Delicate ArchAbout Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is a freestanding natural sandstone arch in Arches National Park in southeastern Utah and is one of the park’s most iconic landmarks. The arch stands prominently above a slickrock amphitheater and is widely photographed.
The main attraction is the arch itself, which sits at the end of a trail offering close-up views and photo opportunities; the arch’s elegant, free-standing form is distinctive against the sky. There are also roadside viewpoints within the park that provide more distant views of the formation for visitors who do not take the full hike.
Delicate Arch formed by long-term erosion of Entrada Sandstone through processes of weathering and freeze-thaw action that removed surrounding rock and left the freestanding span. It has become a widely used symbol of Utah and appears on state license plates and promotional materials.
The arch is located within Arches National Park, near the town of Moab in southeastern Utah. The trailhead is in the park and the approach requires a moderate hike across exposed sandstone terrain.
- Dimensions: Rises to about 16 meters (52 feet) in height, making it one of the most prominent freestanding arches in the United States.
- Access and hike: Reached by a roughly 3-mile (4.8 km) round-trip hike from the Wolfe Ranch/Delicate Arch trailhead with about 480 feet (150 m) of elevation gain; the trail is unshaded and exposed.
What to See#
- Delicate Arch (the arch): The arch itself, a freestanding Entrada Sandstone formation that stands above the surrounding slickrock and is viewed from a single close approach point at the end of the trail.
Nearby Attractions to Delicate Arch
Best Time to Visit Delicate Arch
Best in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for comfortable temperatures and clear skies; sunrise and sunset visits avoid heat and crowds.
Weather & Climate near Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 4° | -5° | 19 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 9° | 0° | 14 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 15° | 5° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 20° | 12° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 26° | 17° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 32° | 23° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 36° | 26° | 22 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 35° | 25° | 22 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 29° | 20° | 22 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 22° | 13° | 31 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 12° | 3° | 20 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - 6° | -3° | 18 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is reached via the Delicate Arch trailhead at Wolfe Ranch in Arches National Park, about a 10-15 minute drive from the park entrance. From Moab, follow US-191 north then take the park road to the Wolfe Ranch/Delicate Arch parking. The trailhead is clearly marked; expect the lot to fill early in high season.
Tips for Visiting Delicate Arch
- Visit Delicate Arch at sunrise or sunset-the trail is exposed and light at these times is optimal for photography and cooler temperatures.
- Take the 1.5-2 hour round-trip trail (3 miles / 4.8 km) that climbs about 150 meters; start early in summer to avoid heat and crowds.
- Do not attempt to climb onto Delicate Arch; climbing or chalking the formation is illegal and damages the rock.