Sunset at Delicate Arch
Hike Stats
Distance: 3.0 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Location: Arches National Park
Date Hiked: October 2020
Getting Here
The Delicate Arch Trail starts from the Wolfe Ranch parking area. From the entrance kiosk at the front of the park, continue down the main road for about 12 miles before turning right, following the signs for Delicate Arch. The Wolfe Ranch parking area will be on your left after 1.2 miles.
The Hike
The hike to Delicate Arch is by far the most iconic of the area. The arch was made famous by the Utah license plate and even more famous by Insta-influencers trying to promote their cellulite cream and booty shorts under the arch for some reason (pro tip: don’t be this person, it’s weird). As such, this hike is more popular than Wicked’s Glinda. That being said, one simply does not come to Arches National Park and not see Delicate Arch.
The trail starts off on a fairly easy, well-graded sandy-gravelly trail. Near the start you have the option to take a short detour to see the Wolfe Ranch cabin and some petroglyphs before meeting back up with the trail. I didn’t have time to stop as I was wanting to make it to the top before sunset, but I hear it is worth taking the time to see. It shouldn’t have to be said, but if you stop by the petroglyphs, please leave them untouched so that generations after us can continue to enjoy them.
The next section of the trail is the hardest as it involves climbing up a fairly steep incline of pure slickrock. It offers great views of the park, but you will definitely be huffing and puffing the whole way. There’s no etched out trail but there are some cairns to help guide you; as long as you head up you’ll be fine.
After reaching the top of the slickrock climb, you’ll continue across a flatter section of slickrock between sandstone domes and juniper trees. Soon you’ll come to an area where the trail begins to narrow and hug the side of the rock wall. At the beginning of this section, look up and to your right and you’ll spot an opening in the rock wall. This is a lesser known but amazing little arch called Twisted Donut Arch; the view from here is *chef’s kiss*. It does require a short little scramble to get up to the viewpoint, but it is very doable as long as you aren’t wearing heels or flip-flops.
When I say that the next section of trail hugs the side of the rock wall, I really mean that. At just a few feet wide, it’s exhilarating to walk along it, marveling at the desert rock views below.
Rounding the corner, the rock wall that you’ve been walking alongside disappears and opens up to a spectacular view of Delicate Arch. Its appearance is so sudden that one can’t help but gasp in wonder.
After wandering around a bit, I found myself a little spot somewhat near the congregation of people with professional looking cameras and settled in for sunset. While I try to avoid crowds as best I can, this was one of those times when you simply have to embrace them as part of the experience and enjoy the moment.
One of my favorite moments came close to golden hour where the sun was just about to hit the arch and color it almost blood orange. There was a long line near the arch of people waiting to get their photo taken while under the arch. The photographers, patiently waiting to grab their perfect shot without the hoards of people, conspired together and in union yelled “CLEAR THE ARCH FOR TEN SECONDS!” The people in line complied, and the air was suddenly filled with the clicks of a hundred cameras going off, mine included. Afterwards, everyone cheered and laughed at the absurdity of it all. It was so fun, and everyone went home happy. The sun setting against the arch was everything I could’ve hoped for.
Trail Tips
Be mindful of the fact that this trail has no shade. In the summer this means either starting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be sure to bring several liters of water with you regardless of the time of year.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. This is not the trail to be wearing your flimsy sandals or Crocs.
The afternoon is best for lighting and photography as the arch will be lit up by the sun. The glow created by the setting sun against the rock is just magical. However, sunset is the most popular time to hike to the arch so there is no avoiding the crowds at that time.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, sunrise is the best time to go.
If you are unable to hike the Delicate Arch trail for whatever reason or simply want a different vantage point, consider heading to the Lower Delicate Arch viewpoint just down the road to still catch a great view of the arch. The trail is 200 yards and flat, level, and wheelchair accessible.
Pin it for your next Utah trip!
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