Dark Angel Trail

The hike to Dark Angel is a great subsection of the Devils Garden Loop. This hike is hot and sunny, so be sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need and a good sunhat. En route to Dark Angel, you will pass by Landscape Arch: one of the largest natural arch formations in the world; Wall Arch: a magnificent slickrock formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008; Black Arch: a cave-like sandstone formation. The Dark Angel itself is a 150ft tall sandstone tower that is a sought-out spot for rock climbing; see if you can spot any climbers making their way up this impressive spire when you are at the tower’s base.

From the Devils Garden trailhead, follow the well-marked trail northwest. The trail will divide at two points before you reach your first waypoint: the Landscape Arch. To stay on track to the Landscape Arch, just stick left at both of these junctions. 0.9mi from the trailhead, there are two official viewpoints with excellent views of the Landscape arch—take a second here to rest and admire this incredible formation. When you’re ready, continue on from Landscape Arch for another 0.1mi to a viewpoint overlooking the remains of Wall Arch. The trail will then divide shortly after Wall Arch—stick right and continue on for another 0.4mi to a viewpoint overlooking Black Arch. Beyond Black Arch, the trail will divide once more- stay left to reach the Dark Angel.

Take a rest at the Dark Angel and admire the majesty of this prominent sandstone spire. When you are set to go, follow your footsteps back to the Devils Garden Trailhead or continue on your day hiking and exploring the Devils Garden.