Hike Review: Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park, Utah
/total length
3.2 miles
elevation gain
500'
parking
parking lot
difficulty
moderate
“There is nothing so American as our national parks.... The fundamental idea behind the parks...is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”
With so many arches to choose from within Arches National Park, Delicate Arch tops many people's list, including mine! I was so excited to find out you could hike to it. And with such a short hike, this made it very doable in a short amount of time.
Passport stamp
Hike Description
The first part of the trail is wide and well-defined. You will go up a few switchbacks just before reaching slickrock. Keep trekking up the sandstone hill. The trail follows along a ledge. If you are scared of heights, this is the time to hug the rock wall behind you and go slowly. Just past the ledge you will reach Delicate Arch.
Things to Note
Bring plenty of water and check the weather for ice and snow before heading on the trail. This trail gets very busy during summer months and is especially crowded at sunset. The parking lot fills quickly and the next lot adds a total of 2 miles to the total hike. Come early and avoid the crowds. I entered the park before 8am and had no trouble finding parking. The restrooms stink very badly at the trailhead without any soap. So if this bothers you, be prepared.
Directions to Trailhead
From the scattering of Moab hotels, enter the park and take the Arches Scenic Drive and take a right at Delicate Arch Road. Find parking within the lot and start your hike near the restrooms.
Entrance to arches national park
on the sandstone hill
hikers trekking up sandstone hill
after scrambling up the sandstone hill
hiking views
Waiting in line for our photo turn
photo under delicate arch
Photo by Cole Mader / Unsplash
Special thanks to my husband Josie and my best friend Carleton for joining me on this beautiful hike. All photos (unless otherwise noted in caption) from our hike on July 30, 2016.
