THING TO DO

Hike to Delicate Arch

a free-standing stone arch with people standing at its base
Delicate Arch is a major destination for visitors to Arches National Park.

NPS/Chris Wonderly

People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors' to-do lists.

The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip and climbs 480 feet (146 m). At the beginning of the trail, you'll pass the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs.

a bare rock slope with a line of people walking up it
Part of the hike to Delicate Arch requires hiking up this steep slickrock slope. The trail has no shade and can be very hot in summer.

NPS/Martin Tow

Beyond Wolfe Ranch, the trail climbs rolling hills then begins a steep ascent on a bare rock slope. This rock slope has no shade and can be very hot in summer months. We recommend avoiding this trail in midday summer heat. If you're hiking in summer, start early.

Toward the end of the trail, you'll follow a narrow rock ledge with exposure to heights. The arch sits on the edge of a sandstone bowl with steep slopes. In winter, ice and snow can make this trail treacherous. We recommend carrying over-the-shoe traction devices

Carefully consider weather conditions (summer heat or winter ice) and your own health and fitness before beginning this hike. Rangers frequently rescue people who underestimated the trail's difficulty.

Details
The duration will vary depending on your fitness level and length of time spent at the arch.
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Take at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person.

Summer

  • Avoid hiking this trail in midday summer heat; start early in the morning.

Winter

  • You may encounter sections of snow or ice on this trail. We recommend over-the-shoe traction devices when hiking in winter.

If you go to watch the sunset, make sure to bring a flashlight.

Accessibility Information
The trail to Delicate Arch is not accessible. It climbs over rough and steep terrain. The only section of trail that is accessible is the trail around Wolfe Ranch and the Ute rock art panel.

Last updated: October 2, 2018