Pros & cons
PROS
- Secluded, tucked-away stop off the Primitive Trail
- Short spur with photogenic fins and a quiet place to rest
CONS
- Access requires the challenging Primitive Loop with some scrambling and route-finding
- No amenities and full sun exposure
Overview
Private Arch lives up to its name. It’s a graceful sandstone span hidden off the Devils Garden Primitive Trail, far from the park’s biggest crowds. If you’re already tackling the loop, this short spur delivers solitude, a neat arch, and a breather among sculpted fins.
What Makes It Different
Unlike the headline arches, this one feels discovered rather than displayed. The approach winds through narrow rock walls and classic Devils Garden fins, then suddenly opens to a low, elegant arch—more about mood and setting than sheer size.
Getting There
Reach it via a signed spur off the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. The spur itself is short, but getting here means committing to sections of the Primitive Trail that include rock scrambles, steep ups/downs, and spots where you’ll follow cairns and arrows. Navigation awareness matters.
What You’ll See
- A curved, delicate arch framed by swirling red sandstone
- Surrounding fins, spires, and textured desert terrain that make great photos
- A peaceful pocket of the backcountry where you’re likely to find a quiet moment
Geology Snapshot
This arch formed in the Entrada/Navajo sandstone layers that define Devils Garden. Parallel fractures became narrow fins, and over millions of years, weathering punched openings through them—Private Arch being one of the more intimate results.
Wildlife
With fewer people around, you’re more likely to notice small desert life: lizards sunning on warm rock, birds flitting between shrubs, and occasional small mammals. Spring brings hardy wildflowers around the fins.
Best Time to Visit
Go early or late in the day for cooler temps, softer light, and easier parking back at Devils Garden. Weekdays are generally quieter. Avoid the heat of midday and skip stormy periods—washes and exposed slickrock aren’t friendly in bad weather.
Need to Know
- No water, no shade structures, no facilities—bring everything you need
- Trails are exposed and rocky; sturdy footwear and sun protection are essential
- Pay attention to cairns and signs; some sections of the Primitive Loop can be easy to stray from
Where it is
38.8013, -109.6160Tips for Private Arch
- 01Watch for the signed spur off the Primitive Loop; it’s easy to walk past if you’re cruising.
- 02Carry plenty of water and strong sun protection—there’s no shade or water on the way.
- 03Start early to beat heat and secure parking at Devils Garden.
- 04Follow cairns and arrows on the Primitive Trail; bring a map or GPS.
- 05Skip stormy days—flashy washes and slickrock are no place to gamble.
Amenities
Near Private Arch
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayDevils GardenFin-and-arch playground with a choose-your-own epic loopTrailhead · Restroom
0.3 mi awayBlack Arch OverlookQuick spur with big views and a hard-to-spot archScenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayDouble O ArchTwo stacked arches after a fun fin scrambleScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayDark AngelLonely sandstone spire past Double O Arch with big desert viewsScenic Viewpoint
1.3 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
1.3 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
1.7 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
1.7 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
