Hiking to Delicate Arch with Kids – Tips and How To

Standing under the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park - Moab - Utah

What to Expect when Hiking to Delicate Arch - with Kids

When we visited Moab in June 2019, the temperature was pleasant, even chilly at times. This was also the reason why we made the decision that Hiking to Delicate Arch - with kids, would be ok during late morning.

Well, what should I say, we were wrong… was it super-hot and did we run out of water? Yes, would be the answers to these questions.

But once parked on a nearly empty carpark right next to the start of the trail, we decided to go for it. But it was clear that we would take it easy. Note our kids were very good hikers even at this young age. If they weren't maybe we would have changed our plans and abandoned Hiking to Delicate Arch - with kids, at that time.

Throughout the park the landscape is beautiful and impressive. And only whilst hiking in the Arches National Park did I realise you get the feeling of what this place is all about. Massive rocks, arches, towers, pinnacles, and balanced rocks make this park so special. Walking through this landscape was unique and exciting.

Hiking to delicate Arch on the hot sand stones in Moab Utah

Hiking to Delicate Arch - with Kids

The hike starts at the Wolfe Ranch Cabin. You will find a large parking lot and hopefully there is space for you.

Start of the Hike to delicate Arch with the Wolfe Ranch Cabin

As the park has many rare plants growing away from the path, the National Park Rangers ask you not to leave the path. It is not always easy especially with all the rocks to climb up left and right. But we managed to hold the kids back and stayed more or less where we should. 

Hiking to delicate arch map

you can see the parking for the hike to delicate arch in the distance and Lucas hiking up an enormous rock

In the photo above Lucas is already marching up one of the massive rocks with plenty of rocks to climb to his right. The sun burning down onto the open landscape is also the hardest part when hiking to Delicate Arch, especially with kids.

Every little shade we found we stopped, and made sure the kids drunk enough water and rested a bit. There is really not much shade at all. So, my recommendation is really use these few shady places and do stop if you are hiking the Delicate Arch with kids during a hot day.

Halfway at the Delicate Arch

After having passed the middle section, the last part is again more interesting as the landscape changes to small canyons and vegetation in the form of small prickly bushes are dotted along the path. If you’re lucky, you may even see a gecko or another desert animal.

open landscape during the hike to the delicate arch in arches national park

Whilst Hiking to Delicate Arch with kids the view of the Arch will be hidden until the very last moment.

Kind of good, as this really makes you want to go further and pushes you to finish the hike to Delicate Arch.
The last bit is along a fairly narrowed edge, so better to keep the kids on your hand. (see photo below)

The section where the HOLE is and the narrow path starts

MY TOP TIP when Hiking Delicate Arch

As you are hiking along this last narrow section, it is like you can hear the Delicate Arch calling your name. You are so close now, BUT there is one last surprise before hiking around the corner to the open space to see the Delicate Arch. On this narrow section look up to your right and you will see above you ( approx. 5 metres) a cave.

You do want to climb up there, as the surprise view is so worth it and even better than standing close by the Delicate Arch. Believe me on this. So, we made everybody climb up there, even my sister who is scared of heights as we would not have wanted her to miss the view. I found out after that this viewing hole actually had a name "The Twisted Doughnut Arch"

When you have reached the cave, you actually realise that it is not a cave but a hole framing the most amazing view down to the Delicate Arch. And shade!!!!

The view from the Twisted Doughnut Arch to Delicate Arch

What a surprise that was! 

Whilst up there we had our picnic, made lots of photos and enjoyed the quiet, shady place. It must have been a good hour before some other people saw us and of course wanted to come up. So, it was time to make space for others and go and make the obligatory photo under the Delicate Arch!

happy in the shade from the Twisted Doughnut arch in Arches National Park

At the Delicate Arch

A few more metres on the narrow edge walk until you turn the corner and you will be entering the large theatre with the Delicate Arch being the stage. At least it felt like that to me.

Our tip is to walk around, as from every angle the Delicate Arch presents itself differently.

To get a photo ALONE under the Delicate Arch people were being patient and allowing everyone enough time to get the perfect picture. I liked that a lot as it really was not pushy, but this is maybe as there were only a few people there. Not sure how this will work during peak season or even at sunset.

Arches national park with kids - How best to visit

Our Thoughts of Hiking Delicate Arch with Kids

Truly amazing and Hiking to Delicate Arch with Kids must be on your Arches National Park to do list. And this is why I feel it is so important not to stress with your visit to the Arches National Park. Make sure you do have time because after this hike we were all happy and very content to head out of the park, back to our accommodation and just relax or go for a swim.

I would not have imagined to pack some more sightseeing into that day, not only for the kids but also not for us adults.

How Long is the Hike to Delicate Arch?

If you are wondering how long the hike to Delicate Arch will be, check out the map below which should give you a good idea of the whole layout, incline and length. Click on the "Learn More" tab to see the full trail for hiking to Delicate Arch with kids.

You May Also Like These Related Posts

• Arches National Park - How best to visit with kids

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your trip to the Arches National Park to Hike to Delicate Arch.

If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

If you like it PinIt and tell a friend

Canadian Rocky Mountains

And as you're very close to the Canadian Rocky Mountains you may like these post as well