Pros & cons
PROS
- Quick, easy spur off Devils Garden Trail
- Ground-level opening with a photogenic pine framed beneath
CONS
- Brief steep hill before the side-trail split
- Little shade; midday sun and heat can be harsh
Overview
Pine Tree Arch is a crowd-pleasing detour near the start of the Devils Garden Trail. It’s a broad, ground-level arch with its namesake pine growing beneath the span—an unusual splash of green against the red rock. It’s less hectic than the park’s headliners and makes a great family-friendly add-on.
Getting There
From the Devils Garden Trailhead, follow the main trail for a short distance, then take the signed right turn toward Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches. After a somewhat steep hill, keep left at the split and continue around the bend to reach Pine Tree Arch. The spur is short, well-marked, and mostly level once you’re on it. Pine Tree Arch comes before Tunnel Arch, and both pair easily with a longer walk to Landscape Arch.
Why It’s Special
Unlike many arches, this one reaches the ground, so you can stand beneath it and look through to the fins and desert beyond. The pine under the opening gives the scene character and a natural frame you don’t get elsewhere on the route.
Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light makes the sandstone glow and gives you softer shadows under the arch and pine. Angles can be tight due to surrounding rock, so move around to find a composition that captures the full opening. Wind can kick up sand here, so protect your lenses.
What You’ll See Nearby
The same spur also leads to Tunnel Arch, and the main trail continues to Landscape Arch. If you’re already in Devils Garden, Pine Tree is a low-effort, high-reward stop along the way.
Wildlife
Typical desert residents show up here: ravens and small songbirds overhead, lizards warming on sunlit rocks, and the occasional rabbit or chipmunk darting between shrubs.
Logistics and Etiquette
There are no facilities at the arch. Parking and restrooms are at the Devils Garden Trailhead. The official trail ends at the viewpoint—enjoy the arch from the designated area, and don’t climb on any arches.
Best Time to Visit
Go early morning for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people; late afternoon is the other sweet spot for photos. Weekdays see lighter traffic than weekends. Midday brings harsh light and heat, making the short shade under the arch especially appealing but less ideal for photography.
Where it is
38.7876, -109.5987Tips for Pine Tree Arch
- 01At the signed split, go left and continue around the bend—don’t turn back too soon.
- 02Add this to a Landscape Arch outing; it’s a minimal detour with big payoff.
- 03Hit it early or late for flattering light and thinner crowds.
- 04Expect a brief steep hill before the side trail; the spur itself is easy.
- 05There are no facilities at the arch—restrooms and parking are at the Devils Garden Trailhead.
Amenities
Near Pine Tree Arch
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
0.1 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
0.2 mi awayTunnel ArchQuick, photogenic window arch just off Devils Garden TrailTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
0.4 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
0.5 mi awayLandscape ArchA delicate 290‑ft ribbon of stone on an easy desert walkTrailhead · Parking
0.6 mi awayPartition ArchDouble-window arch with big views and fewer crowdsScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayNavajo ArchA cool, cave-like arch with shade and unexpected solitude
