Pros & cons
PROS
- Wide panorama over Devils Garden and Fin Canyon
- Quick spur off the Devils Garden loop
CONS
- Black Arch is subtle and easier to spot with a zoom lens
- No shade or facilities at the overlook
Overview
A short spur off the Devils Garden loop leads to Black Arch Overlook—a natural pause point after the fin-walk section. You’re not standing under an arch here; you’re looking across Fin Canyon at Black Arch and a sea of sandstone fins, spires, and distant desert highlands.
What You’ll See
- Black Arch: It blends into the shadowed canyon wall, which is why it’s called “Black.” Expect a subtle, partially hidden opening rather than an obvious window—zoom helps.
- Panoramic terrain: Endless fins and spires of Devils Garden, with big desert vistas and, on clear days, far-off mountains.
Geology & Name
Black Arch is carved in Entrada Sandstone—the rock behind most of the park’s famous arches. Its opening spans about 65 feet and has been noted among the larger arches in the park. From common viewpoints the opening reads dark because a neighboring fin occludes the light, giving the arch its name.
Getting There
Start at the Devils Garden Trailhead and follow the main trail toward the loop that goes past Landscape Arch and on toward Double O Arch. The spur to the overlook is brief—think a couple minutes off the main path. Signage around the Fin Canyon area has been reported as inconsistent at times, so pay attention to junctions and carry a good map or GPS. There’s no maintained route down to the arch itself.
On-Trail Experience
Expect slickrock, some narrow ridge walking, and fully exposed sun. This overlook makes a great rest-and-hydrate stop before pushing on toward Double O Arch.
Wildlife
Wildlife isn’t the headline here, but keep an eye out along the trail for lizards, birds, and small desert mammals.
Best Time to Visit
- Early morning: Cooler temps, easier parking at Devils Garden, and fewer people along the loop.
- Late afternoon: Warm, photogenic light across the fins; still exposed, so bring sun protection.
- Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends.
Good to Know
There are no amenities at the overlook—no water, restrooms, or shade. All services are back at the Devils Garden Trailhead. Bring ample water (2–3 liters per person on warmer days), solid footwear, and sun protection.
Where it is
38.7973, -109.6160Tips for Black Arch Overlook
- 01Bring a zoom lens or binoculars to pick out Black Arch across the canyon.
- 02Watch for a short spur near the Fin Canyon section; signage can be spotty.
- 03Start early—Devils Garden parking fills quickly and the trail gets busy.
- 04Carry 2–3 liters of water, sun protection, and wear grippy footwear.
Amenities
Near Black Arch Overlook
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayPrivate ArchA quiet arch on the Primitive Trail, perfect for a peaceful pauseScenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayDouble O ArchTwo stacked arches after a fun fin scrambleScenic Viewpoint
0.5 mi awayDevils GardenFin-and-arch playground with a choose-your-own epic loopTrailhead · Restroom
0.5 mi awayPartition ArchDouble-window arch with big views and fewer crowdsScenic Viewpoint
1.1 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
1.1 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
1.5 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
1.5 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
