4.6
(6697)
8,165
hikers
Delicate Arch Trail
01:56
5.28km
170m
Hiking
Embark on the Delicate Arch Trail, a moderate hiking route spanning 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with an elevation gain of 544 feet (166 metres). This journey takes you through striking desert landscapes, where you will navigate slickrock and pass by impressive sandstone domes. The trail culminates at the iconic Delicate…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Arches National Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
16 m
Delicate Arch Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
146 m
Wolfe Ranch Cabin
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
215 m
Salt Wash River
Highlight • River
Tip by
385 m
Petroglyph Panel near Wolfe Ranch
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
575 m
Delicate Arch Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
2.49 km
Frame Arch
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
2.72 km
Delicate Arch
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
5.28 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.60 km
664 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.18 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 7 May
24°C
6°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Delicate Arch Trail?
The hike typically takes around 2 hours, including time to enjoy the arch. The route is approximately 3.3 miles (5.3 km) roundtrip.
What is the difficulty of this trail?
The Delicate Arch Trail is classified as moderate. While relatively short, it involves a significant uphill climb over slickrock and constant exposure to the sun, making it more challenging than some visitors anticipate. Park rangers often assist unprepared hikers.
What is the terrain like on the way to Delicate Arch?
The trail begins on a well-defined path, then transitions to a steady uphill climb over a steep slickrock slope. You'll also encounter sandy and rocky sections, passing by large sandstone domes. Near the arch, there's a narrow ledge along a rock wall.
What interesting sights can I see along the trail?
Beyond the stunning red sandstone formations, you'll pass historical elements like the Wolfe Ranch Cabin and a Petroglyph Panel near Wolfe Ranch. A notable feature is Frame Arch, which perfectly frames Delicate Arch for photographers.
Where does the trail start and where can I park?
The trail officially starts at the Delicate Arch Trailhead, also known as the Wolfe Ranch parking lot. This is where you'll find parking for the hike.
Is the Delicate Arch Trail dog-friendly?
No, dogs are generally not allowed on the Delicate Arch Trail or most other trails within Arches National Park. Pets are permitted only on paved roads, in parking lots, and in the campground.
What is the best time of year to hike to Delicate Arch?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to October) offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with milder temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter may bring snow and ice, making slickrock sections hazardous.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for Arches National Park?
Yes, Arches National Park has an entrance fee. Additionally, from April 1 to October 31, a timed entry reservation is required to enter the park between 7 AM and 4 PM. You can find more information on the official NPS website.
What should I bring for this hike?
Given the constant sun exposure and lack of shade, it's crucial to bring plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per person), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the slickrock sections.
Are there any specific challenges or safety considerations?
The main challenges are the steep slickrock ascent and the intense sun exposure. There's also a narrow ledge section near the end. Always stay on marked trails, be aware of weather changes, and carry enough water to prevent dehydration.
Is the Delicate Arch Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?
The Delicate Arch Trail is an out-and-back route. You hike to the arch and then return along the same path to the trailhead.
Are there any insider tips for experiencing Delicate Arch?
For the most dramatic views and photography opportunities, consider hiking at sunrise or sunset. The changing light illuminates the arch with a fiery red glow. Be prepared for crowds during these popular times.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
A video of the hike can be found here: https://youtu.be/7HDRvXhRHsA
We have now arrived in Utah and the really beautiful town of Moab was the starting point for today's activities. We also went to Arches National Park, which attracts millions of visitors every year with over 2000 stone bridges. So if you think the Pravcicka Gates in Saxon Switzerland are cool, you will definitely get your money's worth here. If you want to go into the park, you have to book a time slot in advance and then be there at the right time. If you miss that, you're unfortunately out of luck and will have to come back at some point. A well-developed road, the so-called Scenic Drive, with a total length of 18 miles, leads into the park. It is a dead end and you have to go back. There are countless hiking opportunities in the park itself and we decided on the most well-known route, namely the trail to Delicate Arch. This is the most well-known bridge in the park and can also be found on Utah's license plates, for example. We started in over 40 degrees at the Wolfe Ranch, an abandoned log cabin where one of the first park rangers used to live. A well-maintained path soon takes you to a huge rock formation, over which the trail now climbs steeply upwards. From there, there are no more trees or shade and you should definitely bring enough water with you, because the sun is really brutal. Once you have overcome this steep section, the path now winds along a high rock face, somewhat exposed, and then finally reveals the view of the Delicate Arch. Free-standing and over 20m high, it makes for an impressive sight that makes the sweaty climb worthwhile. The way back then leads back along the same path, only now it is permanently downhill. You can almost look with pity at the faces of the hikers coming towards you, because they still have the hard work ahead of them. And believe me, there are endless white sneaker hikers here too. Shortly before the end of the tour, you can admire so-called petroglyphs, i.e. rock paintings carved in stone, which the inhabitants of the region carved into the rocks, probably around 1600. This marked the end of a relatively short, but no less strenuous, tour, but one that was definitely worth it. To get an impression of the park, here are some photos from the trip. Schalli's rating: 🥾🥾🥾🥾-
One of Utah's landmarks, even the torch relay of the 2002 Olympic Games went through this arch. It was a real highlight.🤩
The exploration of Utah continues and is highly recommended for a road trip. Since it has already proven itself in Yellowstone, this time there were 3 tours to see as much as possible. Even though it was October, it was super hot and very sunny there. The landscapes were unique and sometimes very different. And again it's a place that doesn't look as impressive in pictures as it does in reality. Speaking of reality: there were a lot of tourists in the pictures of the main attraction, the Delicate Arch, but these were all removed from the photos thanks to my professional skills.
An absolutely impressive hike at high Y temperatures. The ascent over the smooth rocks is not to be underestimated. Enough water, sun protection and hat are mandatory here. And the weather, in our case an approaching thunderstorm, should not be underestimated. That's why the Arch is so impressive! And the view also rewards the ascent. A very worthwhile tour!
After a quite strenuous hike (the second of the day), we reach today's mega-highlight: the "Delicate Arch," a stone arch standing free on the edge of a rocky hollow, with the snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains in the background. A sight of majestic beauty. We find a spot at the edge of the hollow and take in this almost unrealistically beautiful view for a while. The color of the sunlight is becoming increasingly warmer, but we don't intend to wait for sunset, as we want to reach the campsite while it's still daylight. We finally enjoy the sunset from our camper van spot (I've added pictures of it at the end), and a perfect day comes to an end. USA 2025: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/3534240
To start the day at Arches National Park in style! Very early hike to avoid too many people because this trail is very popular, and I understand why... what a beauty this Delicate Arch is!
The relatively short (35 minute) climb can be very strenuous as there is no shade and the rock reflects the heat: bring plenty of water!