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Hiking to Delicate Arch was at the top of Tim’s list for this Adventures by Disney trip.
Since our 2012 summer road trip around the country, Tim felt a strong need to return to Arches National Park to make the hike to Delicate Arch. In 2012, we just went to the viewing area to look at it from a mile and a half away.
As we mention in the video, we were hot, tired, and drove a long way, that day.
Hiking to Delicate Arch
The hike doesn’t take too long. I think it was about 4 hours total, with about 45 minutes at the arch viewing area.
A giant slab of rock with zero shade and facing the sun presents the greatest challenge of the hike.
Due to the lack of shade and the extreme desert heat, you MUST take water with you on this hike!
The hike to Delicate Arch takes you behind a giant rock that keeps Delicate Arch hidden from view until the very last minute.
Words cannot describe the feeling as you round the last corner and that rock wall disappears to reveal the Delicate Arch.
Delicate Arch sits on the edge of a “bowl” that also provides an area for visitors to take in the beauty of the arch.
The viewing area does get a little crowded, but that didn’t take away from the beauty and splendor of the arch.
Travel Tip: EVERYONE lines up to get their picture under the Delicate Arch. Unfortunately, what happens is that you either get the people under the arch or the whole arch, not both. The best shot places your family well in front of the arch.
Seeing Delicate Arch, up close, made the hike in the desert heat totally worth it. Named “delicate” for a reason, this feature may not survive until our next visit. It may not make it to your visit to Arches National Park. Get out there, keep on dreaming, and see the Delicate Arch before it’s too late!
https://youtu.be/6Ckc5kFUIwU