Delicate Arch

The hike to Delicate Arch begins near the Wolfe homestead from the early 1900's. John Wesley Wolfe settled here in search of a drier climate to aid his Civil War injury. The Wolfe's weren't the first settlers here as there are petroglyphs from the Ute Indians nearby as well.

Arches National Park is located roughly 5 miles north of Moab on Highway 128. The Delicate Arch trailhead is located a little over halfway up the Arches National Park main road. To get here, follow the park road 11.7 miles to the Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch turn off. Turn right (or east) and follow this road for another 1.2 miles. You will see a large parking lot on your left. This is where the trail begins. Since this hike is so popular, this lot can fill up quickly.

The hike to Delicate Arch begins off easy as you pass by the Wolfe historic cabin and the Ute petroglyphs. If you want to see the petroglyphs they are off a short spur trail to the North. The trail quickly heads out of the wash area and onto slickrock. Once on the slickrock, the hike steepens and is very exposed. If it's hot make sure you plan accordingly. Finding your way up the slick rock, you'll follow rock cairns to stay on track. As you near the top of the hike, the trail begins to climb up and gets cliffed out on your left hand side. You'll soon come across Frame Arch which you can climb up and see Delicate Arch through it. Continue on the trail around the corner to reach Delicate Arch. Stick to the top of the sandstone bowl and follow it around to the arch. Return back the same way.