Navajo Arch

Why go

Navajo Arch is the antidote to the big, airy spans you see elsewhere. Tucked into a sandstone fin, it feels like stepping into a natural room—cool, quiet, and unexpectedly intimate. If Landscape Arch is the crowd-pleaser, this is the serene side room you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.

What it’s like

The arch forms a tunnel-like doorway into a shaded, enclosed alcove with open sky overhead. It’s thick and low-slung, more cavern than ribbon, with moody light and interesting acoustics—great for a snack break and a few atmospheric photos.

Getting there

Start from Devils Garden Trailhead and hike past Landscape Arch and the former site of Wall Arch. Look for the signed spur to Navajo Arch about 1.2 miles from the trailhead. Expect a roughly 3-mile round trip with a moderate effort and some uphill/rocky sections beyond Landscape Arch.

Along the way

This corner of Devils Garden is stacked with hits: you’ll pass Landscape Arch and the Wall Arch collapse site, and it’s easy to pair Navajo with neighboring Partition Arch. Classic fins, slickrock, and desert vegetation line the approach.

Wildlife

Reports mention lizards and birds commonly in this area, and an occasional deer sighting has been noted right near the arch. Keep your distance and let wildlife move through.

Photo tips

The alcove’s shade makes early morning or late afternoon the sweet spot. Midday light can feel flat inside the arch; step deeper into the “room” and work the angles for better contrast.

Practicalities

There are no amenities at the arch itself—no water, no restrooms. Facilities (vault toilets) are at the Devils Garden Trailhead and campground. Summer sun on exposed stretches can be intense; bring plenty of water and sun protection. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trail, and timed-entry reservations apply in peak season.

Best time to visit

Go early or late in the day for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people. It’s usually less crowded than the park’s headline arches, but shoulder seasons and weekdays are still calmer than peak weekends.