Pros & cons
PROS
- Iconic double-stacked arches in one sandstone fin
- You can walk through the lower O for unique angles
CONS
- Exposed fin scrambling and drop-offs beyond Landscape Arch
- No water or facilities at the arch
Overview
Double O Arch is the showstopper at the far end of the Devils Garden hike: two perfectly stacked "O" openings carved into a single sandstone fin. It’s the second‑largest arch in Devils Garden (after Landscape Arch) and one of the park’s most photogenic spots.
The Hike & Difficulty
Plan on about 4.2 miles round trip if you head straight there, or closer to 5.8 miles if you add the popular spur arches along the way. After Landscape Arch, the trail turns primitive with cairn navigation, slickrock, and a fin traverse with exposure on both sides—fun for confident hikers, intimidating if heights aren’t your thing. Expect roughly 360 feet of total gain.
What You’ll See
The route threads a maze of sandstone fins and spires with big canyon views. Short spurs visit Tunnel, Pine Tree, Partition, and Navajo Arches before you round a corner and the double “O” finally pops into view. At the arch, you can walk through the lower opening for creative perspectives.
Geology Snapshot
These arches formed in Entrada Sandstone as wind, water, and time exploited weaknesses in a tall fin. Differential erosion carved two adjacent openings stacked vertically—hence the double "O."
Wildlife
Devils Garden is classic desert habitat. Keep an eye out for lizards warming on rocks and birds flitting among the fins; small mammals make occasional cameos. Early and late in the day are your best bets for activity.
Practicalities & Safety
There’s no water, shade is limited, and there are no facilities at the arch. Restrooms are back at the Devils Garden Trailhead. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks. Trails can be slick when wet, and summer heat is no joke.
Extensions
If you’re still energized, continue past Double O to Dark Angel or commit to the Primitive Loop for a tougher, more adventurous circuit.
Best Time to Visit
Start early to beat heat and crowds and to snag trailhead parking; late afternoon also works well for softer light on the fins and the arch. Midday brings harsher light and heavier traffic, especially in peak season.
Where it is
38.7991, -109.6211Tips for Double O Arch
- 01Start early; the Devils Garden lot fills and the route gets hot fast.
- 02Expect real scrambling after Landscape Arch with drop-offs—hands free helps.
- 03Carry plenty of water and salty snacks; there’s no water on the trail.
- 04Add the short spurs to Navajo and Partition Arches on your way.
- 05Consider continuing to Dark Angel or the Primitive Loop if you want more adventure.
Amenities
Near Double O Arch
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayBlack Arch OverlookQuick spur with big views and a hard-to-spot archScenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayPrivate ArchA quiet arch on the Primitive Trail, perfect for a peaceful pauseScenic Viewpoint
0.4 mi awayDark AngelLonely sandstone spire past Double O Arch with big desert viewsScenic Viewpoint
0.5 mi awayDevils GardenFin-and-arch playground with a choose-your-own epic loopTrailhead · Restroom
1.4 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
1.4 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
1.8 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
1.8 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
