Devils Garden Loop hike

The Devils Garden Loop hike immerses hikers into a strange fantasy utopia, but its undeniable uniqueness comes with a price: Devils Garden Loop is a crowded hike. You can try to beat the collection of people by starting early, which also helps with the heat. Devils Garden Loop trail can also get crazy hot, so bring a lot of water—bring more than you think you’ll need.

The unique scenery cloaking the popular route, located in Arches National Park, will keep you entertained and gawking as you meander the trail. This is a more challenging trail, and is not just a simple walk in the park, so wear proper footwear and be comfortable walking on more technical terrain.

The Devils Garden Loop introduces the hiker to the lofty arches peppering this trail. After walking for around 0.2mi, you’ll reach a fork in the path. Go to the right and stay to the right when the trail divides again. One minute of walking off of the main trail will lead you to Tunnel Arch. Next, you can view Pine Tree Arch by walking back to the spur and meandering straight. After you view these two arches, turn around and head back to the main trail (note that the map doesn’t show these excursions).

Back on the main Devils Garden hiking trail, it soon splits and just 1.0mi from the trailhead sits Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch on earth. You’re not allowed to get very close to Landscape Arch, which is for your own protection. From here, you’ll continue along the Primitive Trail. The paved path unfolds into slickrock.

After walking just 0.2mi, you can opt to head left once you reach the fork to view the Partition Arch. Once you’re finished with admiring this arch, feel free to walk back a little, take a left, and go to Navajo Arch. You can find refuge here from the scorching sun!

Head back to the main trail and go left, which will lead you to Double O Arch, where two arches stand. Opt to go under the lower arch and walk for a short distance up the slope for a remarkable view of both arches, the desert, and skyline painting the backdrop. After gawking at the beautiful scenery on Devils Garden Loop, go back under the arch and walk along the trail to the left.

Just 0.4mi later, you’ll reach the Dark Angel before heading back to the Double O Arch and taking the Primitive Trail to the left. This is the part of the circuit where the heat really kicks in, so ensure you have enough water before continuing!

Shortly after returning to the trail, you’ll come across another fork in the road—follow the sign to Private Arch. After you check it out, head back to the main trail and go right and continue for 1.5mi until you rejoin the paved path by Landscape Arch. From here, it only takes 1.0mi to get back to the trailhead.