Hiking Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah

I’m a Moab girl! I’m not a hiking type of girl though. I’m really not but I have hiked Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and I have some personal advice and tips to make your trek a success whether you are hiking with kids or without + I have included all of the facts and logistics so you know what to expect.

I don’t think you can be from Moab, Utah, and not have hiked Delicate Arch! I think that would be illegal in Utah, like most everything else.

My mother was a park ranger in Arches National Park and then Canyonlands so let me share the insider trail hiking tips.

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First, let’s talk about some logistics. This is an uphill trek on sandstone when hiking to the Arch and downhill on the way back. It is a tough hike and it is a 3-mile hike round-trip. The park recommends 2 to 3 hours but I’d recommend spending half the day here, especially if hiking with kids.

You want to give yourself time for breaks and you will want to stay at the Arch for a while. I would not attempt this hike in the dark unless you’re an advanced trekker and have done the hike before. One of the reasons for this is that you will hang off the side of a cliff face for a while before making it to the arch but don’t be discouraged or think this hike isn’t for kids.

The hike is fun and it is a fun time for kids of all ages. You will just need to watch them carefully once you reach the ledge and around the arch.

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When should you hike Delicate Arch in Arches National Park?

I would suggest avoiding the summer heat and crowds and alternately I’d also suggest avoiding the cold and snow. With that being said mid to late spring or early fall would be the prime time to hike in the park and also a cheaper time to stay in Moab.

If you do go in summer you are likely to wait in long car lines which oftentimes wrap around the highway and also if you are even able to get into the park you will have trouble with traffic, crowds, heat, and parking. You’ve been warned.

No matter what time of year you go I doubt you’ll be alone on the trail so I don’t think there is much risk of getting lost but the trail is marked.

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What should you bring on your hike to Delicate Arch?

Packing List:

• Water-Water-and Some More Water
• You should bring with you at least 2 liters of water per person in a backpack
• Sunscreen, even if it is not necessarily hot the sun is bright and there isn’t shade
• Good hiking shoes
• Lightweight clothing that covers, I’d suggest jeans and a cotton long-sleeve shirt
• A camera, you will want to capture the glory
• Snacks and possibly a small lunch if you plan to stay awhile and especially if hiking with kids

That’s it. You don’t want to forget something important but you also don’t need to pack a bunch of stuff that you’ll end up carrying and not using.

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Is this hike worth it or is it overhyped?

Like I’ve said I’m not a hiking nature-loving outdoor enthusiast but this hike is well worth the pain and suffering of the trek and if you love hiking even better. Once you reach the end of the hike the views will leave you breathless (or maybe that was the hike, who really knows.)

It is one of the most famous natural arches in the world for a reason. Not to mention it is on all of the Utah license plates and majestic postcards. This is one uphill hike you do not want to miss when in Utah.

Enjoy your Delicate Arch Hike and Happy Travels!

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