Discover the Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park
The Devil’s Garden Trail offers an up-close experience with numerous arches on this multi-mile hike. It stands out as the trail with the highest concentration of arches visible along a standard route in the park. Alongside Delicate Arch, it’s a top favorite for many visitors.
Hike Overview
The trail mixes both easy sections and challenging obstacles, with its difficulty varying based on your chosen distance and activities. This guide will provide insights on what to see, the best viewing spots, and tips for a great experience.
Hike Details:
– Distance: 2.4 – 8 miles
– Type: Out & Back / Loop
– Avg. Time: 1 – 4 hours
– Difficulty: Easy – Difficult
– Dog Friendly: No
Why Devil’s Garden is Exceptional
Arguably the best hike in Arches National Park, Devil’s Garden boasts numerous stunning arches and fun traverses. The trail offers both front and backcountry experiences, catering to a variety of hiking preferences.
Hike Breakdown
Most hikers venture from the trailhead to the Tunnel, Pine Tree, and Landscape Arches, enjoying a relatively easy 2.4-mile round trip. The trail begins with a well-trodden path before becoming sandy.
Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail transforms into the primitive trail—a mix of sand, cliffs, slickrock, and occasional pathfinding. This section is more strenuous but also more rewarding. Fewer people venture this far, resulting in a more serene experience.
Depending on your exploration goals, you can take the primitive trail clockwise or counterclockwise. If you’re heading to Double-O Arch and back, clockwise is more favorable. For those aiming to see all the arches and complete the loop, counterclockwise is recommended due to an easier ascent of a particularly tricky cliff.
Getting There & Parking
Location:
At the end of Arches National Park Road, you’ll find the expansive Devil’s Garden Trailhead and parking area. Arrive early, especially during peak times, as the lot fills up quickly. Parking close to the bathrooms is convenient for accessing the trailhead.
Best Times to Hike
The trail is accessible for most of the year, but avoid the midday heat in summer months due to exposure. Landscape Arch can be safely visited even after rain, but the primitive trail is best avoided in snowy, icy, or very wet conditions. Ideal hiking months are in the spring (late March to April) and fall (mid-September to October) for cooler temperatures and fewer weather disruptions.
Hiking Directions and Tips
Instead of a step-by-step guide for the whole trail, this guide covers key points of interest and directional advice based on your hiking plans.
Starting the Hike:
Begin at the Devil’s Garden trailhead, located near the bathrooms where you’ll find the trail sign. The initial stretch is breathtaking with massive slickrock fins framing your path.
Key Highlights:
– Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches: About 0.25 miles from the main trail, a spur takes you to these two arches—perfect quick detours.
– Landscape Arch: At only 0.1 miles clockwise from the primitive loop or 5.3 miles counterclockwise, it’s a must-see with its impressive 306-foot span.
– Double-O Arch: For those not completing the full primitive loop, this is a fantastic destination at 1.2 miles clockwise or 2.4 miles counterclockwise.
– Partition & Navajo Arches: Found 0.4 miles clockwise or 3.4 miles counterclockwise, these arches offer unique experiences.
– Dark Angel: A distant pillar visible from Double-O Arch, though some find the 0.5+ mile hike (or more) to it skippable.
– Private Arch: Hidden behind a fin, this arch lives up to its name and is a rewarding find.
Primitive Trail Tips
The primitive trail loop covers several miles depending on direction. Counterclockwise is easier for ascending a steep cliff you’ll encounter, avoiding a precarious descent.
The route features sandy sections, slickrock, narrow areas, and minor streams you might need to navigate. Between Double-O Arch and Landscape Arch, expect some pathfinding—downloading a trail map beforehand is highly recommended.
Vital Tips:
– Hydrate: Bring at least 2L of water for strenuous sections.
– Travel Counterclockwise: It’s safer for tackling steep ascents.
– Guide Maps: Essential for navigation—downloadable or paper versions work well.
– Charging Packs: Keep your phone alive with a backup battery.
– Caution on Cliffs: Take your time, and use safe techniques to avoid injury.
– Preserve the Trail: Stick to marked paths to protect the environment.
Additional Guides
1. Delicate Arch Hike Guide – Arches National Park
2. Angel’s Landing Hike Complete Guide: Zion National Park
3. Golden Spike National Historical Park
4. Trail Through Time Hike – Grand Junction, CO
5. Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
6. Ultimate Denver to Moab Road Trips (Epic National Park Stops)
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Devil’s Garden Trail and discover the natural wonders of Arches National Park!
