Are you fitting a Delicate Arch sunset hike into your Utah vacation itinerary? There are many reasons why sunset is the ideal time to view the iconic rocky masterpiece in Arches National Park. For one, hiking at sunset isn’t as hot as venturing there mid-day. Plus, the lighting is better for photography in the late afternoon as the setting sun casts an orange fiery glow on Delicate Arch that’s simply stunning!
The only way to reach the arch is by hiking there, but before you grab your camera and tie up your laces, read on for ten important things to know as you embark on your Delicate Arch sunset hike.
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1. The parking lot fills up quickly.
The Delicate Arch trailhead begins at the Wolfe Ranch parking lot. (Don’t follow signs to Delicate Arch Viewpoint – that’s a different spot with a distant view of the arch.) The lot is a decent size but it fills up quickly. You may find yourself driving around the lot for a long time waiting for someone to leave (like we did) or parking in a makeshift spot (like us, again.) There are signs warning “park in designated spots only – strictly enforced” but after driving around for some time, we decided we had no choice but to park in an undesignated spot. It turned out fine as we didn’t get a parking ticket, but we were taking a chance. Also note there is a separate lot across the road for oversized vehicles.
2. Consider the weather conditions.
Delicate Arch trail is open year-round, but pay attention to the weather before you start. In winter it can be icy. Summer brings intense heat and there’s no shade so it will get hot. It also can get very windy at the Arch. (Okay, that’s an understatement. The wind was the craziest I’ve ever experienced. It actually detracted from the whole experience a bit.) Your best bet is to wear layers so you can put them on and take them off as needed. And hold onto your hat!
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3. Allow enough time to reach Delicate Arch before sunset.
The trail is 3 miles roundtrip, with a steep uphill climb on the way there. It took us approximately 50 minutes to get there and 40 minutes to get back. Remember the goal of the hike is to see the arch all aglow from the setting sun – which happens before the sun actually sets. Plan your start time accordingly so you can hike there with enough time to take pictures and enjoy the warm light leading up to sunset. I suggest arriving at the arch at least 45 minutes before the sun sets. You can check exact sun setting times for Delicate Arch here.
4. The Delicate Arch trail can be strenuous and is a bit exposed.
For many people the Delicate Arch trail is very doable, however the National Park Service’s website says that rangers frequently rescue people who underestimate the trail’s difficulty. Just know that the hike there includes a steady climb of 480 feet on slick rock. Make sure you’re in good physical condition before beginning. I’ve actually heard the trail described by different people as “easy,” “moderate” and “difficult.” I would label it as “moderate.” It also has an exposed area for about 200 yards that people afraid of heights may find unnerving. But, speaking as one who’s afraid of heights, I didn’t find it too scary. The rock ledge is wide enough to get past – just stay on the inside of the ledge.
5. Don’t miss the special surprise on your Delicate Arch sunset hike.
Before you get to Delicate Arch and just before the exposed rocky ledge is a short steep climb off to your right. This leads up to a window in the rock called Frame Arch, also known as Twisted Doughnut. Peering through the rock window produces a scenic picture frame for Delicate Arch. People line up waiting for their turn to get a picture of the arch through the window. It’s totally worth seeing and photographing, so keep an eye out for it on your way to the arch.
6. Delicate Arch is much larger than it looks and slants into a large basin.
As you follow the trail around a bend, the massive Delicate Arch comes into full view. You will be wowed! The arch’s opening measures 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. We’ve all seen pictures of this iconic arch, but to see just how colossal it is in person was well worth the hike. Next to the arch is a sandstone bowl that is also massive and deep. Use caution if walking around the edge of it. The steep slant into the basin plus the unbelievably windy conditions on the day we visited made walking around the area a tad scary. Thankfully the arch itself is easily accessible without getting too near the edge of the bowl.
7. There will be crowds.
Delicate Arch is possibly the world’s most famous natural arch, and sunset is the most popular time to view it, so you won’t be alone visiting this geological marvel. There will most likely be a continuous line of people getting their picture taken under the arch, but there’s usually enough time – although very brief – to grab a quick snapshot of the arch alone between picture takers. Don’t be afraid to get people in the picture, though. It really helps to give perspective to the magnitude of the arch.
8. Shoot from different angles.
Many people visiting the arch get the typical straight on shot of the arch. But there are fantastic views from all angles. Walk around and capture it all. If you sit on the left of the arch you’ll face the setting sun. Park yourself to the right of the arch and you’ll see the arch lit up from the sun’s orange glow. Switch it up and get creative with your shots.
9. Be prepared for hike back.
Depending on how long after sunset you stay at the arch, you may need headlamps for the hike back. It gets dark quickly after the sun sets and you want to be safe and prepared. We had them with us for our return hike but ended up not needing them since we left the arch immediately after sunset. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.
10. Plan for delays on way back to town.
If you’re staying in the town of Moab for the night, be prepared for tons of traffic and quite possibly delays on your drive back to your lodging. Practically everyone will be leaving the park at the same time after the sunset hike and most people stay in Moab, making the drive quite congested. It’s even worse if there happens to be road construction going on at the same time.
Have you taken a Delicate Arch sunset hike? Got any tips to add? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
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Informative article, didn’t see what Month and day of the week you hiked which would have a big effect on parking and traffic. I’m thinking late October, early November on a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday). Thanks!
Hi Jerry, We hiked to Delicate Arch on a Tuesday evening during the last week in October.