Dreaming of visiting the iconic delicate arch in Utah’s Arches National Park? I was after a quick trip in 2017 allowed us time to drive through the park but not hike this staple of Utah license plates! We had the opportunity to visit Moab again in 2021. Here is what we found to do!
Get there early!
This is a popular hike and we were visiting in early August. To beat the heat and the crowds we were in the park by sunrise. The warm, early morning light danced on the red rocks making for surreal colors all around. At 6:30 am, the sun was just coming up and the parking lot was already half full. We took our time getting gear on, plenty of water is a must, and using the facilities at the trailhead. As we started the hike, the sun was a glowing red ball in front of us.
The trail!
There are two areas to view Delicate Arch. One takes you to a viewpoint with the arch just visible one mile away. A better view is achieved by taking the 3-mile hike to the base of the arch. The hike is exposed and can be very warm in the summer or very icy in the winter. It gains almost 500 feet in elevation but the effort is very much worth the experience of being up close to this geologic wonder.
The approach!
Twisted Doughnut Arch 
Delicate Arch seen through the Twisted Doughnut
After climbing for about a mile, the path levels off. For a neat first view of Delicate Arch, don’t miss Twisted Doughnut Arch. Located on the right near the end of the trail, it is a quick climb to peer at Delicate Arch through its opening.
Enjoying the Delicate Arch!
Delicate arch seemed bigger than it looked in photos. The opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high. It sits atop a giant sandstone bowl that allows the many people who hike this way to spread out in a circle in front of it. Walking around the edge of this bowl and climbing up some of the surrounding rocks give several different perspectives.
We spent at least an hour here, just taking it all in before the easy hike back down. The 4 years it took to return to Arches National Park was definitely worth the wait.
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