Pine Tree Arch Arches National Park
A captivating ground-level arch in Arches National Park, featuring a distinctive pine tree and offering stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Pine Tree Arch Arches National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating ground-level arch in Arches National Park, featuring a distinctive pine tree and offering stunning views.
"This was my favorite arch of the arches I saw! You can walk under it and touch it."
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience at Pine Tree Arch.
🥾 Trail is Sandy
Expect some deep sand on the trail, especially near the arch.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pine Tree Arch
Devil's Garden Trail
A unique ground-level arch with a pine tree growing at its base, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Devil's Garden Trail
Arches National Park
Explore a network of trails leading to multiple arches, including Pine Tree Arch and the more challenging Double O Arch.
Sand Dune Arch
Devil's Garden Trail
A narrow, magical arch accessible by squeezing through a rock crevice, offering a unique adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Pine Tree Arch
Trail Conditions and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience at Pine Tree Arch.
🥾 Trail is Sandy
Expect some deep sand on the trail, especially near the arch.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for capturing Pine Tree Arch.
🚶♀️ Easy Spur Trail
A short, rewarding detour off the main Devil's Garden Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience at Pine Tree Arch.
🥾 Trail is Sandy
Expect some deep sand on the trail, especially near the arch.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for capturing Pine Tree Arch.
🚶♀️ Easy Spur Trail
A short, rewarding detour off the main Devil's Garden Trail.
🌲 Pine Tree at Base
The arch is named for the pine tree growing right at its base.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Pine Tree Arch for its unique ground-level formation and the picturesque pine tree at its base. It's an easily accessible and rewarding detour on the Devil's Garden Trail, offering great photo opportunities. Some find the sandy sections a bit challenging, and it can get crowded, so early visits are recommended.
"To reach the arch from the parking lot, just follow the Devil’s Garden Trail until you reach a bifurcation in the trail. Follow the sign to the right, which is the Pine Tree Arch Trail, down the hill and keep left until you reach this impressive ground-level arch embedded in a sandstone fin. The arch has a span measuring approximately 150 feet and is named after the various pine trees that can be seen under and around the base of the arch."
Thomas B
"The Pine Tree Arch trail is an easy .4 mile, out and back, spur trail off of the Devils Garden Trail. The Pine Tree Arch is a ground level arch through a stone wall and is a fun stop in the Devils Garden area. Offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and stunning rock formations."
ray weithman
"this was my favorite arch of the arches i saw! you can walk under it and touch it. The area has good views too and the trees around it kinda look like they’re from bible time vibes 🤙"
Amber Carlson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Tree Arch is accessed via a spur trail off the Devil's Garden Trail in Arches National Park. Follow the Devil's Garden Trail until you see the sign for Pine Tree Arch, then take the path to the right.
The road into Arches National Park can get very busy, especially during peak hours and seasons. Arriving early is highly recommended to avoid long waits.
You can drive to the Devil's Garden Trailhead, which is the starting point for the Pine Tree Arch trail. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is key.
Many visitors explore Arches National Park by car, stopping at various viewpoints and trailheads. Hiking is essential to see many of the arches up close. +1
Currently, Arches National Park does not operate a shuttle system. Visitors must use their own vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Arches National Park requires a timed entry permit during peak season (typically April through October). Book these in advance as they sell out quickly.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. An America the Beautiful Pass also covers entry.
Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, timed entry permits are required during specific hours in peak season.
You can visit Pine Tree Arch without a timed entry permit if you enter the park before the timed entry hours begin or after they end. However, access to the park roads and parking lots may be restricted.
Timed entry permits for Arches National Park can be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Entrance fees are paid at the park entrance station.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Pine Tree Arch trail is a short, approximately 0.4-mile out-and-back spur trail.
The Pine Tree Arch trail is considered easy, with some sandy sections and a slight incline on the return.
Pine Tree Arch is part of the Devil's Garden area, which also features Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Partition Arch. Sand Dune Arch is also nearby.
Yes, you can walk under Pine Tree Arch. It's a ground-level arch, allowing for close-up exploration.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photographing Pine Tree Arch, creating a warm, golden glow.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Iconic spots include Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch (especially at sunrise), Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section. Pine Tree Arch offers unique ground-level perspectives.
For landscapes, use a wide-angle lens, a tripod for stability, and consider shooting during the golden hours (sunrise/sunset) for dramatic light.
Visiting Pine Tree Arch very early in the morning, ideally before 8:30 AM, significantly increases your chances of having the arch to yourself for photography. +1
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful light. Winter can provide dramatic snow-dusted landscapes, but access might be limited.
No, drone use is prohibited in all US National Parks, including Arches National Park, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine this with other short, accessible trails in the Devil's Garden area, like Sand Dune Arch (which involves a fun squeeze through a narrow opening), to create a memorable family outing. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as desert conditions can be harsh.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
For those seeking solitude, arriving very early in the morning is key. You might even find yourself with the arch all to yourself, as some visitors have experienced.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Devil's Garden Trail
Beyond Pine Tree Arch, the trail continues to other notable formations like Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world, and Double O Arch, which requires more strenuous hiking and some scrambling. The full Devil's Garden Primitive Loop is for experienced hikers and involves navigating slickrock and narrow ledges.
Many visitors enjoy combining the hike to Pine Tree Arch with other nearby short trails like Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch, creating a fulfilling half-day exploration of this geologically rich area. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water, as conditions can be demanding.
Photography at Pine Tree Arch
To capture the arch effectively, consider using a wide-angle lens to include the surrounding landscape and the pine tree. Experiment with different angles; shooting from slightly below can emphasize the arch's scale. If you're lucky enough to visit when crowds are minimal, you can get unobstructed shots.
For those interested in astrophotography, Arches National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park. While Pine Tree Arch itself might be challenging to photograph at night due to its ground-level nature and potential light pollution from nearby trails, the broader park offers incredible stargazing opportunities.
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