The iconic Delicate Arch. You may have seen this arch on the Utah license plates and all over social media. It’s a beautiful, yet difficult hike that you will want to experience while you’re at Arches National Park.
Arch Viewpoints
Strenuous trails aren’t for everyone and thankfully you have two options to see the Delicate Arch if you don’t want to go on the trail. The first is Lower Viewpoint, a 100 yard ADA trail that takes you to a beautiful view of the arch from a distance.
The second is Upper Viewpoint, a moderate strenuous 0.5 mile climb to a different viewpoint of the arch. Both can be accessed at the Delicate Arch viewpoint parking area. They are great alternatives to the 3 mile hike to see the arch up close and personal.
Parking
For those that opt for the 3 mile hike, you’ll want to park in the first parking lot. It’s a good size, but I would recommend doing this trail early so that you can get a parking spot. The lot will fill up.
If you’re heading to the viewpoints, continue on to the right and you’ll come to viewpoint parking area.
Wolfe Ranch
The trailhead for Delicate Arch starts at Wolfe Ranch. Take some time to check out this amazing cabin and learn some history about the land. Find out more information HERE
Petroglyphs
Just past Wolfe Ranch is a beautifully preserved Petroglyph Panel. This panel showcases some incredible American Indian history. Take the side trail to view it. Learn more HERE
The Trail
On to the arch! At this point, the climb begins and it seems like it never ends. It’s a steep hike up the rock slope and there is absolutely no shade. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you.
Continue up, up, up and follow the trail signs. There are not a lot of signs, but as you climb you’ll want to make your way to the left eventually. You can see in the rock where others have hiked before you so just stick to the trail and you should be good.
After you crest the hill, the trail flattens out for a bit and you’ll come to a sign that looks like it’s pointing to the right. And while it is, you don’t want to go too far right.
If you go too far right, you’ll end up at the bottom of the arch instead of the top and it’s a dangerous hike from there so I would encourage you to stick to the trail. We ended up going this way on our hike. You can watch our YouTube video for more details on our hike.
Look for a large rock on the right (that the sign is pointing to) and go just left of that. You can see a trail and continue on. Once you pass the rock, the trail starts to go up again and keeps going up until you get to the arch.
Before you get to Delicate Arch, don’t miss the chance to climb up for a window view. As you’re hiking, there will be a “rock wall” on your right and if you look up before you turn the corner to the arch you’ll see the window. It’s a short little climb up with a great view.
Delicate Arch
You’ve made it to Delicate Arch. It’s a beautiful view and absolutely picture worthy. There are a few places to sit and rest while you enjoy the view. You’ll probably need it after all that climbing. Although this hike is strenuous, it’s worth every step so if you can include this trail on your Arches visit, you should.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonder is not affiliated with Arches National Park or the National Park Service.
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