Tunnel Arch

Quick, photogenic window arch just off Devils Garden Trail

InsideArches National Park

Overview

Tunnel Arch is a short-and-sweet stop in Devils Garden—a 22‑foot window punched through a thick sandstone fin. It’s the first arch you can detour to from the Devils Garden Trail, making it an easy win if you’re just getting started or hiking with kids.

What You’ll See

From the signed viewpoint, you look up at a tunnel-like opening (with a smaller side window) set in glowing red rock. It sits high in a cliff wall, so the perspective is more “admire from afar” than “stand beneath it,” but the contrast of blue sky and sculpted stone makes for clean, satisfying photos.

Getting There + Pairing It Up

Head out from Devils Garden Trailhead and take the short spur to the right; you’ll dip down a sandy hill to the Tunnel Arch viewpoint. Continue past it a bit farther to see Pine Tree Arch, then return to the main trail to reach Landscape Arch—an easy way to stack big scenery with minimal effort.

What It’s Like

Trails here are sandy and exposed, with little shade. Expect company—this is a popular warm-up section of Devils Garden—and plan on a quick out-and-back to the signed overlook. Reviews call it an easy walk and a worthwhile stop, but less dramatic than the marquee arches deeper on the trail.

Photography

Early light is kindest here; sunrise has been called out as especially beautiful. Midday can be harsh and hot. Since you’re shooting from a set viewpoint below the arch, framing is straightforward—let the fin fill the frame.

Wildlife

This isn’t a wildlife hotspot, but in the Devils Garden area you may spot the usual desert locals like lizards or ravens in passing.

Logistics

All facilities are at Devils Garden Trailhead: a sizeable parking lot and vault toilets. There are no services at the arch itself and no water on the trail. Trails in this area are not dog friendly.

Best Time to Visit

Go early morning to beat the heat, find parking, and catch softer light. If you’re here later, treat it as a quick detour on your way to Pine Tree and Landscape Arch rather than a standalone destination.

Pros

Quick, easy spur off Devils Garden Trail
Distinct window-like arch high in a sandstone fin

Cons

View is from a distance; you can’t walk under it
Can be crowded and parking fills early

Tips

Park at Devils Garden Trailhead; the restrooms there are vault toilets.
Take the first right spur shortly after the trailhead to reach Tunnel and Pine Tree arches.
Arrive early—parking fills fast and the sandy trail bakes in the sun.
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen; there’s almost no shade.
You’ll view the arch from a designated overlook; don’t plan to walk under it.