Place · 0.1 mi away
Starting from the Devils Garden Trailhead at the end of the park road, this out-and-back stroll to Landscape Arch is short, easy, and wildly popular for good reason. It’s about 1.8 miles round trip on a well‑graded, hard‑packed dirt and gravel path with roughly 90–100 feet of gentle up‑and‑down. The payoff is a slender ribbon of Entrada sandstone spanning an enormous gap—one of the longest natural arches on the planet—viewed from a fenced overlook. You cannot go under the arch; the area beneath is permanently closed due to past rockfalls and ongoing instability.
The approach threads classic Devils Garden scenery—narrow sandstone fins, spires, and knobs. Early on, short signed spurs detour to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch; both are quick add‑ons that break up the walk and are worth the minutes. Pine Tree Arch, framed by pinyon pines, tends to photograph best in the afternoon when the light catches it.
This is as friendly as Arches hiking gets—suitable for most ages and ability levels—with a rare bonus of some early‑route shade. That said, it’s one of the park’s busiest paths. Go early for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people. There’s no water on the trail itself, so tank up at the trailhead (restrooms and water available) and carry what you need.
History and geology add to the drama: Landscape Arch’s impossibly thin look isn’t just for show—large rockfalls in the 1990s led to today’s viewpoint‑only access. It’s a living lesson in how arches form and, eventually, fail.
Best time to hike: Year‑round works. Spring and fall are the sweet spot for temperature. In summer, start very early to beat extreme heat and crowds. Winter is possible but can bring icy patches—check conditions. Morning light is best for the main trail and crowd control; save Pine Tree Arch for afternoon light if you’re returning later.
Trail notes: Near the end you’ll descend steps to a junction with the Primitive Loop; stay left for Landscape Arch (about a quarter mile farther). Past the arch, the route turns much more challenging—great for experienced hikers, but many wisely make the arch their turnaround.
Pros
- Early segments offer rare shade for Arches, especially nice in the morning
- Quick spurs to Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches add variety with minimal effort
Cons
- You can’t go under the arch; views are from a fenced distance
- Very crowded by mid‑morning; parking and viewpoints fill fast
- No water on the trail and full sun exposure in warm months
Parking
Park at the Devils Garden Trailhead at the north end of the park road; large lot with restrooms and water at the trailhead.
Caution
Stay behind the fence at the arch due to rockfall hazard. No water on the trail—carry your own. Summer heat can be extreme; start early. In winter, expect possible icy patches. At the Primitive Loop junction near the end, stay left for Landscape Arch; the other direction quickly becomes more difficult.
