Hike and Shoot Delicate Arch
Grand County, Utah
Details
Distance
3.18 miles
Elevation Gain
554 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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. :)
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
This is on the Utah plate for good reason. It is wild how something like that has formed naturally. Gets crowded early for sure. One time I camped out of the NP but was able to see the area from a distance and it was packed on a weekday at 630A. Bring lots of water if doing it during the day.
4.0
I hiked this at sunset on a Sunday night and the crowds seemed to be much smaller than advertised. It also was 102 degrees the day I hiked, but once the sun started to set it was manageable. Carry enough water and wear performance wear and you should be OK. Its a bucketlist experience for a reason.
5.0
The Arch itself is so one of a kind and amazing! the hike to get to it is a good hike, not to strenuous, but a good workout. If you go during the day you will most likely be hiking with quite a few other people, I was afraid it would take away from the experience, but the immaculate arch drowns out the people!
5.0
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 of the night sky and the crowd took off.
5.0
Great hike to Delicate arch, very unique.🏜
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
3.0
So crowded, but people were surprisingly respectful of waiting there turn and letting photographers get shots without people in the arch.
5.0
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!
5.0
Delicate Arch is Utahs most iconic location, because of this it is usually super crowded, but a must for anyone visiting the Moab area.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Explore Arches' Fiery Furnace
Summit Elephant Butte
Climb Owl Rock in Arches National Park
Short Hike to Double Arch
Hike the Window Arch Loop
Photograph the Milky Way at North Window Arch
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2022 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy