Delicate Arch
#4 in Best Things To Do in Arches National Park

Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 2.5Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
Delicate Arch has to be the world's most famous natural arch. The opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park, and over the years, it has become the de facto symbol of the state of Utah.
If you'd like to see the arch up close, you can take a 3-mile round-trip trail that climbs 480 feet uphill, passing the Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs along the way. Because the trail is not shaded, requires a steady climb and traverses a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards, the park defines the path as "difficult" and encourages travelers assess their physical fitness before attempting the climb.
Visitors who made the trek highly recommend it, saying it's worth every step. They also advise bringing lots of water. As is the case with other attractions in the park, reviewers recommended getting here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and punishing midday heat.
If you have limited time, you can go to the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, then walk 100 yards to see the arch from a mile away. Another option is to go to the Upper Viewpoint, then walk about half a mile for a slightly less obstructed view. Access to the Delicate Arch is included in your park admission. You'll find Delicate Arch about 12 miles north of the park entrance. Restrooms are available at Wolfe Ranch. For more information and safety tips, visit the official NPS website.
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#1 Landscape Arch
Located in the Devils Garden area, Landscape Arch is North America's longest arch, stretching an amazing 306 feet. To view the arch, you can take an easy, flat 50-minute hike from the Devils Garden trailhead to the arch.
Recent visitors described the hike as "easy" and definitely worth the trek, though they warned the trail can get crowded. They also recommended hiking past the Landscape Arch to the Double O and Partition arches if you have the time and stamina. Both sights are located beyond Landscape Arch and the trails to each are rated moderate to difficult by the NPS.
Located in the Devils Garden area, Landscape Arch is North America's longest arch, stretching an amazing 306 feet. To view the arch, you can take an easy, flat 50-minute hike from the Devils Garden trailhead to the arch.
Recent visitors described the hike as "easy" and definitely worth the trek, though they warned the trail can get crowded. They also recommended hiking past the Landscape Arch to the Double O and Partition arches if you have the time and stamina. Both sights are located beyond Landscape Arch and the trails to each are rated moderate to difficult by the NPS.
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