If Moab had a single defining image, it would be Delicate Arch. You see it on license plates, postcards, and guidebook covers, but none of that prepares you for what it feels like to stand beneath it at sunset.

The trail to Delicate Arch is not just a hike. It is a slow, steady reveal that ends with one of the most unforgettable views in Utah.

 

Delicate Arch: The Symbol of Utah

Delicate Arch is a 65-foot freestanding arch carved by time, standing alone on the rim of a natural sandstone bowl. Behind it, on a clear day, the La Sal Mountains rise in the distance. Around it, the rock glows in layers of orange, red, and gold as the sun moves across the sky.

Unlike many arches you see from a roadside pullout, Delicate Arch has to be earned. You do not just drive up to it. You walk, climb, and sweat a little to get there. That effort is part of why it hits so hard when you finally round the last corner and see it.

For a few moments, the whole crowd usually goes quiet.

 

Delicate Arch Hike Guide: Distance, Difficulty & Best Time

  • Distance: About 3 miles round trip

  • Elevation gain: Around 480 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate (steady uphill, no shade, some exposure near the end)

  • Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon into sunset

The trail starts at the Delicate Arch trailhead in Arches National Park. The first part is straightforward, but soon you are walking up wide slickrock with no shade. In summer, this section can be brutally hot in the middle of the day.

Near the end, the trail narrows along a rock ledge carved into the side of a sandstone wall. It looks more dramatic than it feels for most hikers, but if you are nervous about heights, take it slow and stay focused.

The payoff is a wide amphitheater of stone with Delicate Arch standing at the far edge, perfectly framed against the sky.

A few things to know:

  • There is no shade. Start early or aim for later in the day, and bring plenty of water.

  • Crowds are common. Sunset is busy but magical; sunrise is quieter and cooler.

  • The rock bowl around the arch is open. Give others space and watch your footing near the edge.

  • Parking fills quickly in peak season. Arrive early or be patient.

 

What Nobody Tells You

  • The view before you round the last corner is nothing special. Do not judge the hike too early. The reveal is sudden and worth it.

  • The best photos often come from not standing right under the arch. Step back, find your own angle, and include the landscape.

  • Winter can be incredible here: fewer people, cooler temps, and sometimes a dusting of snow on the La Sals.

  • Stay after sunset for a few extra minutes. Once the crowd starts to leave, the light softens and the arch feels even more peaceful.

  • Headlamps are a must if you are hiking back in the dark. Phone flashlights are not enough on uneven rock.

 

Why Delicate Arch Is More Than Just a Hike

Delicate Arch is not just a box to check off a list. It is one of those rare places where effort, anticipation, and landscape all come together.

You remember the way the light changed as you climbed.
You remember the moment you first saw the arch.
You remember sitting on the rock, shoulder to shoulder with strangers, all quietly staring at the same stone shape in the sky.

For many people, it becomes the moment their Moab trip clicks. The place where they stop rushing from spot to spot and start really feeling where they are.

 

Stay at Delicate Arch Cabin

After a bucket-list hike like Delicate Arch, you do not want to go back to a cramped hotel room with a sealed window and a view of a parking lot. You want a place that feels like part of the experience, not an afterthought.

That is why we named one of our tiny homes Delicate Arch Cabin.

All of our tiny homes are located at 1251 Millcreek Dr, Moab, Utah, just a short drive from the Arches National Park entrance and downtown Moab. Delicate Arch Cabin is your home base for sunrise starts, sunset returns, and everything in between.

At Delicate Arch Cabin, you will find:
🍳 A full kitchen to prep trail snacks, early breakfasts, or late-night dinners after sunset hikes
🏡 A comfortable living space to cool down, stretch out, and relive the day’s adventure
❄️ Climate control so you can escape the heat or warm up on cold desert nights
🛏️ A cozy bed and soft linens that make that 5 AM alarm feel slightly less painful

Guest Tip: “We stayed in the Delicate Arch Cabin and made it to the trailhead by 5:30 AM for sunrise. Totally worth the early start. Best morning of our trip.” — Kelly M., July 2023

You are minutes from:
→ Arches National Park and the Delicate Arch trailhead
→ Downtown Moab’s restaurants, coffee shops, and gear stores
→ Scenic drives, side hikes, and other classic Moab viewpoints

Primary CTA button:

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  • URL: /cabins/delicate-arch

Secondary CTA link:

  • Text: Explore All Moab Tiny Homes →

  • URL: /cabins

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Delicate Arch hike kid-friendly?
A: Many families hike Delicate Arch with older kids (around 8 and up). The trail is steep in places with some exposure near the end. Keep kids close, avoid the hottest part of the day, and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike Delicate Arch?
A: No permit is required for the Delicate Arch trail itself, but you do need a valid park entrance pass for Arches National Park. Check current conditions and any alerts before you go.

Q: How long does the Delicate Arch hike take?
A: Most people spend 2–3 hours total, including time at the arch. If you love photos or just want to sit and soak it in, plan a bit longer.

Q: Can I see Delicate Arch without doing the full hike?
A: Yes. There are viewpoint trails (Lower and Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoints) that offer distant views of the arch. They are easier, but they do not compare to standing right beneath it.

Q: What should I bring for the Delicate Arch hike?
A: Sturdy shoes, plenty of water (about 2 liters per person in summer), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a light layer for changing temperatures, and a headlamp if you are hiking for sunrise or staying through sunset.

 

More Moab Adventures from Your Cabin

→ Mill Creek Falls: Desert Oasis and Swimming Holes (/activities/mill-creek-falls)
→ Corona Arch: The Underrated Giant (/activities/corona-arch)
→ Slickrock Trail: Mountain Biking Mecca (/activities/slickrock-trail)
→ Mesa Arch at Sunrise: Photographer's Dream (/activities/mesa-arch)
See All Moab Activity Guides → (/activities)

 

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