How to Photograph Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Shot with a Nikon D810, Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens. Exposure: 15 sec., f/2, ISO 6400
There are few landscape photography locations in the American Southwest more recognizable than Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Towering above a natural sandstone bowl just outside Moab, Utah, the freestanding arch has become a bucket-list destination for hikers, outdoor photographers, and astrophotographers alike.
Photographer Darren White has photographed Delicate Arch dozens of times over the past 13 years, hiking the trail in daylight, darkness, summer heat, and winter cold. In this guide, he shares his favorite vantage points, tips for photographing the arch safely, and the best seasons for capturing everything from snow-covered red rocks to the Milky Way glowing above the desert.
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Location
Delicate Arch, located in the northeastern part of the park, is roughly a 1.6-mile hike up sandstone, with trail markers along the way. The first part of the trail, starting at Wolfe Ranch, consists of switchbacks on a well-maintained, wide path with a gentle to moderate incline.
About 0.8 miles into the hike, you’ll reach the sandstone incline, often considered the most challenging section. So many people have hiked this trail that the slickrock sandstone is visibly worn from foot traffic.
Roughly 1.5 miles in, near the end of the hike, you’ll come to a small window looking out over Delicate Arch. This opening is officially named Twisted Doughnut Arch. From there, it’s only a short walk to the end to see Delicate Arch in full view.
Weather
Moab is generally quite dry. I’ve spent more than 10 summers in the area, and while the skies are usually clear, summer afternoon storms can be intense. From heavy rains that cause flash flooding to powerful electrical storms, it’s important to stay weather-aware and plan your outings accordingly.
In winter, the air is cold and dry. Hiking in Arches can be a wonderful experience if you’re bundled up, and with fewer visitors, the park is much less crowded. In the summertime, temperatures can soar well over 100 degrees during the day, and there is little to no shade on the trails. I remember one September afternoon leaving the Delicate Arch trailhead when it was still 96 degrees at 6 p.m.
Know your limits — sunscreen and water will be your two best friends on this hike.
Photo Experience
Having made this hike roughly 45 to 50 times over the past 13 years, I feel confident navigating the trail in both daylight and darkness. I recommend downloading the trail map to your phone using an app like AllTrails, so you can access it offline — even if you’re hiking during the day.
I generally tell first-timers to bring only the camera gear they really need. In my experience, a camera and two lenses are enough: a 14-24mm and a 24-105mm should cover it.
On this particular evening, I had my Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens with me, which I used for this shot. My favorite spot at Delicate Arch is right where this photo was taken. If you’re planning to go down into the bowl, be sure to keep your camera bag on your left side. Keep all lens caps, memory cards, batteries — anything small — secure in your bag while shooting. I’ve seen everything from lens caps and lenses to water bottles and even tripods fall to the bottom of the bowl. At night, this becomes even more of a hazard.
Find your spot, get set up, and enjoy the view and the experience.
Best Times to Photograph Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is stunning year-round. Depending on the kind of photo you’re after, here are the best times to visit:
November–March
Cold and clear, with the potential for snow. If you can capture the red rocks with a fresh dusting of snow, the results can be spectacular.
April–June
A great shoulder season with slightly warmer weather and a higher chance of clouds. The Milky Way is visible in the early morning hours after midnight.
July–September
Hot, with summer storms and clear skies. This is prime Milky Way viewing season. As of 2024, Moab is officially designated a Dark Sky Community, making it even better for astrophotography. The Milky Way is visible shortly after sunset.
October
Pleasant temperatures, typically ranging from 42 to 74 degrees. The Milky Way can still be seen low in the western sky after sunset, and the crowds tend to be smaller.
More Information
See more of Darren White’s photography at Darren White Photography.
For park information, trail updates, and conditions, visit Arches National Park Official Site.
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