Devils Garden Arches National Park Utah
Explore Arches National Park's longest trail, featuring eight arches, rock scrambling, and stunning desert vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Devils Garden Arches National Park Utah
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Arches National Park's longest trail, featuring eight arches, rock scrambling, and stunning desert vistas.
"This place is magical. It might be the best family road trip I have ever experienced."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with ankle support for rock scrambling.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water; there are no readily available water sources.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Landscape Arch
Devils Garden Trail
One of the longest natural arches in the world, a breathtaking testament to nature's artistry.
Double O Arch
Devils Garden Trail
A unique double arch formation offering a challenging but rewarding scramble for incredible views.
Primitive Loop
Devils Garden Trail
For the adventurous, this section involves significant rock scrambling and offers a more secluded experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Devils Garden Trail
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with ankle support for rock scrambling.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water; there are no readily available water sources.
🗺️ Stay on Marked Trails
Follow cairns and arrows to avoid getting lost.
🌬️ Wind Can Be Intense
Be prepared for strong wind gusts, especially on exposed sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with ankle support for rock scrambling.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water; there are no readily available water sources.
🗺️ Stay on Marked Trails
Follow cairns and arrows to avoid getting lost.
🌬️ Wind Can Be Intense
Be prepared for strong wind gusts, especially on exposed sections.
⭐ Stargazing Gem
The night sky here is incredible, perfect for astrophotography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Devils Garden is lauded as a magical and breathtaking part of Arches National Park, offering diverse arches and challenging hikes. Visitors rave about the stunning views, unique rock formations, and incredible stargazing opportunities. Some find the rock scrambling intense and recommend caution, especially in windy conditions.
"One of the most beautiful parts of Arches National Park besides Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch. This part offers beautiful views of Landscape Arch and some other arches. The movie shown in the visitor center indicates how the park was formed and at Devil's Garden you will get a clear view of the formation with your own eyes!"
Thibaud V.
"Backcountry requires permit from the office.
Decent amound of rock scrambling. Some parts marked by cairns (do not knock down cairns). Some areas you may find an arrow scrawled somewhere when the path gets confusing. Take your time, take plenty of water, the views and experience is worth it.
Take good shoes with ankle support. Map. It's not a far hike but no cell service, recommend plb. Hot, no streams or readily available water source. No fires allowed.
You camp on the rock fins. Before you go, practice rock anchoring and dog boning. This area had very strong bursts of wind.
The moonlight is so bright, and so.many stars visible. It's breathtaking.
Be patient and again, be okay with small stints of no path markers. There were minutes I got a little scared, but we made it just fine, and I'll never forget it."
H
"This is a super fun hike (7.2 miles if you do the full loop and the spurs). There are some great arches to see, awesome rock features, and a bunch of really interesting people you can meet along the way! Keep an eye out for the cairns so you don't go off the trail. Also includes landscape arch which should not be missed, dark angel which is a cool sight, and private arch which is neat because you see almost no one else out there."
Matthew Mastalir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devils Garden Trail is located at the northern end of Arches National Park. You'll drive past popular spots like Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch to reach the trailhead. Parking can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, Devils Garden Campground is located right at the trailhead for Devils Garden Trail, offering convenient access for campers.
From Moab, head north on US-191 and turn west onto Arches Scenic Drive. Continue on this road until you reach the Devils Garden Trailhead at the very end.
During past government shutdowns, Arches National Park, including Devils Garden, has remained open due to state intervention, but it's always best to check current park status.
Driving your own vehicle is the most common way to explore Arches. However, during busy times, consider shuttle services if available or visiting during off-peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main Devils Garden Trail does not require a permit. However, backcountry camping in the Devils Garden area does require a permit obtained from the park office.
Arches National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. It's advisable to check the official NPS website for the most current fee information and any potential timed entry requirements.
Arches National Park is typically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific hours, and access may be restricted during certain events or weather conditions.
Arches National Park has implemented a timed entry system during peak seasons to manage crowds. You'll need to reserve a time slot in advance to enter the park.
No, access to Devils Garden Trail requires entry into Arches National Park, which has an entrance fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full Devils Garden Trail loop is approximately 7.8 miles and can take 4-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the spurs.
The trail features a mix of sandy paths, slickrock, and significant rock scrambling sections. Some parts are well-defined, while others rely on cairns for navigation.
Yes, the Devils Garden Trailhead has restrooms and a campground. There is no cell service, so consider a PLB for emergencies.
The main trail to Landscape Arch is relatively easy. However, the full loop and its spurs involve scrambling and can be challenging for novice hikers.
The trail leads to Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Double-O Arch, Private Arch, and more. The full loop showcases eight arches.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the sandstone formations. The night sky is also spectacular for astrophotography. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and arches. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions and astrophotography.
The viewpoints near Landscape Arch and Double-O Arch offer iconic shots. The Primitive Loop also provides unique perspectives and fewer crowds for photography.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Arches. Please check the NPS guidelines for current regulations.
With minimal light pollution, Devils Garden is ideal for capturing the Milky Way. Use a wide-aperture lens, a sturdy tripod, and long exposure settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services along the trail. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is essential due to the desert sun. Consider breaking up the hike into shorter segments to avoid overtiring younger children. The campground at Devils Garden is also a family-friendly option, offering a unique camping experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
The opportunity for incredible stargazing and night photography is a major draw for solo travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Devils Garden Trail Experience
+1Navigating the trail requires attention. While some sections are well-marked, others rely on cairns (rock piles) and occasional painted arrows. The Primitive Loop, a more challenging spur off the main trail, offers a true adventure with steep climbs and descents over slickrock. This section is best tackled by experienced hikers comfortable with exposure and off-trail navigation.
Beyond the arches, the trail offers stunning views of sandstone fins and the vast desert landscape. The area is also a prime spot for stargazing due to its dark skies. Remember to carry ample water, wear sturdy footwear with ankle support, and be prepared for strong winds, which can be a significant factor.
Camping at Devils Garden
Camping at Devils Garden involves sleeping on rock fins, which offers a unique and memorable experience. However, it also means being exposed to the elements, particularly strong winds. Visitors are advised to practice rock anchoring techniques and be prepared for these conditions. Reservations are highly recommended, as the campground is very popular and fills up quickly, especially during peak season.
While the campground offers a fantastic base for exploring the Devils Garden Trail and other park attractions, it's important to note that it is primitive. There are no hookups, and water is limited. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including plenty of food and water. The stargazing from the campground is exceptional, providing a breathtaking celestial display.
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