Conditions Right Now
Use sunset as your turnaround alarm.
Why Hike This
At 46 feet it is the largest free-standing arch in Arches, and it stands by itself on open rock, which is why it reads as one shape from a long way off. The trail out of Wolfe Ranch climbs steadily over slickrock with no shade, and rangers pull people off it regularly, almost always in summer heat or winter ice. Hundreds of people turn up for sunset on a busy day, so the quiet version of this hike happens early. Stop at the wall of Ute petroglyphs just past the ranch cabin.
The Trail
Utah's license-plate icon. Slickrock climb, zero shade, all-time sunset. Timed entry Apr-Oct.
Heat note: desert country - in summer start at dawn and carry more water than feels reasonable.
Pack Loadout (Moderate)
2 liters water, trail shoes, sun layer, snacks, small first-aid kit.
Official figures differ. NPS lists 3 miles round trip climbing 480 feet (NPS). Our distance and gain come from GPS tracks, so treat both as approximate.
Getting There
Make it a weekend: Devils Garden Campground (Camping, 6 mi) · Big Bend Campground (Camping, 7 mi) · Ken's Lake Campground (Camping, 19 mi) · Kayenta Campground (Dead Horse Point) (Camping, 22 mi)
More hikes nearby: Sand Dune Arch (Hike, 3 mi) · Fiery Furnace (Hike, 3 mi) · The Windows & Turret Arch (Hike, 4 mi) · Devils Garden to Landscape Arch (Hike, 7 mi)
Quick Answers
- How long is the Delicate Arch hike?
- 3.2 miles round trip with 629 feet of elevation gain.
- How hard is Delicate Arch?
- Moderate. Kid rating: 3 out of 5.
- When should I hike Delicate Arch?
- Best season: Spring & Fall (sunset!).
- Why hike Delicate Arch?
- Because it is the one arch that delivers in person as well as in photos, and getting there means a steady climb over bare rock rather than a stroll. There is no shade out there, so carry more water than feels reasonable. If the climb is out of reach, the lower viewpoint is a hundred yards from the car.