Best Hike at Arches National Park

Delicate Arch Hike

Arches National Park is a jewel in our National Park System. It is packed full of gorgeous red rock formations and arches, many of which can be seen from the parking lot! The most famous arch of all (which adorns the Utah license plate) is Delicate Arch, which also happens to be the best hike in Arches National Park.

Only a 1.5 mile uphill slog from the parking area, you will enter the natural amphitheater surrounding the arch. There are scores of other people around at sunset, yet there is a hushed atmosphere, as if this is a holy temple or cathedral.
Everyone is silent as the sun creeps toward the horizon. The sunlight get brighter and brighter, until it eventually fades. This is a holy place.

Here are the basics:

Distance: 3 miles round trip. Moderately strenuous.

Elevation change: 480 ft gain to the arch. This is steady climbing uphill.

Terrain: This alternates between dirt path, slick rock, and paved surface.

Directions: Park at Wolfe Ranch Parking area. If that is full, park at Delicate Arch viewpoint parking lot 1 mile away.

When to hike: Sunrise or sunset!! Avoid the hottest summer days because of soaring temperatures and the crowds! Sunset means you will scrambling out in semi-darkness. Bring a light!

What to bring: Water, snacks, trekking poles (some older folks were using these for the really steep slick rock), camera!