Pros & cons
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
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.
Where it is
38.7853, -109.5970Tips for Tunnel Arch
- 01Park at Devils Garden Trailhead; the restrooms there are vault toilets.
- 02Take the first right spur shortly after the trailhead to reach Tunnel and Pine Tree arches.
- 03Arrive early—parking fills fast and the sandy trail bakes in the sun.
- 04Bring water, hat, and sunscreen; there’s almost no shade.
- 05You’ll view the arch from a designated overlook; don’t plan to walk under it.
Amenities
Near Tunnel Arch
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
0.2 mi awayLandscape Arch TrailEasy walk to one of the world’s longest natural rock spansEasy · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
0.2 mi awayPine Tree ArchGround-level arch perfectly framed by its namesake pineScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.2 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
0.2 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
0.7 mi awayLandscape ArchA delicate 290‑ft ribbon of stone on an easy desert walkTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayDevils Garden CampgroundOnly in-park campground with arches at your doorstepCampground · Restroom
0.8 mi awayPartition ArchDouble-window arch with big views and fewer crowdsScenic Viewpoint
