The famous Delicate Arch is a must see when visiting Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. The 52 ft tall freestanding natural Arch is one of the most photographed destinations where you can view the majestic La Sal Mountains looking through the arch. The popular Arches National Park trail leading to the Delicate Arch can be experienced by active families and hikers.
There are three separate hiking trails leading to great views of this amazing Arch. Two very short hikes take you to a Delicate Arch viewpoint where you can look up at the Arch. The third option is a 3 mile round trip hike leading you directly to the arch. I highly recommend this 3 mile hike with its spectacular views of the desert and mountains.
Delicate Arch: How to Get There
Pick up a park and trail map at the entrance of the Arches National Park park or at the information center immediately after entering the park. To access the Delicate Arch 3 mile trail, park in the Wolfe Ranch parking area. To access the shorter trail, park at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot.
The Hike, Views & Terrain
For the 3 mile hike taking you directly to the arch, you’ll start with climbing up a wide slickrock trail. Here is a picture of my dad blazing up the terrain! The trail narrows as you near the Delicate Arch. You’ll need to walk single file on this narrow slickrock ledge.
Stop and look through the window near the top of the trail for a stunning view of the Delicate Arch, La Sal mountains and the valley below. I climbed up to the window to take this picture. Isn’t the view gorgeous?
After following the narrow ledge and looking through the window, you’ll arrive at the famous Delicate Arch. I took the following photo from a popular vantage point. You can actually stand under the arch and have your picture taken.
Planning Your Delicate Arch Hike
I enjoyed this hike with my active parents. I saw hikers of various ages and levels of fitness. Plan to hike and view the spectacular sights for about 2 hours. With the climb and intense high desert summer heat, you’ll need to take plenty of water and allow yourself time to enjoy the adventure.
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Delicate Arch Viewpoint Hike
Below is a picture taken from one of the two shorter hikes designed to view the arch. To access these hiking trails, park in the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot. The shortest viewpoint trail is only 100 yards round trip. The other viewpoint trail is approximately 1.6 miles round trip with a short climb. I took this photo at the end of the short climb.
Read about other great hikes in Arches National Park: Devils Garden, Balanced Rock, Park Avenue and the Windows.
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