Hiking

Delicate Arch Trail

Utah’s most famous arch at the end of a climb over open slickrock, glowing at sunset.

Utah
4.8 km
2 min read

Photo: Palacemusic · CC BY-SA 3.0

Distance: 4.8 km · 3.0 mi
Elevation gain: +146 m · 480 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 2–3 hours round trip
Route type: Out & back
Permit: Not required
Best season: March–May and September–October; summer only at dawn

Delicate Arch Trail guide in Arches: Wolfe Ranch, the petroglyph panel, the slickrock climb, the final ledge, sunset, heat, water and parking.

Overview

The 16-meter-tall arch stands alone on the rim of a sandstone bowl, framing the La Sal Mountains, and appears on Utah’s license plates. The trail to it starts at Wolfe Ranch, where a homestead cabin from the early 1900s still stands, and passes a panel of Ute petroglyphs showing riders on horseback.

Most of the route climbs a broad, open slope of bare sandstone with no shade, marked by cairns, before the final stretch follows a narrow ledge along a cliff and the arch suddenly comes into view. The round trip is about 5 kilometers with roughly 150 meters of climbing.

Sunset is the classic time, when the arch glows orange, but hundreds of people gather then and the parking lot fills early; sunrise is quieter. In summer, temperatures on the slickrock pass 38°C by midday.

Delicate Arch: stops along the way

1

Wolfe Ranch trailhead

The trailhead beside a weathered homestead cabin.
2

Ute petroglyph panel

A short side path to rock art of riders on horseback, made by Ute people.
3

Slickrock climb

A long climb up open sandstone with no shade, marked by stone cairns.
4

Delicate Arch

The arch on the rim of a sandstone bowl, with the La Sal Mountains behind it.

Good to know

Carry at least 2 liters of water per person and a hat.
Bring a headlamp if you stay for sunset; the descent ends in the dark.
Do not climb on the arch or walk under it during busy times; everyone wants a clear photo.