Pros & cons
PROS
- Fast detour with a dramatic, high-on-the-cliff arch viewpoint
- Pairs seamlessly with Pine Tree Arch for a short, rewarding combo
CONS
- Viewpoint only—the arch sits high on a cliff and isn’t accessible
- Devils Garden parking and trails get crowded, especially mid-morning onward
Park at the Devils Garden Trailhead; large lot with restrooms at the north end of the park road.
Full sun exposure and hot sand; carry water and sunscreen. Sandy footing in spots. Pets not allowed. During the seasonal program, a timed-entry reservation is required to enter the park by vehicle during daytime—check current dates.
Why go
If you’re already at Devils Garden, this is an easy add-on with a big visual payoff for very little effort. The path to Tunnel Arch is short, sandy, and scenic, threading between sandstone fins to a designated viewpoint of a tunnel-like opening high on a cliff wall. It’s an easy win for families or anyone easing into Arches’ desert terrain.
Route overview
Start at the Devils Garden Trailhead (large parking lot with restrooms) and follow the main Devils Garden Trail. In roughly a quarter-mile, a clearly marked right turn leads to the Tunnel Arch viewpoint. The out-and-back distance is about 0.7 miles total, with minimal elevation (~50 feet). The surface mixes packed dirt and sand, so expect a few soft sections but no technical moves. The viewpoint offers a clean look at the arch; the arch itself is not accessible for climbing.
What you’ll see
This is classic high-desert scenery: sandy washes, low scrub, and tall fins of Entrada Sandstone. Tunnel Arch is all about shape and light—its “window” punches through a thick rock wall, and the angle can create dramatic shadow play, especially outside of midday.
Crowd factor and add-ons
This area is popular and parking fills early, since the same trailhead leads to heavy-hitters. The smart play: pair Tunnel Arch with nearby Pine Tree Arch for about a 1-mile outing, or continue farther along the main corridor to Landscape Arch if you want a longer day.
Planning tips
Bring water and sun protection—this short trail is exposed and the desert sun hits hard. Footing is mostly easy but sandy, and the route is not ADA accessible. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails. No trail-specific permit is needed, but the park sometimes runs a daytime timed-entry system—check dates before you go.
Best time to hike
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. In summer, go early to beat heat and crowds, and for better light on the arch. Weekday mornings are your best bet for easier parking and quieter views.
Elevation
0.7 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
38.7829, -109.5951Near Tunnel Arch Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayDevil's Garden TrailArches galore with an optional rugged, route-finding loopChallenging · 7.9 mi · 4 hr
0 mi awayDevils Garden Loop TrailArches galore, airy fins, and a spicy Primitive loop.Challenging · 7.9 mi · 4.5 hr
0 mi awayPrimitive Loop TrailWild fins, slickrock scrambles, and rare solitude beyond the crowdsChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4 hr
0.2 mi awayTunnel ArchQuick, photogenic window arch just off Devils Garden TrailTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayDevils Garden Primitive LoopArches’ most adventurous loop through fins, arches, and slickrockChallenging · 7.8 mi · 4.5 hr
0.4 mi awayPine Tree ArchGround-level arch perfectly framed by its namesake pineScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.6 mi awayDevils Garden CampgroundOnly in-park campground with arches at your doorstepCampground · Restroom
0.7 mi awayTapestry ArchQuiet triple-opening arch near Devils Garden, easy add-on hikeScenic Viewpoint
