Delicate Arch Trail

Quick Trail Facts

• Distance: 3.2 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: 480 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Estimated Hiking Time: 2 to 3 hours

• Trailhead Location: Wolfe Ranch Parking Area, Arches National Park

• GPS Coordinates: 38.7436° N, 109.4993° W

• Best Time to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.

How to Get to the Delicate Arch Trailhead from Moab

From downtown Moab, drive north on U.S. Highway 191 for about 5 miles until you reach the entrance to Arches National Park on your right. After passing through the entrance station, continue on the main park road as it climbs steeply and winds through stunning rock formations.

Stay on this main road for 11.5 miles until you see signs for Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch. Turn right at this junction and follow the short access road to the Wolfe Ranch parking area, which is the main trailhead for Delicate Arch.

Parking Tip: This lot fills fast—especially between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM during spring and fall. For the best experience, aim to start your hike before 7:30 AM or wait until after 5:00 PM to catch golden hour light and thinner crowds.

What to Expect on the Hike to Delicate Arch

Your hike to Delicate Arch begins at Wolfe Ranch, where a short side path lets you explore a preserved 19th-century homestead and view a panel of Ute petroglyphs, etched into the rock hundreds of years ago. These early moments offer a unique window into the human history of the area that has existed long before you even see the arch. So, please do your part to make sure the arch is here long after.

From there, the trail heads out across open desert and quickly transitions to a long stretch of slickrock, the smooth, sloping sandstone that defines so many Moab hikes. This is the heart of the climb. Cairns (small rock piles) mark the route as it gains elevation gradually but steadily, offering wide views of the surrounding mesas and La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Near the end, you’ll navigate a narrow rock ledge carved into the cliffside. It looks dramatic, and it is—but most hikers find it manageable with basic caution. Just take your time and watch your footing.

Then, just when you’re starting to wonder if it’s around the next corner…..Delicate Arch comes into view, standing tall on the rim of a massive sandstone bowl. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

Give yourself time to take it all in. Many hikers sit here for a while, enjoying a snack, snapping photos, or simply soaking in the desert silence before turning back.

🧭 For Families with Kids

The Delicate Arch Trail is an adventure your whole crew will remember. It starts at Wolfe Ranch, where kids can explore an old log cabin and spot real Ute petroglyphs carved into the rock. After a short walk, the trail becomes a wide expanse of slickrock, or a big sloping rock playground. Just keep an eye out for cairns (rock piles) that show you the way.

The final stretch includes a narrow rock ledge, which can feel a bit scary for younger kids, but it’s wide enough for careful walking. Hold hands here and go slow. Once you round the final bend, the view of Delicate Arch will stop everyone in their tracks. It’s a perfect place for a snack break, family photo, or just a wow moment before heading back.

❄️ For Winter or Off-Season Visitors

If you’re hiking Delicate Arch in winter or the off-season, you’re in for a special experience—quieter trails, cooler temps, and maybe even a dusting of snow on the red rock. The trail starts at Wolfe Ranch and heads across sandy ground before transitioning to long stretches of slickrock. Watch for cairns to stay on course, especially if snow obscures the path.

In colder months, the narrow ledge near the end can be icy in the shade, so traction devices (like microspikes) are a good idea. But the reward is immense: Delicate Arch standing alone in the winter silence, with crisp desert air and deep blue skies. Bring layers, water, and a thermos of something warm—and prepare to have the arch almost to yourself.

Seasonal Considerations

Best Time to Hike Delicate Arch

Spring and fall are the most popular and comfortable seasons to hike Delicate Arch. Expect sunny skies, cooler temperatures, and ideal hiking conditions—especially in the morning or late afternoon.

Summer is still doable, but be prepared for intense heat and full sun exposure. Start your hike early, bring extra water, and avoid the midday hours.

Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds, but the trail can be icy or snow-covered. Pay extra attention near the final rock ledge, which may be hazardous in cold conditions. Traction gear and warm layers are recommended.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Wolfe Ranch Cabin: Explore this historic homestead built in the late 1800s.

• Ute Petroglyph Panel: View ancient rock art depicting horses and riders, located just a short walk from the trailhead.

• Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint: If you cannot make the full hike, a separate trail offers a distant but still rewarding view of Delicate Arch.

Why Hiking to Delicate Arch Sticks With You

Reaching Delicate Arch is more than a bucket-list moment. It is a full-sensory experience—walking through sandstone history, climbing sun-warmed slickrock, and turning that last corner to see something truly unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, standing beneath the arch connects you to the raw beauty of the desert in a way that sticks with you long after the hike is over.