Dark Angel

Lonely sandstone spire past Double O Arch with big desert views

InsideArches National Park

Overview

Dark Angel is the moody, freestanding rock spire perched at the far end of the Devils Garden maze. It’s not an arch (a surprise to some), but that’s the point—this vertical pillar feels different from everything you’ve seen on the way in.

Getting There

Start from the Devils Garden trailhead. The path is wide and easy to Landscape Arch, then turns rougher on the Primitive Loop. After you pass Double O Arch, a short spur carries you to Dark Angel. The approach mixes slickrock, sandy stretches, and route-finding via cairns—nothing technical, but it’s not a sidewalk either.

What Makes It Worth the Detour

The spire stands alone above Salt Valley, giving big desert views and a welcome sense of solitude compared to the marquee arches you pass en route (Landscape, Double O, plus optional spurs to Navajo and Partition). It’s also a recognized climbing objective, so you may catch climbers inching up the tower.

Trail Experience

Expect sun, heat, and very little shade. The improved trail ends at Landscape Arch; beyond that you’re on rougher terrain. The final spur to Dark Angel is mostly flat but sandy, and it can feel longer at the tail end of a big day.

Geology Snapshot

Dark Angel is a sandstone tower carved by relentless erosion in a landscape of parallel rock fins. The broader Devils Garden formed as underlying salt layers shifted and the overlying rock fractured, then weathered into today’s fins, arches, and spires.

Wildlife

This corner of Devils Garden sees fewer people, which ups your odds of spotting desert lizards, birds, and small mammals along the way.

Climbing Note

The spire is an established climb. If you’re heading up, follow park regulations and keep an eye out for any seasonal closures (often for nesting raptors).

Best Time to Visit

Go early or late for cooler temps and better light on the pillar; midday can be harsh and washed out. Crowds thin significantly beyond Double O Arch, so even during busy periods this spur stays relatively quiet.

Know Before You Go

There are no services at Dark Angel—no water, no restrooms, no shade structures. All facilities are back at the Devils Garden trailhead. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, solid footwear, and a map or GPS—the primitive sections and spurs can be confusing.

Pros

Dramatic, solitary 150‑ft sandstone spire with sweeping views
Less crowded than the arches, offering a quieter payoff at the end
Fun add‑on spur beyond Double O Arch; you might spot climbers on the tower

Cons

Adds extra distance to an already long Devils Garden hike
Fully exposed to sun with sandy, uneven sections

Tips

Start at sunrise to beat heat and decide at Double O Arch if you’ll add the spur.
Carry more water than you think—there’s no water or shade at Dark Angel.
After Landscape Arch the route becomes primitive; follow cairns over slickrock.
Expect sandy stretches; closed shoes or gaiters help keep sand out.
Download a map or GPS—spurs and intersections can be confusing when you’re tired.