Is Delicate Arch Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes! With the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair nature is wheelchair accessible. With the right piece of mobility equipment, we were able to visit many different places including Delicate Arch. Arches National Park and a group of friends you can visit one of Utah’s most iconic destinations in a wheelchair. Delicate Arch is one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in Utah.

Revenge on the Delicate Arch Trail

Sam and his family had been to Arches before, they live only 3 hours away from what is possibly the most famous natural arch in the world. Because Sam has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair he couldn’t go on the hike so Sam and his mother sat in the van at the trailhead while his older brother and father went on the hike. When they told me this story I knew we had to get revenge on the Delicate Arch trail.

The evening before the hike we sat in our room at the Expedition Lodge in Moab, UT. Sam’s parents had heard from friends that the trail to Delicate Arch was too steep for a wheelchair and they thought it might be a good idea to pick something easier. It had been years since I’d done the hike and I really couldn’t remember the trail or how difficult it was going to be.

I suggested we start the hike and see how far we could get. Sam’s Mom was appointed “Safety Police” for the hike. If Mom felt the trail was too dangerous we would turn around no questions asked.

Sam’s family being nervous is completely understandable. The Extreme Motus off-road wheelchair had just opened doors to many places on our planet that were previously off-limits to them and with this as our first big adventure, we really didn’t know what we were capable of doing and where the all-terrain wheelchair was capable of going.

Sam is an instant friend to everyone he meets. His infectious laugh and unbridled enthusiasm for life make him one of the most entertaining people you will ever spend time with. This character trait came in handy when we reached a section of the hike called Slickrock Slab.

Delicate Arch Trail Overview:

• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 480 feet (146 meters)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time to Hike: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, plus additional time to enjoy the arch

This popular out-and-back trail starts out easy as a rolling dirt path. It there is only 480 feet of elevation gain but almost all of happens within the section of the trail called “Slickrock Slab.”

The Slickrock Slab Section

• Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the trailhead to the top of the slickrock slab
• Elevation gain: 200 feet (61 meters) in a quarter of a mile (0.4 km)
• Terrain: The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as it ascends the slickrock slab, featuring a 14-20% grade

We stood at the bottom of Slickrock slab looking up at the people ahead of us who looked like ants they had climbed so far and high. I secretly hoped the safety police would turn us around. It didn’t feel like we had enough people to safely push Sam up this giant rock face. As we sat there thinking about turning tail and finding an easier trail a young couple walked passed us, stopped, turned around, and said, “Do y’all need some help?”

They were from Oklahoma and had traveled to Utah as part of their honeymoon. With our 2 new helpers, we could now have 4 people pushing and pulling the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair up the rock. 2 people on the handlebar shoulder to shoulder pushing. And 2 more people in front of the chair pulling ropes we had attached near the front wheel.

A funny thing happens when 4 people are working together to move one all-terrain wheelchair. You just don’t feel like you’re helping enough so you speed up. Then the person next to you has to speed up so they feel like they are doing their part. Eventually, everyone is running up this hill and tiring themselves out quickly.

I have to stop and say, “Hold it, this isn’t a race! Slow and steady.” And so we slow do and go slow and steady for a while then slowly you feel like you’re not helping enough and the cycle repeats.

Technical Sections

There are a few technical sections of the trail where the chair will need to be lifted over some large uneven rocks. We had to lift Sam up into the air like Cleopatra queen of the Nile during these sections. If you don’t have enough muscle in your group don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Delicate Arch trail is very heavily trafficked and you should be able to find someone willing to help easily.

We became friends with the helpers we met on the trail and later that evening we all went for pizza together. Similar to our Dirty Dash experience this hike was suddenly more memorable for the young couple because they could provide service on the trail.

Towards the end of the trail there is a narrow section with a steep drop-off on one side. It’s the perfect width for the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair but with the chair on the trail there isn’t any room for people coming down. So I ran ahead to stop the traffic from coming down. I didn’t want Sam to go bowling for humans.

After I had raised my hands up to stop a group from going around the corner and said, “Can you guys wait here just a minute? There is a guy in a wheelchair coming up.” I heard the group trying to figure out if I was pranking them, but sure enough Sam came around the corner into the natural amphitheater and his first look at Delicate Arch. The crowd there started clapping for us.

Sam thought it was really cool. Sam’s mother had a reaction that touched everyone. When I asked her what she thought she became emotional and said, “We’ve never been able to do anything like this as a family before.”

For Sam’s mom, who had sat with him in the van for 36 years and missed out on many adventures this was truly a magical moment. In the video the camera cuts because I started to cry as well. The young couple who had helped us along the way were crying. It was a very special moment for everyone involved.

So, is Delicate Arch Wheelchair accessible? You bet it is. You’ll need a crew of helpers and a special off-road wheelchair but you can make it happen.

What else did you do at Arches, National Park?

We also visited Turret Arch and The Windows. This is a much easier and shorter hike to 2 beautiful arches. Both of these places were easily wheelchair accessible for Sam with the Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair.

Turret Arch is the location of my favorite picture I’ve ever taken of Sam.

Turret Arch, Arches National Park

Turret Arch is a stunning natural arch located in the Windows area of Arches National Park in Utah. Here are some key details about this beautiful formation:

Key Features:

• Dimensions: Turret Arch has a span of 35 feet (11 meters) and a height of 65 feet (20 meters).
• Geology: The arch is made of Entrada Sandstone, which formed around 175 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. It was created through erosion, which wore away the weaker parts of the sandstone fins.
• Location: Turret Arch is part of a series of arches in the Windows region of the park, along with Double Arch and the North and South Windows.

Hiking Information:

• Trail: The arch can be accessed via the Windows Loop Trail, which is approximately a 1.2-mile loop with moderate terrain. The trail is generally considered easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
• Scenery: The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding canyon country, including the Cove of Caves and the Parade of Elephants. The arch itself provides a great vantage point to see the North Window and beyond.

Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit, as the lighting is perfect for photography and the temperatures are more comfortable.
• Sun Protection: There is no shade along the trail, so be sure to bring sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen.
• Hydration: Carry plenty of water, as the hike can be strenuous, especially in hot weather.

Turret Arch is a must-see for visitors to Arches National Park, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty and geological history of the area.

The Windows, Arches National Park

The Windows section of Arches National Park is one of the most popular and scenic areas within the park. It features several large and impressive arches, all within a relatively short and accessible hike. Here are the key highlights of the Windows area:

Key Features:

• North Window: This arch is sometimes referred to as “the Spectacles” when viewed together with the South Window. It offers a stunning view through the arch, framing the beautiful landscape beyond.
• South Window: Paired with the North Window, the South Window is slightly smaller but still grand and offers similar breathtaking views.
• Turret Arch: Just a short distance from the Windows, Turret Arch features a large opening and an adjacent spire, creating a picturesque scene.
• Double Arch: Located nearby, Double Arch consists of two massive arching spans that share a common end. It is one of the tallest and most impressive arches in the park.

Hiking Information:

• Windows Loop Trail: This easy trail is about 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip and takes visitors past both North and South Windows, as well as Turret Arch.
• Difficulty: The trail is considered easy and is accessible for most visitors, including families and those with limited hiking experience.
• Scenery: The trail provides excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the arches are beautifully illuminated by the sun.

Tips for Visiting:

• Early Visit: Arriving early in the morning helps avoid the crowds and provides the best lighting for photography.
• Sun Protection: The area is exposed, so bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Parking: The Windows parking area can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so plan accordingly.

The Windows area is a must-see for anyone visiting Arches National Park, offering some of the most iconic and accessible arches in a beautiful desert landscape.