Devils Garden Arches National Park
Explore the longest and most diverse trail in Arches, featuring seven stunning arches and thrilling slickrock scrambling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Devils Garden Arches National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the longest and most diverse trail in Arches, featuring seven stunning arches and thrilling slickrock scrambling.
"This is my favorite hike in the USA. It really feels like an adventure but is accessible to anyone in reasonable shape."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for slickrock scrambling. Hiking boots or high-quality trainers are highly recommended.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water! Shade is scarce, and the desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Landscape Arch
Devils Garden Trail
Marvel at the world's largest arch, a breathtaking 309-foot span of sandstone. It's an easy 1.9-mile out-and-back hike to witness this natural wonder.
Double O Arch
Devils Garden Primitive Trail
A more adventurous hike leads to this iconic arch, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Primitive Trail Loop
Devils Garden Trail
Embark on a challenging yet rewarding loop that includes scrambling over fins and navigating slickrock for an unforgettable adventure.
Tunnel Arch & Pine Tree Arch
Devils Garden Trail
These easily accessible arches offer fantastic photo opportunities and are perfect for a shorter, family-friendly exploration within the garden.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
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👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for slickrock scrambling. Hiking boots or high-quality trainers are highly recommended.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water! Shade is scarce, and the desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
🗺️ Embrace the Primitive Trail
For an adventure, tackle the Primitive Trail loop. It offers varied terrain and stunning views, but be prepared for scrambling.
📸 Capture the Arches
The Devils Garden Trail leads to seven different arches. Allow ample time for photography and soaking in the unique landscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for slickrock scrambling. Hiking boots or high-quality trainers are highly recommended.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water! Shade is scarce, and the desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
🗺️ Embrace the Primitive Trail
For an adventure, tackle the Primitive Trail loop. It offers varied terrain and stunning views, but be prepared for scrambling.
📸 Capture the Arches
The Devils Garden Trail leads to seven different arches. Allow ample time for photography and soaking in the unique landscapes.
⏰ Go Early or Late
To avoid crowds and the midday sun, start your hike early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Devils Garden is consistently praised as an epic and adventurous hike, offering incredible geological formations and a sense of discovery. Visitors love the varied terrain and the sheer number of arches accessible. However, some find the rock scrambling challenging, and the lack of shade can be intense.
"This trail is in my top 5, and is epic. It has the arches, the views, varied terrain and mile for mile punches above its weight. Definitely worth doing the Primitive Trail to make it a loop."
Cody
"Near the back of the park so it takes awhile to get to this section. The main attraction here is the landscape arch. It is the largest arch in the world at 309 ft. It is a 1.9 mile hike out and back to this arch. The hike is pretty easy."
Craig Brophy
"As far as pure fun goes, this is my favorite hike in the USA. It really feels like an adventure but is accessible to anyone in reasonable shape (for example someone who walks for exercise regularly back home and can occasionally use their hands to help ease up and down short ledges as they traverse can finish it with a little gusto). Wear shoes with a lot of grip! Hiking boots or high quality trainers recommended as you'll need to scurry across some inclined rock faces. A great plan is to skip the spurs until the final one that leads to Dark Angel and then just go back the way you came. Even with rest breaks, this can be accomplished in less than three hours. Do not hike any portion after twilight, even if you have a headlamp or flashlight. You'll miss the signs and will get hopelessly lost and/or hurt yourself. Also, you'll be immersed in formations that must be seen to be believed, so the sun is your friend!"
Jay Cartwright
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devils Garden is located at the northern end of Arches National Park. After entering the park, follow the main park road for approximately 20 miles. The trailhead is at the very end of the road. Be aware that Arches National Park may implement a timed entry system, so check the official NPS website before your visit.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Devils Garden Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, you can drive your personal vehicle to the Devils Garden Trailhead. The drive itself offers scenic views of other park highlights like Delicate Arch.
The road to Devils Garden is paved and well-maintained. However, it's a winding road, so drive cautiously. During winter, check for any road closures due to snow or ice.
Currently, Arches National Park does not offer a shuttle service to Devils Garden. Visitors must drive their own vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is needed to hike the Devils Garden Trail itself. However, you will need to pay the standard entrance fee for Arches National Park. It's advisable to purchase your park pass in advance online to save time.
Arches National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The Devils Garden Trailhead is accessible during park hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing and any potential changes.
Arches National Park has implemented a timed entry reservation system during peak seasons. You must reserve a time slot to enter the park. Check the NPS website for dates and availability.
While you can purchase park entrance fees at the entrance station, it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance, especially if timed entry is in effect, to guarantee your entry.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Devils Garden Trail is a 7.9-mile loop that offers a variety of terrain, including slickrock, sand, and rock scrambling. It leads to seven different arches, including the famous Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. 
The full loop can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace, how many side trails you explore, and how much time you spend admiring the arches. The out-and-back to Landscape Arch is much shorter, about 1.9 miles roundtrip.
The main trail to Landscape Arch is relatively easy. However, the Primitive Trail section involves significant rock scrambling and can be challenging for those with a fear of heights or who are not comfortable with uneven terrain.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip for the slickrock. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the desert heat. A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Devils Garden Trailhead. It's a good idea to use them before you start your hike, as there are no facilities along the trail itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the arches. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but can still be used creatively.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the arches. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
No, drones are not permitted in Arches National Park. This is to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment.
Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Pine Tree Arch are all incredibly photogenic. The unique rock formations and fins along the Primitive Trail also make for stunning shots.
While there are petroglyphs along Potash Road (near Moab, not directly in Devils Garden), it's important to view them from a distance and not touch them to preserve them for future generations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families:
* Pack plenty of snacks and water. There are no facilities on the trail.
* Start early to avoid the heat and crowds.
* Consider a carrier for very young children if attempting any off-pavement sections.
* Focus on the accessible arches like Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch for shorter, enjoyable hikes.
⛰️ Adventurous Hikers
Recommendations for Adventurers:
* Wear your best grip shoes. This is non-negotiable for safety on the slickrock.
* Start early to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of the heat.
* Be prepared for exposure – there's little shade. Bring ample water and sun protection.
* Consider a GPS device or reliable navigation app if you're venturing deep into the primitive sections.
📸 Photographers
Landscape Arch and Double O Arch are prime subjects, but don't overlook the unique textures and patterns of the sandstone fins and the surrounding desert vistas. +1Photography Tips:
* Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the arches and expansive views.
* A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions and creative shots.
* Scout locations beforehand if possible to find the best angles.
* Be mindful of the sun's position to avoid harsh shadows during midday.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Devils Garden Trail Experience
The Primitive Trail section branches off and offers a more challenging route, involving navigating narrow fins and scrambling over rock formations. This part is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. However, for those seeking a more adventurous hike, it's incredibly rewarding. Many visitors suggest starting via the primitive trail and ending at Landscape Arch for what they found to be an easier descent.
+1Key Takeaways for the Trail:
* Variety: Expect sandy paths, slickrock, and scrambling sections.
* Scenery: Seven arches, unique rock fins, and expansive desert views.
* Challenge: The Primitive Trail is more strenuous and involves heights.
* Time: Allow 3-5 hours for the full loop, less for shorter out-and-backs.
Navigating the Primitive Trail
Essential Tips for the Primitive Trail:
* Footwear: Absolutely crucial to wear shoes with superior grip. Hiking boots or high-quality trail runners are a must.
* Navigation: While the trail is marked, it's easy to get disoriented if you stray. Pay attention to cairns (rock piles) and the general path.
* Safety: Do not attempt this trail after dark, even with a headlamp. The terrain is treacherous, and getting lost is a real possibility.
* Water: Carry more water than you think you'll need. There are no water sources along the trail.
Photography Opportunities
Landscape Arch, with its immense span, is a must-capture subject, as is the more challenging-to-reach Double O Arch. Beyond the main arches, the textures of the sandstone, the patterns of the fins, and the vast desert landscapes offer endless photographic possibilities. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the arches and the expansive vistas. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing stunning shots during the softer light of dawn and dusk, or for any potential long exposures. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be taking a lot of photos!
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