As one of the most iconic geological formations in the world, the Delicate Arch in Utah is a must-see for any visitor to the southern United States. Standing at an impressive 52 feet tall, the awe-inspiring rock feature in the Arches National Park is a year-round attraction that simply has to be seen to be believed.
Carved out of the Entrada sandstone by the relentless forces of wind and weather erosion, the Delicate Arch is a celebrated symbol of the American Southwest. Despite being one of almost 2000 natural arches in the region, the Delicate Arch’s dramatic setting and huge size make it the top attraction of the Arches National Park.
Nicknamed ‘the Schoolmarm’s Bloomers’ and the ‘the Chaps’ by local Utah cowboys, the Delicate Arch has inspired the imaginations of people for countless generations. Each year tourists make the exciting trip to hike up to the base of the Delicate Arch, near Moab in Grand County, to watch the sunset over the reddish sands of the rocky valley below.
As well as the majestic Delicate Arch itself, the national park has a whole lot to offer its visitors. From luxury resorts to off-road adventures, trips along the Colorado River and star gazing at night, the Arches National Park in Utah remains one of the American Southwest’s best-kept secrets.
How Do You Get To The Delicate Arch, Utah?
For international travelers, the easiest way to reach the Delicate Arch in Utah is to fly into one of the region’s major airports. You can either fly into the Salt Lake City International Airport or the Denver International Airport. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you can rent a car to drive to the city of Moab or travel onwards using public transport to join a guided tour of the Arches National Park.
However, it’s far more convenient to rent a private vehicle because the public transport in much of the Southwest of America is not as extensive as it is in other parts of the country. Even so, it’s perfectly possible to visit the Arches National Park without renting a private vehicle.
Once you reach Moab, the closest city to the Delicate Arch, you need to take US Route 191 through the Arches National Park. After you enter the park, simply follow the signs for the Delicate Arch trailhead, where you can park your vehicle and hike up the final stretch to the Delicate Arch.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can either join a guided tour or jump on the Arches Shuttle bus from Moab to reach the Delicate Arch trailhead.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Delicate Arches, Utah?
The best time to visit the Delicate Arch is between March and early July. The temperatures in the spring and early summer months are cooler than at the height of summer, and are ideal for hiking and sightseeing around the national park. The second best time to visit is during the Fall, between September and November, when the weather is also mild but there are far fewer visitors to the park.
It’s worth noting that temperatures in the National Arches Park during the mid-to-late summer are often oppressively hot, frequently exceeding 100°F (38°C). Not only is this too hot to enjoy hiking in the desert but it can actually be dangerous if you get lost in the extreme heat.
During the winter, temperatures in the park plummet with regular snowfalls and icy trails. However, there are very few tourists in the park and so if you’re well prepared in terms of gear, and have experience hiking in icy conditions, it can be a great time to visit.
What Is There To Do At The Arches National Park, Utah?
The Delicate Arch – The Premier Highlight Of The Arches National Park
No visit to Utah would be complete without visiting the famous Delicate Arch. Once you’ve reached the Delicate Arch trailhead, you can hike right up to its base to witness the incredible views and experience the stunning landscape scenery for yourself. At 52 feet tall, with a 46 foot open interior, the Delicate Arch provides visitors with incredible photo opportunities and an inspiring view of the surrounding park.
The ideal time to visit the Delicate Arch is at sunrise or sunset. At sunrise, there won’t be any crowds but you will have to set off early from your hotel! If you’re planning to visit in the evening for the sunset, the parking lot can sometimes fill up, in which case you can park your vehicle at the nearby Visitor Center. To complete your visit to the Delicate Arch, why not bring a picnic, so you can savor a lovely bite to eat while taking in the views?
Join A Half Day 4×4 Guided Tour Of The Arches National Park
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the region, you can join a private half day guided tour of the Arches National Park. During the action-packed tour you’ll hike up to the Delicate Arch, drive through the dramatic surrounding landscapes, and stop off at some of the best loved locations in the park, including Three Gossips, Park Avenue, Wall Street, and the Windows.
The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and transport in an air conditioned 4×4 vehicle. The ticket also includes your entrance fee to the Arches National Park and your entry to the Delicate Arch.
You can find out more and reserve your place on this exclusive 4×4 Half Day Tour of the Arches National Park, here.
Paddleboarding In The Colorado River
For a fun day out of the river, why not sign up for a paddleboard tour of the Colorado River? Paddleboarding is very easy to pick up and suitable for all levels of fitness. And don’t worry, you won’t be going through rapids or white water stretches of the Colorado River! Your guide will lead you through a calm 10 km stretch of the river, passing through the beautiful red sandstone cliffs and rugged desert scenery.
As you paddle along, you’ll be able to take in the amazing views and all the details of the river banks. The tour includes the use of a paddleboard and oar, free snacks and water – although you will have to bring your own personal water bottle which you can fill up as you need to. The tour meets up at the Paddle Shop in Moab before you’re transported down to the river to start your adventure.
It’s an ideal day trip for families, couples, and anyone who wants to enjoy a leisurely day on the water.
You can find out more and book your spot on the Paddleboarding tour of the Colorado River, here.
Sunset And Night Photography Tour In Arches National Park
The Arches National Park is one of America’s International Dark Sky Parks, which means that there is practically zero light pollution. This gives you the rare opportunity to appreciate, and photograph, the night sky in all its glory! So if you want to guarantee coming home with some amazing photos of the park at sunset and at night, then this photography tour is essential!
Departing just before sunset, you’ll visit 3 different viewpoints during the Golden Hour, as the sun is setting and the light is perfect for photography. You’ll also visit a few lesser known sites and then, after dark, you’ll set up your cameras to capture the timeless magnificence of the Milky Way and the stars above.
Suitable for beginner and intermediate photographers, your guide will always be on hand to give you photography tips if you need them. The tour includes snacks and ice cold water to refill your personal bottles. Hotel pickups and drop offs are available in Moab and the surrounding areas.
You can find out more and sign up for this unique tour, here.
Stay At The Fairfield Inn And Suites, Moab
The recently renovated Fairfield Inn and Suites is the ideal place to base yourself during your adventures in the Arches National Park. With superb views of the Colorado River, the resort is located right next to the main entrance of the Arches National Park. The resort boasts excellent on-site facilities and has easy access to both the city of Moab and the Arches National Park. It’s also a family-friendly resort where your kids stay for free!
The Fairfield Inn and Suites has high speed WiFi throughout, free parking, and offers a complimentary breakfast to its guests each day. The resort has a large outdoor pool, as well as several hot tubs, waterfalls and a splash pad, an on-site restaurant, and a fully equipped 24 hour fitness center and gym. All the rooms and suites in the resort have air conditioning, coffee making facilities, a microwave, a refrigerator, a flatscreen TV, a seating area with a desk, and a private bathroom with a shower and bath.
You can book your room at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, here.
