As you get further and further into the trail, it becomes . Hikers must be careful to follow the rock cairns at the end of the trail, as there are . The one hour is if you don't take much time to hang out at Delicate Arch, and 3-4 hours is if you really take time to hang out. Best time of day for photographing the arch may be. This means that the trailhead is ~35-45 minutes from downtown Moab. It started with a little bit of flat walking before you climb over a large rock. Why Hike Delicate Arch. Hold your breath . Water: No. There's little to no shade on the entire trail. Ascent: 480 ft / 146 m. Difficulty: Intermediate - it's not technically difficult, but you do walk up a steeper path on the rock and there's a little bit of exposure at the end of the hike. For many people the Delicate Arch trail is very doable, however the National Park Service's website says that rangers frequently rescue people who underestimate the trail's difficulty. At one point, there is a very narrow path that will barely fit two people side by side with a very steep drop below into the valley. Trailhead address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532. It's difficult to see Delicate Arch from the main park road; you must get out of the car to view it. Here are a few important things to know about hiking to Delicate Arch: Delicate Arch Trail length: 3 miles round trip, with a few quick side trips available to petroglyphs and Wolfe Ranch at the start of the trail. It's an extremely popular trail and we met many other families making the trek to Delicate Arch with kids. To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. Over 2,000 natural stone arches have been recorded in the Arches National Park. Elevation Gain: 610 feet Delicate Arch hike difficulty: easy to moderate depending on how easy you hike uphill. This is a moderate out and back trail to Delicate Arch, perhaps the most famous attraction in Arches National Park, which also serves as the background image of Utah license plates. Delicate Arch Trail: more strenuous, 3 mile round trip to the base of Delicate Arch (described in detail below) This is a trail description for the Delicate Arch Trail (to the base of the arch): starting from the parking lot at . Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail Intermediate 3.7 (21) Areas UT Southeastern Utah Arches National Park Delicate Arch " Less challenging than the trail to the base of Delicate Arch, this viewpoint trail still astounds. We made it! Distance - 3 miles round trip Approximate hiking time - 1.5 to 2.5 hours Elevation at trailhead - 4349 feet Elevation at Delicate Arch - 4829 feet Elevation gain - 480 feet Difficulty - Moderate Trail - well-maintained, mostly slickrock Amount of water recommended - 1 to 2 liters, there is no shade Bathrooms - Yes, located at trailhead We visit often and take house guests. The trail to Delicate Arch is moderately difficult for the average person who is reasonably fit. This fantastic hiking trail leads along the red rock slabs to the largest free standing arch in the park. The Trailhead From the park entrance, drive 11 miles north on the main road until you see the turn for Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch. While the trail is only 1.5 miles (3 miles roundtrip), it was in no way easy for me. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. Turn right and drive 1.2 miles to the parking area on the left. Hiking to Delicate Arch is still a pretty family friendly hike. Landscape, Flora, and Fauna Both viewpoints offer great views of Delicate Arch as it sits in the landscape, a totaly different perspective than you get from the Delicate Arch trail. Delicate Arch Hike Difficult but Worth it Review of Delicate Arch Reviewed June 9, 2009 We did this hike in late afternoon, which meant that the sun was not too hot. After tackling Angels Landing at Zion National Park a few days before, we deemed the trail a piece of cake. Be sure to pick up your park map and brochure at the visitor's center to have important hiking information with you on your visit. Approximate hiking time - 1 to 3 hours Elevation gain - 610 feet Difficulty - Moderate Trail - well maintained trail of sand and rocks Bathrooms - At the Trailhead Seasons to hike - Year-Round Permits needed - $30 per car for 7-day pass to Arches (or National Parks Pass) Pets allowed - No https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/delicate-arch-trail Then things get a touch more difficult. This trail climbs 480 feet (146 m) and is 3.2 miles (round trip), and will take you between 1-3 hours to complete. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. Hikers beware, the Delicate Arch trail often surprises visitors by being more difficult than they'd expected. Allow between two and three hours to complete the hike without being rushed. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Difficulty: Moderate. Delicate Arch Hiking Difficulty Although the trail to Delicate Arch is a moderate hike (3 miles roundtrip), there is no shade and zero protection from the elements. . The Delicate Arch Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike. At Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, you can walk a level 100 yards (91 m) to see the arch from one mile away. It takes a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain to get to Delicate Arch. Usually we take 45 minutes and that's not a difficult pace (we're in 60s/70s). 1. To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. You'll need to look for rock cairns (rock stacks indicating the trail location) to guide you as the path turns to slickrock. Overall, this hike is considered moderately difficult due to some steep sections and rugged terrain. . (With children, you might expect to take a little longer!) The entrance to Arches National Park is located just 5 miles north of Moab, UT on Highway 191. This includes time to take a break and appreciate the stunning arch and its surroundings. Delicate arch is a wonderful hiking experience. There is plenty of signage on the road to direct you to the Delicate Arch hike. Arches NP has rated the trail as difficult, but we have done the hike twice with our kids; the first time when our son was 4 years old and our daughter just one year old. Although hiking to Delicate Arch is not an overly long hike, it is a steady uphill trek exposed to the sun. . Type: Out and back Elevation: 480 feet / 146 m Distance: 3 miles roundtrip / 4.8 kilometers Duration: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Difficult Note: While the National Park Service deems this hike difficult, as an . To get to the Delicate Arch trailhead: From the Arches National Park Visitor Center, drive 12.3 miles up Park Avenue and turn right. It . Experience this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. What is the Delicate Arch hike distance? Many geological formations can be seen along the way with an array of stunning colors. The Delicate Arch Hike is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back hike from the parking lot to delicate arch and back. Time: 1.5 hours (but give yourself more time to stop and admire the arch!) Hike to Delicate Arch. About 6 miles north of Delicate Arch Road is the Devils Garden Area, which includes the 1.9-mile (round-trip) hike to Landscape Arch, Navajo and Partition Arches. When hiking the Delicate Arch trail with kids, it's worth noting that the trail offers four different types of terrain on the way up to the big spectacle. The Delicate Arch hike time (out and back) should be somewhere between 2 and 3 hours. The hiker in front of Delicate Arch provides scale Delicate Arch Hike Details Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip Elevation gain: 627 ft (191 m) Type of hike: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate Time: Allow 2 - 3 hours Dogs allowed on trail: No dogs allowed on the trail You will reach Delicate Arch after about 1.5 miles. The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. During the summer, the temperature can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and it is highly recommended that you hike early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. The Delicate Arch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Utah, and draws plenty of visitors to Arches . You can also take the 7.8-mile (round-trip) hike to Double O Arch and Private Arch. How difficult is the trail to Delicate Arch? The view from the arch is spectacular overlooking Arches National Park and the snowy La Sal Mountains in the distance. . Rangers have set up frequent rock piles (or "cairns") to help guide hikers along the way. The hardest part of the hike is the middle third. . This can be an easy 1.5-mile hike, as long as you avoid hot summer afternoons. The trail, marked by cairns, is an unshaded path that climbs up the bare rock slab. Just know that the hike there includes a steady climb of 480 feet on slick rock. Hike End: Delicate Arch Trailhead. But of all sandstone arches, none is as iconic to the southwestern US as the Delicate Arch. It truly is one of those places that are easy to reach and yet so difficult to leave. The hike to Delicate Arch contains an elevation gain of 670 feet. Standing at 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the iconic arch of Utah. It's one of the most photographed arches in the world, and it was by far my favorite arch in Arches National Park. Delicate Arch is the most popular and best hike at Arches National Park. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail traverses a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards. Delicate Arch out-and-back: 3 miles, moderate, heavily trafficked trail. The short, popular trail traverses a desert landscape along a wide, well defined trail for the first 0.75 miles and . It is accessible by car, easy to hike and offers magnificent views of the . The trail to Delicate Arch is a strenuous 3-mile out-and-back trail with a 480-foot elevation gain. Elevation Change: 171 ft (52 m) Difficulty: Moderate. The hike to the Delicate Arch is about 480 feet uphill and at times is quite rocky and scary. The Delicate Arch hike The trail to Delicate Arch isn't that long - only 1.5 miles one-way. As I hiked I would literally count to 200 steps and then take a break. There is no shade to rest in during the hike. (Trail information linked here .) (Partition Arch was my second favorite!) Be sure to bring ample water, snacks, and sun protection, and do your part to protect the park. The trail to Delicate Arch is moderately difficult. Length: . Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint. You have to be well prepared for it before you start; it is going to be strenuous. Directions To The Trailhead: Drive 11.7 miles north into the park on the main road until you see the right-hand turn to Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch. So how long is the hike to Delicate Arch? There are plenty of signs guiding you to Delicate Arch, but your GPS will get you just as well! The hike to the arch is not difficult. Delicate Arch Hike Factsheet. How long does it take to hike to Delicate Arch? To your right is a lot for oversize vehicles. Make sure you're in good physical condition before beginning. Here's a round-up of the Delicate Arch hiking stats. Elevation: 629 Feet. Once you enter Arches, you have to drive about 25 minutes on the Scenic Road to pretty close to the back of the park. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. . The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult. Is Delicate Arch hike difficult? Nearby, the Upper Viewpoint (0.5 mi / 0.8 km walk with stairs) offers a slightly less obstructed view. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete the hike. . But that doesn't mean it's particularly easy. It isn't a steady incline the entire way, so you'll have periods of flat and incline throughout the entire 1.5 miles to the arch. Difficulty: Moderate. Type: Out and Back. Having hiked to the arch with our two kids we wanted to share our experience and tips for hiking the Delicate Arch trail with kids. Distance: 3 miles round trip; Approximate hiking time: about 2 hours; Difficulty: Moderate; Type of trail: Out and back; Elevation gain: 480 feet; Bathrooms: Yes at the trailhead; Hike to Delicate Arch Tips. Allow between two and three hours to complete the . Delicate Arch Even from a distance Delicate Arch is impressive. Hike Description: A moderately strenuous trail climbs to the upper viewpoint of Delicate Arch, which sits across a canyon one mile away. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. The elevation gain is around 610 ft on a steady incline for over a mile which is what makes this hike moderate. When you make it to the top you will be greeted with the sight of the arch and incredible views beyond. The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult. The Delicate Arch Trail is considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the park, not due to its length, but because of the slick rock, steep inclines, and full exposure to the sun. The hike and time to view the arch takes most people 2 to 3 hours. 3.) That said, we found this hike to be on the moderate side. The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult. When touring Utah it is hard to miss the iconic image of Delicate Arch emblazoned on license plates, calendar covers, postcards and other tourist paraphernalia. The Delicate Arch trail is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Arches National Park. Delicate Arch is located in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. Hiking Delicate Arch is one of the most quintessential things to do in Utah. Roundtrip Distance: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) Time: 30-45 min. Delicate arch is an essential sight in southwest america. You can attempt hiking with your kid, but you must be prepared to carry them before you complete the hike. Be sure to bring ample water, snacks, and sun protection, and do your part to protect the park. This trail goes by the early . The start of this hike begins on a wide almost gravel road type of foundation and almost immediately you're going to begin your ascent up to the arch. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. The Delicate Arch hike is easily the most popular hike in Arches National Park, bringing hikers to arguably the most recognizable natural arch over a 1.5 mile moderate hike. Delicate Arch hike is located 13 miles inside Arches National Park. Difficulty: Moderate; Trail Type: Out-and-back, mostly slickrock, hikers only; Trailhead: Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot Get Directions. The Delicate Arch hike is a 2.9 mile out and back trail with 480 feet of elevation gain. This is a hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Utah. Is it safe to hike to Delicate Arch? The National Park Service describes the hike as "one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the park."" Time: 2-3 hours. We arrived at the trial head in April by 8 AM and still needed to wait for parking. The arch towers over a sandstone bowl, the opening rising 46 feet above the ground. Re: How hard is the hike to Delicate Arch 6 years ago Save It's about 1.5 miles each way, gradual uphill to the arch, gradual downhill coming back. It is a hard hike but you can not visit Arches National Park and not hike to the Delicate Arch. The first portion of the trail is relatively flat and extremely well-marked. " Megan W OpenMapTiles OSM 0.5 Miles Point to Point 4,544' High 4,356' Low 188' Up 26' Down 9% Avg Grade (5) 42% Is Delicate Arch a difficult hike? A baby backpack is really helpful if hiking with toddlers as they may get tired legs. Dog-friendly: No. The length of the trail is estimated at three miles. The first section of the trail follows cairns on a wide slope of slickrock. The trail is about 1.3 miles to the arch. The hike to the Delicate Arch is mostly uphill, but this does make going back to your car a lot easier on the way back! Is it safe to hike to Delicate Arch? Double Arch Trail. Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km. The hike was a little strenuous, but not too hard. . It also depends on how much time you take at the top. Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to Utah's most recognizable natural arch, which you will likely recognize from the Utah license plate. This is not a technically difficult hike, but I was happy to have a trekking pole. Once in the park, follow the main road to the second fork, turn right at this turn. The park is home to some of the most unique geologic features in the world. You cannot hike to Delicate Arch on this trail; the hike to Delicate . This is steep but is not hard to do. Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail: moderate half mile climb to viewpoint on cliffs across from the arch. Hike Highlights 1. To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. Delicate Arch. Is Delicate Arch trail scary? Hiking on towards Delicate Arch, follow the route through the desert scrub until you reach a huge, open, expanse of steep rock. It is about a 630 foot elevation gain across the entire round trip. 2.) And as the one of Utah's most iconic sites it's pretty cool to photograph. The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. The hike to Delicate Arch is 3 miles roundtrip with 480 feet of elevation gain. Overview of the Delicate Arch Trail Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: 480 feet Difficulty: Moderate Time to Complete: 2 - 3 hours, typically Traffic: Heavily trafficked Map overview via FATMAP Trailhead Location To find the trailhead, drive Main Park Road until you see signage for a right turn towards Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch Hiking Trail After 1.5 miles of moderately difficult hiking , you'll be rewarded with an unbeatable view, and a chance to see the arch up close. Although, it'll take longer if hiking with small kids and they may need several breaks. The entire trail is sun-exposed, offering little shade, and has multiple steep sections. Go and see what may be the world's most famous natural arch, the 65-foot Delicate Arch. You should expect to hike to Delicate Arch and back anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. So if you really want to see the arch, your only . About 5 miles north of the Delicate Arch Trail is the Sand Dune Arch Trail. Even the closer of the overlooks is still very far away, making it difficult to get a nice view of the arch. It is a 3 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Unlike many of the forested Pacific Northwest trails we know, this hike is across sandstone rock faces where the trail can sometimes be hard to find. Continue an additional 1.2 miles and turn left into the parking area for Delicate Arch Trail. The Delicate Arch hike length (out and back) is approximately 3.11 miles (5 km). On the way, expect to see petroglyphs, another arch (Frame Arch), and do some red rock scrambling. How long does it take to hike to Delicate Arch? Make sure to bring along plenty of water. Kid-friendly: Yes. For the first half-mile of the Delicate Arch family hike, you'll follow an easy, well-defined trail. Eventually, it follows a moderately wide ledge until it ends in a natural amphitheater aside the arch itself. Difficulty: Hard (480ft elevation gain) Miles: 3. Hikers beware, the Delicate Arch trail often surprises visitors by being more difficult than they'd expected. The hardest part of the hike is the middle third. The hiking trail. Hikers start on a wide, flat trail that leads to the base of a steep sandstone slope.Then, they hike up the slope, known as "slickrock," following a series of cairns to the less-famous Frame Arch, before arriving at Delicate Arch. Turn right on Delicate Arch Road and drive another 1.2 miles to the parking area on your left (north). Known as slickrock, hiking the smooth, red, concrete like surface is the most challenging part of Delicate Arch hike. The entire trail is sun-exposed, offering little shade, and has multiple steep sections. We love getting a few souvenirs when we visit the national parks. Overall Hot Tip : The hike up to the Delicate Arch is uphill for a good portion of the way. 2.