The park is home to some of the most unique geologic features in the world. Eventually, it follows a moderately wide ledge until it ends in a natural amphitheater aside the arch itself. About 5 miles north of the Delicate Arch Trail is the Sand Dune Arch Trail. . This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. At Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, you can walk a level 100 yards (91 m) to see the arch from one mile away. While the trail is only 1.5 miles (3 miles roundtrip), it was in no way easy for me. The hike was a little strenuous, but not too hard. So if you really want to see the arch, your only . Is it safe to hike to Delicate Arch? . Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to Utah's most recognizable natural arch, which you will likely recognize from the Utah license plate. The Delicate Arch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Utah, and draws plenty of visitors to Arches . The hike to Delicate Arch contains an elevation gain of 670 feet. It isn't a steady incline the entire way, so you'll have periods of flat and incline throughout the entire 1.5 miles to the arch. Delicate Arch Hike Difficult but Worth it Review of Delicate Arch Reviewed June 9, 2009 We did this hike in late afternoon, which meant that the sun was not too hot. Be sure to bring ample water, snacks, and sun protection, and do your part to protect the park. Delicate Arch is the most popular and best hike at Arches National Park. It started with a little bit of flat walking before you climb over a large rock. A baby backpack is really helpful if hiking with toddlers as they may get tired legs. The Delicate Arch Hike is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back hike from the parking lot to delicate arch and back. Why Hike Delicate Arch. Time: 1.5 hours (but give yourself more time to stop and admire the arch!) It's one of the most photographed arches in the world, and it was by far my favorite arch in Arches National Park. . Type: Out and back Elevation: 480 feet / 146 m Distance: 3 miles roundtrip / 4.8 kilometers Duration: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Difficult Note: While the National Park Service deems this hike difficult, as an . You will reach Delicate Arch after about 1.5 miles. We arrived at the trial head in April by 8 AM and still needed to wait for parking. There is no shade to rest in during the hike. Overview of the Delicate Arch Trail Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: 480 feet Difficulty: Moderate Time to Complete: 2 - 3 hours, typically Traffic: Heavily trafficked Map overview via FATMAP Trailhead Location To find the trailhead, drive Main Park Road until you see signage for a right turn towards Delicate Arch. As you get further and further into the trail, it becomes . But of all sandstone arches, none is as iconic to the southwestern US as the Delicate Arch. It truly is one of those places that are easy to reach and yet so difficult to leave. For the first half-mile of the Delicate Arch family hike, you'll follow an easy, well-defined trail. Delicate Arch out-and-back: 3 miles, moderate, heavily trafficked trail. And as the one of Utah's most iconic sites it's pretty cool to photograph. For many people the Delicate Arch trail is very doable, however the National Park Service's website says that rangers frequently rescue people who underestimate the trail's difficulty. Over 2,000 natural stone arches have been recorded in the Arches National Park. Known as slickrock, hiking the smooth, red, concrete like surface is the most challenging part of Delicate Arch hike. After tackling Angels Landing at Zion National Park a few days before, we deemed the trail a piece of cake. The Delicate Arch hike length (out and back) is approximately 3.11 miles (5 km). Time: 2-3 hours. The National Park Service describes the hike as "one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the park."" Here's a round-up of the Delicate Arch hiking stats. . Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail traverses a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards. Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail Intermediate 3.7 (21) Areas UT Southeastern Utah Arches National Park Delicate Arch " Less challenging than the trail to the base of Delicate Arch, this viewpoint trail still astounds. . The Delicate Arch hike time (out and back) should be somewhere between 2 and 3 hours. Re: How hard is the hike to Delicate Arch 6 years ago Save It's about 1.5 miles each way, gradual uphill to the arch, gradual downhill coming back. To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. To your right is a lot for oversize vehicles. Delicate Arch Hiking Trail After 1.5 miles of moderately difficult hiking , you'll be rewarded with an unbeatable view, and a chance to see the arch up close. Hike Description: A moderately strenuous trail climbs to the upper viewpoint of Delicate Arch, which sits across a canyon one mile away. Allow between two and three hours to complete the hike without being rushed. The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. You can also take the 7.8-mile (round-trip) hike to Double O Arch and Private Arch. Water: No. Rangers have set up frequent rock piles (or "cairns") to help guide hikers along the way. The hike and time to view the arch takes most people 2 to 3 hours. Hiking on towards Delicate Arch, follow the route through the desert scrub until you reach a huge, open, expanse of steep rock. Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail: moderate half mile climb to viewpoint on cliffs across from the arch. There are plenty of signs guiding you to Delicate Arch, but your GPS will get you just as well! We made it! 1. Is it safe to hike to Delicate Arch? At one point, there is a very narrow path that will barely fit two people side by side with a very steep drop below into the valley. So how long is the hike to Delicate Arch? Ascent: 480 ft / 146 m. Difficulty: Intermediate - it's not technically difficult, but you do walk up a steeper path on the rock and there's a little bit of exposure at the end of the hike. You have to be well prepared for it before you start; it is going to be strenuous. But that doesn't mean it's particularly easy. The hike to Delicate Arch is 3 miles roundtrip with 480 feet of elevation gain. Best time of day for photographing the arch may be. Experience this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Hiking to Delicate Arch is still a pretty family friendly hike. The Delicate Arch Trail is considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the park, not due to its length, but because of the slick rock, steep inclines, and full exposure to the sun. When touring Utah it is hard to miss the iconic image of Delicate Arch emblazoned on license plates, calendar covers, postcards and other tourist paraphernalia. This is steep but is not hard to do. You can attempt hiking with your kid, but you must be prepared to carry them before you complete the hike. About 6 miles north of Delicate Arch Road is the Devils Garden Area, which includes the 1.9-mile (round-trip) hike to Landscape Arch, Navajo and Partition Arches. It's difficult to see Delicate Arch from the main park road; you must get out of the car to view it. Go and see what may be the world's most famous natural arch, the 65-foot Delicate Arch. Is Delicate Arch hike difficult? You cannot hike to Delicate Arch on this trail; the hike to Delicate . The hardest part of the hike is the middle third. Delicate Arch Hiking Difficulty Although the trail to Delicate Arch is a moderate hike (3 miles roundtrip), there is no shade and zero protection from the elements. The arch towers over a sandstone bowl, the opening rising 46 feet above the ground. Hike to Delicate Arch. There is plenty of signage on the road to direct you to the Delicate Arch hike. This trail climbs 480 feet (146 m) and is 3.2 miles (round trip), and will take you between 1-3 hours to complete. Overall Hot Tip : The hike up to the Delicate Arch is uphill for a good portion of the way. Once you enter Arches, you have to drive about 25 minutes on the Scenic Road to pretty close to the back of the park. Continue an additional 1.2 miles and turn left into the parking area for Delicate Arch Trail. Double Arch Trail. Having hiked to the arch with our two kids we wanted to share our experience and tips for hiking the Delicate Arch trail with kids. . Directions To The Trailhead: Drive 11.7 miles north into the park on the main road until you see the right-hand turn to Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch. The length of the trail is estimated at three miles. The view from the arch is spectacular overlooking Arches National Park and the snowy La Sal Mountains in the distance. The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult. Is Delicate Arch trail scary? Elevation: 629 Feet. The Delicate Arch hike The trail to Delicate Arch isn't that long - only 1.5 miles one-way. The trail to Delicate Arch is moderately difficult for the average person who is reasonably fit. Landscape, Flora, and Fauna Both viewpoints offer great views of Delicate Arch as it sits in the landscape, a totaly different perspective than you get from the Delicate Arch trail. Approximate hiking time - 1 to 3 hours Elevation gain - 610 feet Difficulty - Moderate Trail - well maintained trail of sand and rocks Bathrooms - At the Trailhead Seasons to hike - Year-Round Permits needed - $30 per car for 7-day pass to Arches (or National Parks Pass) Pets allowed - No https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/delicate-arch-trail The trail, marked by cairns, is an unshaded path that climbs up the bare rock slab. It takes a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain to get to Delicate Arch. Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km. Although, it'll take longer if hiking with small kids and they may need several breaks. 2.) Once in the park, follow the main road to the second fork, turn right at this turn. (Trail information linked here .) The Trailhead From the park entrance, drive 11 miles north on the main road until you see the turn for Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch. It also depends on how much time you take at the top. That said, we found this hike to be on the moderate side. The first section of the trail follows cairns on a wide slope of slickrock. This trail goes by the early . The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult. The hike to the arch is not difficult. Just know that the hike there includes a steady climb of 480 feet on slick rock. Hold your breath . You should expect to hike to Delicate Arch and back anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. The start of this hike begins on a wide almost gravel road type of foundation and almost immediately you're going to begin your ascent up to the arch. This includes time to take a break and appreciate the stunning arch and its surroundings. How difficult is the trail to Delicate Arch? It will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete the hike. It is a 3 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Kid-friendly: Yes. Overall, this hike is considered moderately difficult due to some steep sections and rugged terrain. Hike End: Delicate Arch Trailhead. Turn right and drive 1.2 miles to the parking area on the left. Difficulty: Moderate. Difficulty: Moderate. The one hour is if you don't take much time to hang out at Delicate Arch, and 3-4 hours is if you really take time to hang out. Although hiking to Delicate Arch is not an overly long hike, it is a steady uphill trek exposed to the sun. Distance - 3 miles round trip Approximate hiking time - 1.5 to 2.5 hours Elevation at trailhead - 4349 feet Elevation at Delicate Arch - 4829 feet Elevation gain - 480 feet Difficulty - Moderate Trail - well-maintained, mostly slickrock Amount of water recommended - 1 to 2 liters, there is no shade Bathrooms - Yes, located at trailhead The hardest part of the hike is the middle third. Even the closer of the overlooks is still very far away, making it difficult to get a nice view of the arch. The Delicate Arch Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. The entire trail is sun-exposed, offering little shade, and has multiple steep sections. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. The hike to the Delicate Arch is mostly uphill, but this does make going back to your car a lot easier on the way back! The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. The elevation gain is around 610 ft on a steady incline for over a mile which is what makes this hike moderate. The trail is about 1.3 miles to the arch. Usually we take 45 minutes and that's not a difficult pace (we're in 60s/70s). " Megan W OpenMapTiles OSM 0.5 Miles Point to Point 4,544' High 4,356' Low 188' Up 26' Down 9% Avg Grade (5) 42% Nearby, the Upper Viewpoint (0.5 mi / 0.8 km walk with stairs) offers a slightly less obstructed view. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Delicate arch is a wonderful hiking experience. During the summer, the temperature can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and it is highly recommended that you hike early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. As I hiked I would literally count to 200 steps and then take a break. Make sure to bring along plenty of water. This is a hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Utah. When hiking the Delicate Arch trail with kids, it's worth noting that the trail offers four different types of terrain on the way up to the big spectacle. Difficulty: Hard (480ft elevation gain) Miles: 3. Hikers beware, the Delicate Arch trail often surprises visitors by being more difficult than they'd expected. Turn right on Delicate Arch Road and drive another 1.2 miles to the parking area on your left (north). Trailhead address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. It . The short, popular trail traverses a desert landscape along a wide, well defined trail for the first 0.75 miles and . Unlike many of the forested Pacific Northwest trails we know, this hike is across sandstone rock faces where the trail can sometimes be hard to find. Hikers start on a wide, flat trail that leads to the base of a steep sandstone slope.Then, they hike up the slope, known as "slickrock," following a series of cairns to the less-famous Frame Arch, before arriving at Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch. Is Delicate Arch a difficult hike? Allow between two and three hours to complete the . Elevation Change: 171 ft (52 m) Difficulty: Moderate. Then things get a touch more difficult. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It is a hard hike but you can not visit Arches National Park and not hike to the Delicate Arch. Many geological formations can be seen along the way with an array of stunning colors. It's an extremely popular trail and we met many other families making the trek to Delicate Arch with kids. The entrance to Arches National Park is located just 5 miles north of Moab, UT on Highway 191. To get to the Delicate Arch trailhead: From the Arches National Park Visitor Center, drive 12.3 miles up Park Avenue and turn right. (Partition Arch was my second favorite!) We love getting a few souvenirs when we visit the national parks. 3.) Delicate Arch hike is located 13 miles inside Arches National Park. Hikers beware, the Delicate Arch trail often surprises visitors by being more difficult than they'd expected. . Hike Highlights 1. Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint. It is about a 630 foot elevation gain across the entire round trip. This fantastic hiking trail leads along the red rock slabs to the largest free standing arch in the park. 2. Hikers must be careful to follow the rock cairns at the end of the trail, as there are . Roundtrip Distance: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) Time: 30-45 min. The Delicate Arch hike is easily the most popular hike in Arches National Park, bringing hikers to arguably the most recognizable natural arch over a 1.5 mile moderate hike. Make sure you're in good physical condition before beginning. This is not a technically difficult hike, but I was happy to have a trekking pole. Delicate Arch is located in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. How long does it take to hike to Delicate Arch? When you make it to the top you will be greeted with the sight of the arch and incredible views beyond. We visit often and take house guests. Hiking Delicate Arch is one of the most quintessential things to do in Utah. You'll need to look for rock cairns (rock stacks indicating the trail location) to guide you as the path turns to slickrock. 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