Pine Tree Arch

Ground-level arch perfectly framed by its namesake pine

InsideArches National Park

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.

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

Tips

At the signed split, go left and continue around the bend—don’t turn back too soon.
Add this to a Landscape Arch outing; it’s a minimal detour with big payoff.
Hit it early or late for flattering light and thinner crowds.
Expect a brief steep hill before the side trail; the spur itself is easy.
There are no facilities at the arch—restrooms and parking are at the Devils Garden Trailhead.