It was just mind blowing visually. It felt a bit like being warped through time and space to find myself in such unfamiliar landscape, in the middle of nowhere. At times, I felt like I had been swallowed up by nature. I know that all sounds a little  melodramatic but it was really fantastic and I don’t even think I can express properly how and why.

Visiting Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Arches National Park Visitor Center

First, we stopped at the Arches National Park visitor center which gives you a little history and ecology run down and, of course, offers a gift shop so you can bring souvenirs to the family you didn’t bring with you and maybe a little something for yourself!

Arches National Park Wildlife

Signs like these told you about what animals you might expect to see and about the different attractions because Arches National Park is a huge area with many things to see.  We choose the Delicate Arch Hike but I have a feeling we could have done a different hike everyday for  at least a week and never have been bored!

Points of Interest Arches Park


Going for the Delicate Arch hike in November was wonderful because you avoid the crowds. I have been told that it is packed with people during warmer times of the year but on our November Delicate Arch Hike, there were times when it was just my friend and I and the open sky and total quiet. Spectacular.

The Delicate Arch hike is one of the most popular and iconic hikes in Arches National Park, located near Moab, Utah, USA. Delicate Arch itself is the most famous natural arch in the park and is featured on Utah license plates. Here’s some information to help you plan your hike.

Trail Information:

  • Trailhead: The trail begins at the Wolfe Ranch parking area, which is located about 11 miles from the park entrance.
  • Distance: The round-trip Delicate Arch hike length is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km).
  • Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate, but it can be strenuous due to exposure to the sun and some steep sections.
  • Hike Time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Elevation change: 480 feet

Here is the Delicate Arch Hike Description from the National Park Service:

“Open slickrock with some exposure to heights. The first half-mile is a wide, well-defined trail. Upon reaching the slickrock, follow the rock cairns. The trail climbs gradually and levels out toward the top of this rock face. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail goes along a rock ledge for about 200 yards.”

Taking The Delicate Arch Hike

I found that to be a very accurate description.  It was a nice wide, safe hiking trail most of the way but there were lots of slanted rock surfaces that could have been slippery if wet or with flimsy shoes.  I wore hiking boots.  We brought water and sunscreen and energy bars.  The rock cairns were very useful in finding the way because sometimes it is just wide open rock with no clear trail and that guide comes in handy!

Delicate Arch Hike flat rock
Can you spot the people or the trail?

The trail does go along a rock ledge for a stretch and I am a bit afraid of heights so I just had to breath deep, remain calm, and not look down!  You know you are getting close when you see a small natural arch in the rock wall overhead and you reach the narrow trail along the rock wall.

Small arch
I snapped this shot looking up at the first small natural arch I saw when the trail begins to narrow.
Delicate Arch Narrow Trails
Here are the most narrow sections of the Delicate Arch hiking trail. You can do if I did!

When you arrive at the area where you can first see the Delicate Arch, it is pretty flat and a great viewing point. You can recenter yourself after rounding that narrow trail up! You can also get a picture with the Delicate Arch as your backdrop.

Delicate Arch backdrop
Flat Viewing Area Near The Delicate Arch- See the tiny people under the arch?

Here is a 360 degree view from the safe, flatish area.

Also, once you reach the Delicate Arch area, it is like you arrived on one side of a bowl and the Delicate Arch is on the other side of the bowl so you have to climb around that to get to the Delicate Arch. The bowl is not steep for a good ways but it does eventually drop into a canyon.

soup bowl rock formation
Here is my friend at the top of what I call the bowl. Then you follow that around to get to the Delicate Arch.
Almost To The Delicate Arch
Almost To The Delicate Arch

Because of the colder weather, we we even able to get a photo of the Delicate Arch without any people- of course, without people for scale, you can’t tell how huge it is.

The Delicate Arch- no people
The Delicate Arch- no people.

Then when you get to the Delicate Arch, you will be overwhelmed by its size and by the fact that you are so precariously perched when you go under it.  I found it a bit breath taking and was reduced to Beavis and Butthead like muttering of, “woah!”

Here is a view looking up at the arch while in the center. It was a bit hard for me to do and retain my grounded, secure feeling but I just had to have the view while I was there!


The views of the Delicate Arch were amazing and so were the views from the Delicate Arch.

Views From Delicate Arch
Holy Camoley. I can’t believe I was close enough to take that picture!
canyon views
Makes me imagine being a cowboy riding on a horse- how wild and dangerous!

Then on the Delicate Arch Hike, there were other sights to see, as if the Delicate Arch itself was not enough!

delicate arch hike
Just a sight along the Delicate Arch Hike.

There was also a chance to see petroglyphs.  If you are not careful, you may miss it completely like we did on the way in but we saw the sign on our way out!  The Ute petroglyph is pretty fantastic and dated between 1650 and 1850.  It shows a horseback rider and big horn sheep.  However, it is very inconspicuous and you have to be looking for a petroglyph to notice it.

petroglyphs
Ute petroglyphs.

You can also peek at the Wolfe Ranch with a cabin from 1906.  It is interesting to imagine life in those times!

Wolfe Ranch
Wolfe Ranch

I hope you get around to doing the Delicate Arch Hike in Moab, Utah! It truly is fantastic.  Have you been to Arches National Park before?

Fisher Towers Hike Utah
Fisher Towers Hike, Also in Moab, Utah

Tips for the Hike:

  1. Start Early: It can get very hot, especially during the summer months, so it’s advisable to start the hike early in the morning.
  2. Bring Water: Make sure to carry plenty of water, as there is no shade along the trail.
  3. Wear Sun Protection: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
  4. Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes as the trail includes slickrock and uneven surfaces.
  5. Stay on the Trail: Stick to the designated trail to avoid damaging the fragile desert environment.

Always check with the park’s official website or visitor center for the most up-to-date information, trail conditions, and any alerts or closures. Enjoy your hike to Delicate Arch and take in the breathtaking scenery!

I did another hike in Fisher Towers, which was also wonderful and filled adventure filled.  I will have to share that some time soon!

Related Posts:

Tips For Hiking With Kids

Mesa Verde National Park

My Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

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Comments

  1. VisitMoabUtah says

    December 15, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    To see additinoal rock art sites have a look at http://www.discovermoab.com/rockart.htm. Please keep these precious resources safe. Teach others to respect them too. Enjoy, I enjoyed your post.

  2. Camille says

    January 21, 2015 at 12:08 am

    Ok, we definitely have to hit this up! Although I’m thinking it may be a bit hot in July. Such pretty pictures, though.

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Thanks for reading Family Focus Blog, a parenting and lifestyle blog that provides tips, advice, and inspiration for families. It covers a wide range of topics, including parenting tips, family-friendly recipes, eco-friendly living, family travel, home decor, and family activities. The blog was created in 2010 by Nashville mom blogger, Scarlet Paolicchi. She shares her personal experiences and practical advice for raising children and maintaining a balanced family life. Scarlet Paolicchi is the author of four books, available through her affiliate link on Amazon.

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