Discovering Devil’s Garden trail: hiking Through Arches’ Wildest Corners
The Devil’s Garden Trail is a journey through nature’s quiet mastery—where stone spires, delicate arches, and winding paths invite a deeper kind of exploration. Far from the hurried pace of typical travel, this experience unfolds with intention, allowing space for reflection, wonder, and connection.
Devil's Garden Trail
Devil's Garden Trail Information
Three Ways To Tackle The Devil's Garden Trail
Tucked into the northern reaches of Arches National Park, the Devil’s Garden Trail offers one of the most rewarding—and revealing—hiking experiences in the desert Southwest. With striking natural architecture, remote pathways, and options for every level of hiker, it’s a journey designed for those who seek more than a view—it’s for those who seek connection.
The Full Loop: 8 Miles Of Rugged Beauty and Remote Solitude
The complete 8-mile loop through Devil’s Garden is the most challenging route in the park—but also the quietest, and most immersive. This route leads hikers through primitive trails, sandstone fins, and exposed slickrock, far from the crowds and deeper into the desert’s raw elegance.
Along this route, you’ll encounter all of Devil’s Garden’s named arches, each sculpted by time and elemental grace:
- Tunnel Arch
- Pine Tree Arch
- Landscape Arch
- Partition Arch
- Navajo Arch
- Double O Arch
- Private Arch
This loop is for experienced hikers with strong navigation skills and a deep respect for the terrain. In summer months, the extreme heat can make the full loop dangerous—even deadly—so it’s not advisable to attempt during peak temperatures.
If you choose to tackle the entire loop, the best way to approach it is counter-clockwise. However, if you are concerned about your ability to complete the entire loop, it is best to approach it clock-wise this direction allows you more opportunities to bail out without losing much of the experience!
A Balanced Adventure: The 5-Mile Middle Ground
For those seeking a more moderate challenge without compromising on the experience, the 5-mile out-and-back route to Double O Arch offers a perfect middle ground. This stretch still takes you beyond Landscape Arch and into the wilder parts of the trail, offering a sense of solitude and majesty without the full loop’s technical demands.
The path includes some scrambling and narrow ledges, but rewards with quiet perspectives and the surreal beauty of Double O Arch—a rare double-stacked window into the sky.
Along this route, you’ll encounter the following Devil’s Garden’s named arches:
- Tunnel Arch
- Pine Tree Arch
- Landscape Arch
- Partition Arch
- Navajo Arch
- Double O Arch
This moderate version should always be started clock-wise.
A Fun HIKING Introduction: Partition and Navajo Arches
For a peaceful and accessible hike rich in scenery, consider the easier 2- to 3-mile round trip to Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. These tucked-away gems offer cool shade, wide stone alcoves, and fewer visitors—ideal for reflective moments and quiet observation.
Along this route, you’ll encounter these Devil’s Garden trail named arches:
- Tunnel Arch
- Pine Tree Arch
- Landscape Arch
- Partition Arch
- Navajo Arch
This section of the trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it perfect for a slow-paced morning walk or an introduction to the park’s incredible natural formations. There is one short scramble section along this trail,
This easiest version should always be started clock-wise.
An Easy Walk For Everyone: The Path Out To Landscape Arch
For visitors who prefer a gentler pace—whether you’re a casual walker, a family with young children, or a senior traveler—the short trail to Landscape Arch offers a stunning experience without the strain. At just under 2 miles round trip, this well-maintained path is mostly flat, with packed dirt and minimal elevation gain.
Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural arches in the world, an impossibly thin ribbon of stone stretching gracefully across the desert sky. Its delicate form is a quiet marvel—a testament to time, erosion, and the subtle power of nature.
Benches along the trail and shaded pockets beneath juniper trees offer chances to pause, breathe, and simply take in the surroundings. It’s a reminder that in Arches, even the simplest walk can lead to something extraordinary.
Along this route, you’ll encounter these Devil’s Garden trail named arches:
- Tunnel Arch
- Pine Tree Arch
- Landscape Arch
Desert Wisdom: Safety in Stillness
No matter which route you choose, Devil’s Garden trail is a place that commands respect. Summer heat can be intense, often exceeding 100°F (38°C), with little shade and no water sources. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need—at least 3 liters per person, plus nutrient-dense snacks to maintain energy.
It’s also essential to carry a physical map or GPS and know how to retrace your steps. If you lose the trail, pause. Backtrack calmly to the last marker, and avoid forging new paths that could damage fragile desert soil or lead you farther off course. Self-rescue begins with awareness, preparation, and a steady mind.
Walking with Intention
Devil’s Garden is more than a trail—it’s a living gallery of time, silence, and elemental beauty. Whether you walk a mile or eight, each step offers a chance to slow down, to listen, and to be present in a place shaped not for speed, but for wonder. Choose your path with intention, walk with care, and let the landscape leave its quiet mark on you.
Why Take a Guided Tour of Devil’s Garden
While Devil’s Garden trail offers breathtaking beauty, its complexity and remoteness make it a trail best experienced with someone who knows its every turn. A guided tour brings a layer of meaning, safety, and connection that transforms a hike into something far more personal and enriching.
Expert guides share not only the safest and most scenic routes but also the stories behind the stone—geology, indigenous histories, and the delicate ecosystems that thrive here. Their knowledge deepens your understanding of the landscape, allowing you to move with confidence and curiosity rather than concern.
In the more primitive sections of the trail, where navigation becomes less intuitive and solitude more intense, a guide provides quiet reassurance. You walk not just with direction, but with intention—knowing your experience has been thoughtfully crafted for both wonder and well-being.
A tour is more than a service; it’s an invitation to engage with the desert in a way that’s mindful, informed, and unforgettable.
Explore our most popular Devil's Garden trail Hiking Tours
secluded arches sunset experience - the best of devil's garden trail arches sunset hike
$189/pp + taxes | ~3.5 hours | 2 Guests Min
take the arches challenge - 7m devil's garden trail complete loop arches hike
$299/pp + taxes | ~ 7 hours | 2 Guests Min
