Explore the Devil’s Garden Trail and get an up-close experience with several arches on this extensive hike. Unlike any other trail in Arches National Park, Devil’s Garden offers a unique concentration of arches accessible on a single path. Alongside Delicate Arch, it’s one of my top two favorite hikes in the park.
The hike presents a mix of easy and challenging segments, with varying degrees of difficulty depending on how far you go and what routes you choose. This guide will help you navigate the best sights, the optimal ways to reach them, and tips to make your journey enjoyable.
About the Hike:
– Distance: 2.4 – 8 miles
– Type: Out & Back / Loop
– Avg. Time: 1 – 4 hours
– Difficulty: Easy – Difficult
– Dog Friendly: No
Trail Highlights:
Devil’s Garden Trail arguably offers the best hiking experience in Arches National Park, providing access to numerous spectacular arches through a blend of easy paths and tougher stretches. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more intense adventure, this trail has something for everyone. Initially, most visitors hike from the trailhead to the Tunnel, Pine Tree, and Landscape Arches before turning back. This section is moderately easy at 2.4 miles, featuring stunning sandy paths and jaw-dropping arch formations.
For those craving more, the trail transitions into the more rugged primitive trail—an area filled with sand, cliffs, slick rocks, and the occasional need for pathfinding. This section is more demanding but equally rewarding, offering more arches and fewer crowds the farther you go.
Once you reach the sandy area of the primitive trail, you can choose to hike clockwise or counterclockwise. For those aiming to visit Double-O Arch and turn back, clockwise is the preferred direction. However, if you’re set on experiencing every arch and completing the entire primitive loop, counterclockwise is advisable for an easier ascent on the tricky cliff section.
Trailhead & Parking:
The trailhead for Devil’s Garden is located at the very end of Arches National Park Road. It’s hard to miss, with ample parking that loops through the lot, conveniently near the bathrooms and trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Best Time to Hike:
Devil’s Garden Trail is accessible year-round, though mid-day hikes during the hotter months should be avoided due to direct sunlight exposure. If you’re sticking to Landscape Arch, most weather conditions won’t be a problem, even post-rainstorm. However, for those tackling the primitive trail, it’s best to avoid it when trails are snowy, icy, or wet, as the narrow slick rock paths could be dangerous. Spring and Fall, particularly late March to April and mid-September to October, offer the ideal conditions for this hike.
Directions and Tips:
The trail can be navigated in either direction, so choose based on what you wish to see. For a shorter hike, we suggest going clockwise to visit specific arches like Double-O Arch. For the full loop, counterclockwise is easier for ascending certain tricky sections.
Trail Insights:
1. Landscape Arch (Clockwise: 0.1 miles | Counterclockwise: 5.3 miles)
One of the most famous arches, Landscape Arch, offers stunning views accessible through a relatively easy hike.
2. Double O Arch (Clockwise: 1.2 miles | Counterclockwise: 2.4 miles)
Ideal for those wanting to see some arches without completing the entire primitive trail, best accessed clockwise.
3. Partition & Navajo Arches (Clockwise: 0.4 miles | Counterclockwise: 3.4 miles)
Located close to each other, both are worth visiting, with Navajo Arch offering a particularly interesting experience.
4. Dark Angel (Clockwise: 1.7+ miles | Counterclockwise: 2.9+ miles)
A distant dark pillar worth seeing for completionists, though some may find it missable.
5. Private Arch (Clockwise: 2.4 miles | Counterclockwise: 2.1 miles)
A hidden gem on the trail, offering a more secluded experience.
Tips & FAQs:
– Bring at least 2 liters of water for the full trail.
– Navigate counterclockwise for the full loop to avoid descending steep cliffs.
– Use a trail map or download a guide on your phone; a backup battery is advisable.
– Carefully ascend and descend cliff areas to avoid injury.
– Stick to the trail to preserve the natural environment.
This guide covers the essentials for an unforgettable hike through Devil’s Garden Trail, including key sights, tips, and best practices for an enjoyable and safe adventure. For more information on similar hikes, check out guides to Delicate Arch, Angel’s Landing, and other notable trails in the region.