Delicate Arch Trail

The Delicate Arch Trail at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah is a moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that features the ultra-popular Delicate Arch in addition to the Twisted Doughnut Arch, Wolfe Ranch Homestead, and ancient petroglyphs.

Hike Description
This hike begins at the main trailhead for the Delicate Arch Trail and follows the main path as it makes its way toward Delicate Arch. Along the way, hikers will pass two short loop trails on the northern side of the main trail -- one leads to ancient petroglyphs and the other leads to the Wolfe Ranch Homestead (circa 1896); however, due to the popularity of Delicate Arch, hikers will want to check out point-of-interest (POI) out on their way back.

The trail leading to the Delicate Arch has a couple of uphill climbs -- neither are steep -- but one is far longer than the other. The first uphill ascent i located around mile 0.2 to 0.35. After that the second, and larger, uphill ascent is located around mile 0.7 to mile 1 -- here, hikers will follow the open bedrock landscape passing very small rock cairns that define the path. After mile 1, the elevation grade eases up a bit.

Cliff Walk - Mile 1.4 to 1.5
Around mile 1.4, the trail will begin to bend around a steep and tall cliff. Here, the trail becomes mostly a one-lane trail, so be mindful of other hikers as they make their way out from the Delicate Arch viewing area just up ahead.

Twisted Doughnut Arch - Mile 1.43
Around mile 1.43, while walking the cliff section, hikers will notice the hole in the wall above their heads -- this is another arch, named the Twisted Doughnut Arch.

Delicate Arch View - Mile 1.5
Around mile 1.5, hikers will make their way past the cliff walk and out to a wide-open area where you'll get the best views of Delicate Arch. Note that this area, even at sunrise, is packed with people sitting in the view; however, most people don't walk up to the arch so you can generally get some nice photos and views of Delicate Arch without other humans obstructing it. The trail does technically go to the base of the arch; however, due to the large amount of people and lack of space we decided to snap a few photos and then hike out. If you can find a spot to hang out, amongst the crowd, then you can sit and enjoy a snack or drink while taking in the views of the arch.

Ancient Petroglyphs - Mile 2.8 to 3
On the way out, hikers should consider stopping at the ancient petroglyphs. The trailhead is easy to find, located around mile 2.8 on the hike out. It seems that 90% of the hikers interested in Delicate Arch are not interested in the petroglyphs, so this makes for a secluded spot off of the beaten path. The ancient petroglyphs are mostly of animals -- seemingly coyotes, ram, and even a couple of humans on a horse.

Wolfe Ranch Homestead (1896) - Mile 3.05 to 3.1
Just before reaching the parking lot is the last point-of-interest along the trail -- the Wolfe Ranch Homestead (circa 1896). This homestead was built around 1896 by John Wesley Wolfe, a civil war veteran. In 1906 Esther Stanley and her family moved into this cabin, John Wesley Wolfe was her grandfather. The family raised more than 1,000 head of cattle on the native grasses that once grew here. The Stanleys moved to Moab in 1908. In 1910, Wolfe sold the ranch and they all moved to Ohio.

After exploring the old ranch, hikers will end their trek for a total of 3.2-miles.

How to Get Into Arches National Park
Note that Arches National Park, as of September 2023 (and earlier) only allows vehicles to enter the park during scheduled time slots. You can read all about Arches' timed entry here and you can find reservation information here. Reservations are grabbed quickly, so be sure to log onto the reservation website when the date opens up to grab your timed entry ticket. Note that vehicles can enter the park outside of the timed entry slots (i.e. before 7AM or after 4PM each day, as of September 2023). If you do not have a timed entry ticket between 7AM and 4PM, do not wait in line to enter the park as you will be turned away and will slow everyone else down. The vehicle line to enter the park is very long and wait-times to enter can be a pain so show up prepared.

Parking
Hikers will find a massive parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles. Parking here fills up very quickly -- generally by sunrise each morning. During September 2023, we showed up before sunrise, approximately 30-minutes before, and the parking lot was almost 50% full. By the time we ended our hike 1.5 hours later (1-hour after sunrise), there were cars waiting their turn to find a parking space. It's smart to show up as early as possible if you wish to explore the Delicate Arch without having to battle for a parking space.

Popularity
This is by far the most-popular hike at Arches National Park so you will see other people on this trail unless you're literally hiking in the middle of the night or in the early morning hours.

Pets
Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Arches National Park. Please do not bring your dog here.

Fees
As of September 2023, there's a $30 fee per vehicle to enter Arches National Park.

Warnings
Sun exposure: This trail has very little shade and no water sources. Pack-in all water and wear sun screen and a hat to protect against sun exposure. It's smart to hike either in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert sun.

No water: This trail has no water sources so you must pack-in all water. A general rule of thumb in the desert is 1 gallon of water per person per day.

Rattlesnakes: This is rattlesnake territory, so be on the lookout and give any rattlers you find plenty of space.