SunsetVue
Sign inGet started

Photo locations · Arches National Park · United States

Delicate Arch Viewpoint / Trail: sunrise and sunset photography forecast

Delicate Arch at sunset is a classic because the warm sandstone catches the last direct light while the La Sal Mountains sit behind it. The trade-off is a busy trail and a crowded sandstone bowl.

Will tonight's sunset be worth it?

Sunset · Delicate Arch Viewpoint / Trail

GO

✓ Weather models agree

local time

4/5 · Very Good

Current sunset outlook for Delicate Arch Viewpoint / Trail: GO (4/5, Very Good). Light corridor is open (20% blocking cloud out to 300 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.

  • • Light corridor is open (20% blocking cloud out to 300 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.
  • • Thin cloud canvas (23%) — some color, limited drama.
  • • Most clouds above you sit in shadow — their undersides are unlikely to catch color.
  • • Moderate aerosol load (AOD 0.10) — good scattering for saturated reds.
2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 km1460 m-5 km0 km5 km20 km50 km100 km150 km200 km300 kmsunset

Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunset · create a free account for on-demand checks, sunrise forecasts and alerts.

The orange line runs toward tonight's sunset, sampled out to 300 km.Open in Google Maps ↗

Know before you go — every evening

Free

$0 forever

  • 4 forecast checks per day
  • 1 saved location
  • Today & tomorrow
  • Supported by ads
Start free

Monthly

$3.59 /month

  • 30 forecast checks a day
  • 5 saved locations
  • 2-day outlook for trip planning
  • Email alerts · no ads
Start free trial
Most popular · save ~40%

Annual

$25.99 /year

  • Everything in Monthly
  • Over 4 months free vs. paying monthly
  • 14-day free trial
Start 14-day free trial

For photographers: shooting Delicate Arch Viewpoint / Trail

Best months

March to May and September to October for moderate temperatures. Winter can add snow but also ice; summer afternoons can be dangerously hot.

Suggested focal lengths

24–50 mm for arch and landscape; 70–135 mm from across the bowl for a cleaner arch and mountain backdrop.

Composition

Do not needlessly stand beneath the arch during peak light. Use the curved ledge as a lead-in, then make a tighter frame as alpenglow reaches the La Sals.

Recommended arrival

Start hiking at least two hours before sunset and reach the bowl 60 minutes before; carry a headlamp for the full descent.

Access planning

There is no shade or water on the trail. Check current Arches entry requirements, weather and flash-flood risk, and follow cairns across slickrock.

Parking: Delicate Arch trailhead at Wolfe Ranch; the lot fills, so build in time for a wait or return.

Approach: 3 miles / 4.8 km return with about 480 ft / 146 m of ascent, including open slickrock and an exposed final ledge.

Other photo locations