Delicate Arch Sunrise Hike

The Moab region of Utah is known for its stunning orange rock formations. But, the most famous one is undoubtedly the Delicate Arch. This is the structure featured in all of Utah’s tourism brochures, postcards, t-shirts, and even state license plates.

The Delicate Arch is enormous. It is 46 feet tall from the base, and 32 feet wide. Further, although many photos make it look like its at ground level, it actually sits on considerable elevation.

It is possible to get a glimpse of the Delicate Arch from ground level. But, if you want to see the arch up close and personal, you’re going to have to hike to it. The hike is about 5km round-trip, with a 146m ascent (480 feet). I would place it at moderate difficulty.

Arches National Park is a very popular park, and Delicate Arch is its most popular hike. To beat the crowds both into the park and on the trail itself, the best time to complete this hike is in the very early morning. James and I arrived at the trailhead by about 6:30am, which was late enough to have a bit of light as we began our ascent.

Given that this is a well-marked and popular trail, you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Just follow the dozens of other hikers who are on their way to the same place.

Your efforts will be well-rewarded when you get to watch the early morning light slowly creep across the arch.

It is possible to go right up to the arch itself. However, to do this, you do have to walk across the bowl. If you have any fear of heights, this part of the hike can be quite disorienting, because the bowl slopes inward toward a very steep drop-off. Personally, I had to fight the urge to drop to my hands and knees (not a recommended strategy).

The bowl is made of sandstone which, although rough and grippy while dry, can be very slippery when wet or icy. Although very rare, people have died by falling into the canyon. So, exercise common sense, especially if the weather isn’t optimal.

Once you’re safely across the bowl, the last thing to do is line up for your turn to approach the Delicate Arch. Here, the comradery of hiker culture is on full display, as everyone swaps phones to help each other get the iconic shot.

Overall, the Delicate Arch is a world-famous rock formation that is well worth visiting. But, if you don’t much care for heights or crowds, there are so many other options in the region. Not only is Moab in close proximity to two different national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), but there is lots of surrounding BLM land with even more off-the-beaten-path recreating. I’ll be talking about some of my favorite alternative experiences in future posts.