Delicate Arch is perched high above the desert floor, framed by the distant La Sal Mountains and fronted by lengthy waves of colorful slickrock. While this iconic formation is the trail's main attraction, the hike also features a nearby panel of Ute petroglyphs and the abandoned ranch of frontiersman John Wesley Wolfe en route to the arch.

Delicate Arch

Cairns lead the way across a steep slickrock expanse

Looking north upon rolling sandstone formations

Intricately carved entrada sandstone formations north of Delicate Arch

Large snowfalls are uncommon in Arches, but even small amounts can make travel over slickrock very difficult

Side view of Delicate Arch - appearing as a spire in the center of this photo

The final approach to Delicate Arch crosses a narrow ledge blasted from sandstone with steep drop-offs; winter travel can be a little precarious!

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is framed to the east by the La Sal Mountains, which run 18 miles N-S with three main peak clusters separated by long, thin saddles

Water expands as it freezes, placing pressure on surrounding rock; soft rock - like sandstone - is particularly vulnerable

Delicate Arch framed by the La Sal Mountains in the distance