State: Utah
Location: Arches National Park
Length, Round Trip: 3 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4300 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4800 feet
Elevation Change: 500 feet
Best Season: Spring
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Trail Information
The trail leading to Delicate Arch is one of the most strenuous in the park. The Delicate Arch Trail begins at the Wolfe Ranch parking area and climbs approximately 500 feet in one and a half miles to a basin that contains Delicate Arch. The first half mile of this route follows a path to a suspension bridge crossing Salt Wash. The trail reaches slickrock and begins to climb steadily, following rock cairns. The trail levels as it nears the arch and follows a rock ledge immediately before the arch comes into view.
This route has no shade so we wouldn’t recommended hiking this during midday in summer, especially when the temperature is high. You should bring plenty of water to complete this short but difficult hike.
Directions
From Main Park Entrance:
Drive north along the park road for 11.7 miles to the Wolfe Ranch Road. Turn right and follow signs to the ranch. Do not follow signs to Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which is a different trailhead
