Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch Trailhead
4.8
39 Reviews
Delicate Arch
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Details

Distance
3.18 miles
Elevation Gain
554 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
Easy Parking
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Andy Best

Bask in amazing views and take amazing shots of one of Utah's most iconic arches. Stay once the sun goes down for an unreal view of the night sky and for the crowds to take off.

I headed out to the trailhead because I really wanted to shoot the super moon with the Delicate Arch. It was absolutely fantastic, especially during such a full moon. Everything was bathed in a soft glow, it was like I was on another planet actually. It was amazing to sit in silence and to try to comprehend the power it took to shape the beautiful landscape.

Something to consider...I didn't really need a headlamp, but due to the cliffs everywhere I'd suggest one. Be ready for some crowds, but if you want the place all to yourself stay past sunset and late into the night. Everyone leaves and it's absolutely wonderful!

After you're done, hit up Moab Brewery in town. Get the beer in the can, it's full strength. :)

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Hannah Walter
12/2/2024
Well Maintained
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
Easy To Park
Bathrooms
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Michaela Velarde
5/28/2023
Worth it
Really crowded but worth it.
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Tyler Rosenhan
2/21/2023
Great hike
I’ve hiked this multiple times and it’s always a great experience. It can be steep and there is a small amount of exposure, but ...
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Eleanor Davis
7/11/2022
Crowded but still worth it
Apr 2021 - Set out at sunrise and got to the arch around 8am. Still crowded. But a very cool site. Did not spend ...
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Jody Dotson
6/4/2022
Well worth it
Good hike. Step at times. Bring water and a hat.
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Margaret L
4/18/2022
Can't Believe It's Real
The hike can get busy and crowded and there will be a wait to even take a picture. A tip...if you go later in ...
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Drew Thompson
4/16/2022
Easy hike to one of the classic stops in Arches
Great hike to the most popular arch in the park. While crowded, the scenery is beautiful, trail is well marked. Be prepped for waiting ...
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Kyle C
12/15/2020
Fun, Popular, Hot
This is on the Utah plate for good reason. It is wild how something like that has formed naturally. Gets crowded early for ...
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Lucas Bremer
Club
9/2/2020
Hiking this trail in late summer is hot, but equals smaller crowds
I hiked this at sunset on a Sunday night and the crowds seemed to be much smaller than advertised. It also was 102 degrees ...
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Isaac Parsons
6/20/2019
Iconic Arch
The Arch itself is so one of a kind and amazing! the hike to get to it is a good hike, not to strenuous, ...
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Madison Sankovitz
7/26/2018
Fantastic Views and Shots
I got fantastic views and shots of one of Utah's most iconic arches. I stayed once the sun went down and got great views ...
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Chandler Anderson
11/12/2017
Amazing
Great hike to Delicate arch, very unique.🏜
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Haley Baker
8/1/2017
One of my favorites
We planned an entire weekend around this hike last year, now it's one of our favorite spontaneous side trips - whenever we're driving 70, ...
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Hunter Hutchinson
6/19/2017
Very Tourist Crowded
There were TONS of people all over the trail and waiting to get a picture in the arch. Me and my buddies were just ...
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Bob Hollywood
5/17/2017
An Arches NP must
So crowded, but people were surprisingly respectful of waiting there turn and letting photographers get shots without people in the arch.
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Breanne McNitt
3/12/2017
Go For Sunrise!
Just did this hike for sunrise and it was breathtaking! I've photographed Delicate Arch before, but sitting there for the sunrise was incredible. Plus ...
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Jackson Smith
2/23/2017
Cant Miss Iconic Utah Site
Delicate Arch is Utahs most iconic location, because of this it is usually super crowded, but a must for anyone visiting the Moab area.
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Jonathon Reed
12/12/2016
Crowded but great
Hiked Delicate Arch in midday and as everyone else has said, there was a crowd. Had to wait our turn to grab a photo, ...
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Emily Haggar
11/23/2016
Don't Miss It
Super busy place, but definitely still make sure you see it, despite all the company you'll have up there! Been there quite a few ...
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Michael Martineau
11/12/2016
Love This Arch
Decided to hike out to Delicate Arch in the early afternoon and man was there a lot of people. It is an incredible arch ...
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Grant Whitty
9/28/2016
Classic Arches Hike!
We hiked here for sunset and to photograph it for sunset. There were some tourists that kept standing under it to take selfies durning ...
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Joy Sandlin
9/7/2016
Spectacular
My only option was to hike this during the middle of the day in July, so it was HOT but I was determined to ...
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Derek Tice
7/27/2016
Well worth it
One of my favorite locations in the park by far. We were able to avoid the majority of crowds by getting there at 5 ...
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Jared Blitz
7/7/2016
Stunning
This end result of this hike is truly incredible. For me, Delicate Arch was even better than anticipated. One of those moments ...
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Holly Obray
7/4/2016
Utah Is Rad
Not a very long hike, pretty easy most of the way. There is one park that is steep but it's really not that bad. ...
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Brynn Schmidt
5/31/2016
Incredible Sunset Photography, but Crowded
This is an incredibly beautiful hike so everyone is going to be along the trail with you. It is still completely worth it and ...
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Bryony Richards
5/21/2016
Iconic Arch - Amazing Views
An iconic arch that's well worth a short hike to stand under and marvel at these incredible rock formations!
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Kelley Le
5/18/2016
Stellar Night Hike
I went for the first time this past week. Hiked up before the sun set and got to the top just as it set. ...
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Sonja Saxe
4/19/2016
Consider Hiking it at Night
Delicate Arch is an iconic landmark and as such it is incredibly busy during the day. To beat the crowds I would recommend doing ...
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Sarah Gooch
4/3/2016
Worth the hike!
This was such an amazing experience! Yes, the arch gets crowded. If you go during the day, you'll be hard-pressed to get a picture ...
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Lim Tong
2/24/2016
Rough Hike Up, But Worth It
I hiked this about two hours before sunset and watched the sunset from the Delicate Arch - stunning!! The hike was very interesting and ...
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Chase Dekker
2/23/2016
Worth It
Hiked up to see Delicate Arch in winter and it was an amazing time. Winter provided far cooler conditions for hiking so no need ...
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Nick Oman
1/14/2016
If you are in Moab this is one of those hikes where you should do it regardless of the crowds. It is worth it. ...
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Jason Hatfield
12/17/2015
Nighttime is my favorite to visit Delicate Arch; no crowds and incredible night skies. If you do visit at sunset be courteous to ...
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Allison Herreid
11/9/2015
Wonderful spot for photography, but is frequently crowded - plan accordingly.
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Maddy Woodward
6/10/2015
I've done this hike over and over again, and it'll never get old. Love me some Moab.
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Kristen May
4/16/2015
Fun hike to this famous arch. Hike it early to beat the crowds.
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Andrew Lovering
12/5/2014
Hot out there.
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Hannah Hoover
10/27/2014
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking in the middle of the day. Longer hike than it looks, but not difficult.
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