Summary:
A slickrock trail through the desert leads to a breathtaking natural arch.

Known to early settlers as ‘Cowboy Chaps’ because of its bowlegged appearance, it stands on the rim of a red rock amphitheater with the stately La Sal Mountains as a backdrop. Your first sight of the arch, as you round the final bend of the trail, is truly breathtaking. Of all the hikes in the world, few can better the reward of seeing Delicate Arch cast in the red glow of a sinking sun.

The trail starts at Wolfe Ranch, the small log cabin in which John Wolfe and his son lived from 1888 to 1910, running a small cattle operation. Here you cross a footbridge over Salt Wash, a haunt of leopard frogs. On both sides of the stream there is dense vegetation, including the rapacious tamarisk, as well as native species such as willow and greaseweed.

After the footbridge, you can detour left down a short unmarked side trail to an Ute petroglyph. The main trail continues ahead past colorful chert boulders and climbs a slickrock humpback, dotted with red-colored dwarf Indian paintbrush and penstemon. Keep looking for the small rock cairns that mark the route.

The last part of the trail has been blasted out from the side of a cliff, and it is this cliff that masks any view of the arch until the final moment. We will deliberately keep the description here brief so as not to spoil the impact – we couldn’t do it justice anyway.

Unless you have set off early, a quiet crowd of people will ring the outside of the amphitheater, gazing at the arch and the white tops of the mountains beyond. As a few approach for a closer look, you may be surprised to see how big it is – 46 ft high, with the ‘knee’ of the left leg 6 ft thick. But the scale of Delicate Arch is not its defining characteristic – that is its aesthetic shape and surroundings. It seems no coincidence that in a place full of arches, fantastic rock formations and strange hoodoos, nature created Delicate Arch apart from the rest and set it on a pedestal.

The return journey is easier, descending along the same trail, although in the heat of a summer’s day it is still thirsty work. But it is worth it. There is a distant view of the arch at a parking area 1.2 miles from Wolfe Ranch along an unpaved road, and many people just stop there, take a photo, and drive away. Unbelievable. If you are able, get out of your car and walk. It’s the only way to properly appreciate Delicate Arch.

Directions: The Park entrance and visitor center are just off US 191, 5 miles north of Moab and 27 miles south of Crescent Junction (I-70 exit 180).

Trailhead: Head along the Park road for 11.7 miles, then turn right onto the 1.2 mile spur road to Wolfe Ranch parking area.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 480 ft / 146 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Clearly marked with cairns. Sandstone slickrock is dangerous – it breaks easily. Stick to the trail.

Features: Natural arch, desert, views of La Sal mountains.

Climate: Extremely hot in summer, with temperatures exceeding 38 C (100 F). Pleasant spring and autumn, and cool in winter with light snowfall.

Accommodation: Camping year-round inside the Park at Devils Garden (first-come, first-served, no water in winter). Plenty of motels in Moab.

Trail Notes: Take plenty of water – the moderate ascent has no shade and is challenging in the heat of summer. This popular trail is best early or late in the day (photography best at sunset, but remember to take a flashlight).