Devil's Garden Trail

Why go

If you want the fullest sampler of Arches in a single hike, this is it. Devils Garden strings together soaring sandstone fins, slickrock traverses, and a greatest‑hits lineup of natural arches. It’s widely regarded as the park’s best hike, with options that scale from easy to adventurous. The full loop is about 7.8–7.9 miles total when you include the Primitive Trail and popular spurs; many people wisely choose a shorter version.

Route options and highlights

From the trailhead at the end of the park road, easy spurs quickly lead to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. Continue 0.8 miles one way to Landscape Arch—North America’s longest arch at roughly 306 feet and a must‑see. Beyond Landscape Arch the character changes: you can visit Partition and Navajo Arches, then Double O Arch, Private Arch, and the Dark Angel monolith. The full route forms a lollipop loop, with the Primitive Trail providing the wilder return. Some hikers recommend doing the complete loop counter‑clockwise.

What to expect on the trail

To Landscape Arch, the path is wide and family‑friendly. Past it, expect rock scrambles, short ledgy sections, and some exposure on slickrock and along fins. The Primitive Trail is less marked and demands route‑finding; cairns are sparse in places and crowds thin out—great if you want more solitude. Geologically, you’re walking among long, narrow fins and arches carved by water and time, shaped in part by an underlying salt layer. It’s a living landscape—large chunks fell from Landscape Arch in the 1990s, and nearby Wall Arch collapsed in 2008—so heed any closures.

Tips and logistics

• Start early: the trailhead parking fills fast, especially mid‑morning.
• Bring at least 3 quarts (about 3 liters) of water per person; shade is limited and heat is real. Water is at the trailhead only—don’t count on refills along the route.
• Footwear matters: sturdy, grippy hiking shoes beat sandals or slick soles here.
• Navigation: carry a map or GPS if you plan the Primitive Trail; signage is limited.
• Seasonal access: during peak season, the park may require a timed‑entry reservation to drive to the trailhead.
• Pets aren’t allowed on this trail.

Cautions

Avoid the Primitive Trail during or after rain or when rocks are icy—slickrock becomes treacherous. If exposure or scrambling isn’t your thing, turn around at Landscape Arch or Double O and skip the primitive section.

Best time to hike

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures and good light. Summer heat can be intense—go at dawn. In winter, expect icy patches that make slickrock hazardous. Weekday dawn starts beat the crowds and deliver the best photography on the arches and fins.

How much time you need

Plan 3–5 hours for the full 7.8–7.9‑mile loop with spurs, depending on stops and route‑finding. If you only want a taste, the out‑and‑back to Landscape Arch (1.6 miles total) is flat, scenic, and quick.