Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is immaculate, a huge yet light-feeling free-standing rock arch on top of a ridge of wind-smoothed sandstone. It is justly one of the most famous of its kind, and you will be thrilled by it.

It is a truly amazing structure, which will require many minutes of quiet contemplation, something which is a bit hard to come by, as it is wildly popular, so the splendid rocky theatre above it will almost always be well populated, and people will always be standing by if for photo opps. Never mind – it is so beautiful and unusual, you will forgive that. It even has its funny moments, the photographers shouting at people to clear away for the perfect shaaart as the dying sun reddens the already orange structure.

The 4.8km (3 mile), 1.5hr, walk there is a bit of a trudge, relieved by a quick viewing of an old settler’s cabin and some charming petroglyphs, until you reach the higher ground, when it is a thriller for maybe 15 minutes or so, winding around the high domes and towers of the ridgetop, with fabulous views.

Get there late afternoon/sundown if possible.

This is mildly strenuous walking in hot, dry conditions. Come fully prepared, including carrying plenty of water.

For lots more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Arches NP walk page.