Pros & cons
PROS
- Striking double-window opening with sweeping desert views
- Quieter stop just beyond Landscape Arch
CONS
- Little to no shade; can be brutally hot midday
- Trail signage/spurs can be confusing on the return
Why go
Partition Arch is the devilishly good bonus round off the Devils Garden Trail—same fin as Landscape Arch, but calmer, with a two-window opening that frames huge views. It’s a photogenic perch to catch your breath and soak in the canyons and mesas below.
What makes it different
Most arches in this area are single spans; Partition’s twin openings create layered compositions and sightlines you won’t get elsewhere. Sitting high on a sandstone fin, it doubles as a balcony over the surrounding desert.
Getting there
Start from the Devils Garden Trailhead and pass Landscape Arch. After that, the path gets more primitive with short slickrock scrambles. Look for the signed spur to Partition Arch (and a nearby spur to Navajo Arch on the parallel fin). Expect roughly 3 miles round trip if you’re only targeting Partition.
Trail vibe and difficulty
Moderate overall. The trail is easy to Landscape Arch, then steeper and rougher in spots with some scrambling. Families do it, but the heat and exposure are real—carry more water than you think.
Photography
Partition shines in morning or late-afternoon light when shadows sculpt the fins and the view through the arch pops. The dual windows make natural frames for creative shots and family photos.
Facilities and logistics
There are no amenities at the arch—no water, no restrooms, no tables. Facilities are back at the Devils Garden Trailhead (and nowhere along the spur).
Geology quick hit
This is Entrada Sandstone country: long, narrow fins weather over time into openings. Partition, Landscape, and neighboring Navajo Arch show how multiple arches can develop along adjacent fins in the same rock layer.
Wildlife
Expect the usual desert suspects—lizards, birds, and small mammals along the way—but nothing particularly unique is reported here.
Best time to visit
Go early to beat heat and trail traffic, or aim for late afternoon for softer light and cooler temps. Midday can be scorching with minimal shade.
Make it a combo
Pair Partition with Navajo Arch (a short hop on the adjacent fin) and, of course, Landscape Arch on the approach for a greatest-hits loop.
Where it is
38.7920, -109.6085Tips for Partition Arch
- 01Start early or go late—exposed slickrock makes midday a slog.
- 02After Landscape Arch, watch for the signed spur; it’s easy to miss on the return.
- 03Bring more water than you think you’ll need; there’s no water on the trail.
- 04Add Navajo Arch—it’s a short, worthwhile side trip on the neighboring fin.
- 05Expect a short, steep slickrock climb right after Landscape Arch.
Amenities
Near Partition Arch
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayNavajo ArchA cool, cave-like arch with shade and unexpected solitude
0.1 mi awayLandscape ArchA delicate 290‑ft ribbon of stone on an easy desert walkTrailhead · Parking
0.5 mi awayBlack Arch OverlookQuick spur with big views and a hard-to-spot archScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
0.6 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
0.6 mi awayPine Tree ArchGround-level arch perfectly framed by its namesake pineScenic Viewpoint · Parking
1 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
1 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
