Have you seen the Utah license plates with a beautiful arch depicted on them? (If not, see here). Well, that arch is allegedly Delicate Arch — a sandstone arch that stands nearly 60 feet tall and is possibly one of the most well-known and visited sights within Arches National Park, Utah. It can only be reached by hiking Delicate Arch Trail — a nearly three-mile out-and-back trail with over 600 feet of elevation gain.

To help with navigation, you can find a map of Delicate Arch Trail on AllTrails. 

Not feeling the hike? Visitors can see Delicate Arch from a distance at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint within Arches National Park.

Getting to the Delicate Arch Trailhead

The trailhead for Delicate Arch is located about 20 minutes (12 miles) from the Arches National Park visitor center in Moab. To get there, you’ll enter the park (and pay the entrance fee) and follow the road for about 12 miles until eventually veering left to reach the parking lot. There’s plenty of signage within the park to guide you, so the trailhead shouldn’t be difficult to find. Just be aware that many of the roads within Arches National Park are steep, windy, and narrow at times. Be cautious, take your time, and be aware of winter weather that could make the roads slippery. Obey all speed limits in the park, even when driving in the early hours when there are few people around — I nearly collided with a few mule deer hanging out on the side of the road.

The fee to enter Arches National Park is $30 per vehicle. If you have the America The Beautiful Pass, you do not have to pay the fee (but you will need to show your pass and ID at the gate). Between April 1 and October 31, all visitors need a vehicle reservation/timed entry ticket to enter the park. If you do not have a reservation, you can enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM.

Hiking to Delicate Arch

In all honesty, when I read the description for hiking to Delicate Arch, my first thought was, “Only three miles long and not even 1,000 feet of elevation gain? This’ll be easy.” But don’t underestimate this hike — that 600 feet of elevation gain comes at you fast. By the time I reached the arch, I was breathing heavily and a little sweaty (despite it being January). So yeah, it’s not necessarily a long hike, but it’s still a decent workout.

The trail starts modestly as you walk through a desert-like landscape with rocks, cliffs, and caves scattered about. Eventually, you reach a massive sandstone rock that you essentially just…walk up. Tip: As you climb, be sure to pause and look behind you — the views of the desert are pretty incredible.

The last leg of the journey requires you to walk along the side of a rocky formation. This part isn’t too challenging, but this is why you need to be wearing proper footwear. Finally, you’ll turn a corner and enter the dome-like area that features breathtaking desert views and the pièce de résistance of the hike: Delicate Arch.

If you’re hiking to Delicate Arch in the summer:

There is minimal shade along this trail, so please please please pack plenty of water. Additionally, you should apply sunscreen, consider wearing sun-protective clothes, and take plenty of breaks along the way. Many people complete this trail at sunrise or sunset to avoid hiking at the hottest times of the day. If you’re prone to heat exhaustion or any other heat-related conditions, I would not recommend this trail in the summer.

If you’re hiking to Delicate Arch in the winter:

The trail can become icy and snowy during the colder months of the year. This shouldn’t deter you from doing the hike (I did it in January and loved it). However, you should check trail conditions ahead of time (I recommend reading AllTrail reviews or asking rangers at the Visitor Center) and bring proper equipment so you can maneuver any icy areas (microspikes, trekking poles, etc.).

Pros vs. cons: Delicate Arch Trail

Pros: I saw a decent chunk of Arches National Park during my visit, and the views from this hike were my favorite. It’s a peaceful trail where you can see some really cool rock formations and caves. The views from the summit are breathtaking, and Delicate Arch is majestic (and makes for some really incredible photos). If you’re in Arches National Park and able to do this hike, I highly recommend it. 

Cons: There’s only one downside to this hike: it’s super popular (for good reason). Therefore, it’s not the ideal hike if you’re looking for solitude — expect at least a dozen (if not more) people sharing the summit with you. However, visiting in the off-season (winter) means that while the trail won’t be totally empty, there will be far fewer crowds than during the other seasons. In all honesty, I would tell anyone to suck it, put up with the crowds, and just do the hike — it’s worth it.

Quick Delicate Arch FAQs

Do I need a permit to hike to Delicate Arch?

No — You do not need a permit to hike to Delicate Arch. However, you will need to pay the entrance fee to enter Arches National Park ($30). And if you’re visiting between April 1 and October 31, you’ll need a timed entry ticket to enter as well.

Is there a restroom at the Delicate Arch trailhead?

Yes — there are (pretty decent) restroom facilities at the Delicate Arch trailhead.

Is there cell service at Delicate Arch?

Surprisingly, yes. While I didn’t have service at the trailhead and through most of the hike, I did have reception at the summit. My advice: Prepare for no service and download a map ahead of time as the service will be spotty throughout the hike.

Is Delicate Arch a kid-friendly hike?

I would advise against bringing young children on this trail. It’s fairly steep, and there are some seriously narrow spots. Even at the summit, it wouldn’t be hard for a child to take a wrong step and get injured.

How long does it take to hike to Delicate Arch?

The hike to Delicate Arch is about 1.5 miles, which can take anywhere from 30 – 90 minutes depending on your athletic ability, group size, and the heat (during the summer, you may need to take it extra slow). You’ll probably spend at least an hour at the summit (if not more), and there will be lots of photos taken. Hiking down is another 1.5 miles, which can take another 30 to 90 minutes. Overall, plan to spend 2 to 4 hours hiking to and from Delicate Arch.

What is the parking like for Delicate Arch?

There is a large parking lot at the Delicate Arch trailhead. Since this is a popular hike, it’s not uncommon for the lot to fill up during peak season, especially around sunset.

Are dogs allowed at Delicate Arch?

No — You may not hike with a dog to Delicate Arch. There is a limited number of activities you can do with pets at Arches National Park, so I would recommend leaving them at home.