Delicate Arch Viewpoints
Arches National ParkArches National Park, Delicate Arch, Geological Wonders
Difficulty: Accessible/Easy
Length: Lower Viewpoint 0.1 mile (loop)
Upper Viewpoint 1 mile (loop)
Elevation Gain: 141ft (Upper Viewpoint)
Approximate Hiking Time: 1/4 – 1/2 hr
Features: Geological Wonders
Nearest Town: Moab, Ut
Delicate Arch is synonymous with Utah. I mean it does adorn the license plates after all!
While you won’t be able to reach out and touch Delicate Arch from here, you still get great views at a distance. Plus it’s a great stop if you’re tight on time.
- Trail Condition 100%
- Usage 100%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 100%
- Kid Friendly 100%
Hike Highlights
1. Delicate Arch
Even from a distance Delicate Arch is impressive. And as the one of Utah’s most iconic sites it’s pretty cool to photograph.
2. Landscape, Flora, and Fauna
Both viewpoints offer great views of Delicate Arch as it sits in the landscape, a totaly different perspective than you get from the Delicate Arch trail. A hike to the upper viewpoint offers close-ups of native flowers and likely a lizard or two.
3. Accessibility
The lower viewpoint is the only place in the park to see Delicate Arch that is wheelchair and stroller friendly. It’s also a great choice for those who aren’t into hiking.
Trailhead Directions
Follow the Main Park Road from the Visitor Center turning right onto Delicate Arch Road for about 14.2 miles.
The parking area for the Delicate Arch Viewpoints trailhead is located at the end of the road.
Hike Details
Lower Viewpoint
The lower viewpoint can be reached by a short accessible trail that is flat, hard packed and provides a view of the arch from about 1 mile away. While the arch does appear small from here; it’s still a great stop to see an iconic site and learn more facts about the arch.
Upper Viewpoint
From the Lower Viewpoint, continue on for about 0.5 miles to the upper viewpoint along a steep trail. Delicate Arch comes into view across the canyon at the top of the trail. While hiking to the top, it’s worth taking breaks to catch your breath and enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Why is this hike accessible?
A hard packed, flat trail leads from the parking area to the lower viewpoint and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The upper viewpoint in an easy hike although it is pretty steep. Unfortunately, the trail to the upper viewpoint is not accessible.
More Hikes to Choose From
Check out this and other hikes in Arches National Park and Moab, Ut.
Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 ft
The trail takes you to Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches. It’s one of the more challenging hikes in the park, but totally worth it.
Landscape Arch at Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.9 miles- 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 259 ft
Landscape Arch is one of the must-see arches in Arches National Park. At 306 ft long, Landscape Arch is one of (if not) the longest arches in the world.
Balanced Rock Trail, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Accessible
Length: 0.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 45 ft
Balanced Rock Trail in Arches National Park is a family friendly, accessible trail that takes you to a viewing point of this seemingly gravity defying rock.