Devil's Playground Loop

Why hike it

If you like wild, otherworldly landscapes and don’t mind navigating without a formal trail, Devil’s Playground is your spot. This is a 7.6-mile total loop through colorful badlands and hoodoos—think bands of blue, purple, and gray, scattered petrified wood, and even a typically dry waterfall tucked into the northwest corner of the park. Permits are limited, so you’ll likely have the place to yourself. It feels less like a hike on a tread and more like a choose‑your‑own exploration among bizarre rock sculptures.

Permits and access

This area is permit-only and access is strictly limited. Permits are free, first-come, and issued in person at the park’s visitor center; arrive early (especially early in the week) for the best odds. The park provides a short guidance sheet for finding the route. You’ll drive a dirt road to reach the start; high clearance is recommended but not strictly necessary in dry conditions. If the road is muddy, rethink it.

The route and difficulty

Expect an off-trail loop with occasional route-finding. The approach starts near Lithodendron Wash; after parking, you’ll cross the wash and follow sparse NPS markers before entering the core “playground,” where you weave among hoodoos and badlands. It’s mostly flat with minor ups and downs, but there is zero shade, no water, and the footing varies between sandy wash, eroded badlands, and rocky patches. Plan 3–5 hours depending on how much you explore.

What you’ll see

Erosion has sculpted fantastical hoodoos and spires out of the multi-hued Chinle Formation—layers laid down over 200 million years ago. The color palette is unreal: grays, purples, and blues stacked in stripes. You’ll encounter scattered petrified wood along the way and a dry falls feature on the northwest side of the loop. Photographers love the textures and shapes here—bring a camera and time to poke around.

Tips and navigation

Bring more water than you think you need, full sun protection, and a downloaded GPX/map. Treat any GPS track as a general guide, not a strict line; once you’re in the Playground, pick lines that keep you on safe terrain. The start can feel vague—look for the area just past Lithodendron Wash near two brown NPS signs, then spot the occasional NPS markers before the route turns freeform.

Best time to hike

Spring and fall are the sweet spots—cooler temps and softer light. Summer afternoons can be punishing with full exposure and no shade. Go early in the day for better light on the bands of color and cooler hiking, and to grab a permit before they’re gone.