Hike and Shoot Delicate Arch

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, we try to get down to do this hike. I'd suggest leaving early for your first visit here - not only will the temps be better, but there won't be as many crowds!

There were TONS of people all over the trail and waiting to get a picture in the arch. Me and my buddies were just trying to get a nice hike in, but it was hard to enjoy our time with crowds all around us. The hike was easy, just a small uphill hike. Bring water and sunscreen for there is no shade and it's around a 2 mile out and back. I want to return not in tourist season.

So crowded, but people were surprisingly respectful of waiting there turn and letting photographers get shots without people in the arch.

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 it was just me and 10 other people making the area way less crowded than if you were to go during the day!

Delicate Arch is Utahs most iconic location, because of this it is usually super crowded, but a must for anyone visiting the Moab area.

Hiked Delicate Arch in midday and as everyone else has said, there was a crowd. Had to wait our turn to grab a photo, for example. Nevertheless, it's an amazing spot, nice mid-length hike and the arch is just massive. Way bigger than I expected. Great viewpoint above a bunch of sandstone valleys as well. Get out there!

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 times, and the last time someone proposed under the arch with a huge crowd watching.. definitely brought a bunch of strangers together in one moment. The camping is great in Arches NP too.

Decided to hike out to Delicate Arch in the early afternoon and man was there a lot of people. It is an incredible arch though. When you can get some photos without people standing under it, definitely take advantage. I sat there for about 2.5-3 hours and just waited for sunset. I had a similar experience the Grant (below) in that some photographers yelled over to a group who were just standing under the arch when the sun was in peak position. So, note to those who visit during sunset time, do not just hangout under the arch for a long time or you will have people yelling over at you to move.

We hiked here for sunset and to photograph it for sunset. There were some tourists that kept standing under it to take selfies durning perfect light. It was funny to hear all the fellow photographers gripe and yell at the dang tourists to go away since they were ruining the shots. Only other photographers would understand, haha.

My only option was to hike this during the middle of the day in July, so it was HOT but I was determined to see the delicate arch! Once I got there, I was able to relax and just enjoy the views for quite a while as it cooled down. An amazing place.

One of my favorite locations in the park by far. We were able to avoid the majority of crowds by getting there at 5 a.m. on a Thursday. I would suggest doing it early, it was well worth it to have the freedom to move around and shoot without people in every shot. I can't speak for rush hour, but can see this destination getting crowded since we passed countless people hiking in while we were on our way out.

This end result of this hike is truly incredible. For me, Delicate Arch was even better than anticipated. One of those moments when you know you've reached something special. The fact that it's located on a ledge of what looks like a naturally carved stadium bowl makes it even cooler. If you don't make it up here for a sunset or during a storm you've wasted your time in Arches.

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. Great place to take pictures! Cool to stand under!

This is an incredibly beautiful hike so everyone is going to be along the trail with you. It is still completely worth it and it was my favorite spot in Arches. Delicate Arch is incredible and there are many options for sunset (and other) photography. The biggest bummer about this hike and photography is that there are so many people there and most of them want their photo in the arch. We stayed clear of that, but it was a bit hard to get great shots without people in the landscape. We still got some though and the hike is incredibly beautiful. We stayed until well after sunset and hiked back down with less people on the trail.

An iconic arch that's well worth a short hike to stand under and marvel at these incredible rock formations!

I went for the first time this past week. Hiked up before the sun set and got to the top just as it set. It was absolutely stunning. And yes, there can be heavy foot traffic. We stayed until about 2-3 AM and the crowds definitely cleared out by the time it got dark. The sky was super clear so we wanted to wait for the moon to set to take a Milky Way shot. About 10 other photographers were out there with us that night. It was pretty awesome sharing the experience with other photographers. And aside from photographing, just being up there and observing the starry sky and silhouettes of awesome landscapes was unreal. This hike is an absolute must, especially on a clear night. Warning: there are plenty of drop offs so make sure you have a headlamp and shoes with good traction. Also, careful with your gear. I accidentally dropped a lens hood into a dark abyss while I was up there that night. I can get a new one but littering is not my thing.

Delicate Arch is an iconic landmark and as such it is incredibly busy during the day. To beat the crowds I would recommend doing this as a night hike or a sunset hike and then staying past dark. There is something truly humbling about seeing Delicate Arch silhouetted in the night sky and having the scene all to yourself.

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 without at least 10 other people in your shot, but that's no reason not to go. And the benefit of having all those people around is that you don't have to worry about losing the trail! This hike alone puts Arches near the top of my adventure list!

I hiked this about two hours before sunset and watched the sunset from the Delicate Arch - stunning!! The hike was very interesting and really fun on the way back on the dark! Just beware, this trail has LOTS of drop offs and part of the trail is only marked with rock cairns. Just be aware of where you're walking and headed!

Hiked up to see Delicate Arch in winter and it was an amazing time. Winter provided far cooler conditions for hiking so no need to worry about heat. The arch was beautiful and a great sight. Only complaint is the trail is really poorly marked once you reach the large slick rock section.

If you are in Moab this is one of those hikes where you should do it regardless of the crowds. It is worth it. Make sure you pack enough water and don't be the one or two people that fall here every year.

Nighttime is my favorite to visit Delicate Arch; no crowds and incredible night skies. If you do visit at sunset be courteous to other photographers.

Wonderful spot for photography, but is frequently crowded - plan accordingly.

I've done this hike over and over again, and it'll never get old. Love me some Moab.