Dark Angel Arches National Park
A solitary 150-foot red rock pillar marking the end of the challenging Devil's Garden Trail in Arches National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Dark Angel Arches National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solitary 150-foot red rock pillar marking the end of the challenging Devil's Garden Trail in Arches National Park.
"Interesting rock formation found at the end of a moderately strenuous spur trail."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable; download maps beforehand to navigate the Devil's Garden Trail.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Crucial for navigating slickrock and scrambling sections on the trail to Dark Angel.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 42 reviews
Address
Website
nps.gov/arch/index.htmHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dark Angel
North end of Devil's Garden Trail
A striking 150-foot red rock pillar, the dramatic finale of the Devil's Garden hike.
Devil's Garden Trail
Arches National Park
Hike past numerous arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the world's longest natural spans.
Scrambling & Views
Near Dark Angel
Experience exhilarating rock scrambling and panoramic views of Arches and Canyonlands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Devil's Garden
Trail Conditions & Navigation
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable; download maps beforehand to navigate the Devil's Garden Trail.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Crucial for navigating slickrock and scrambling sections on the trail to Dark Angel.
Hydration is Key :water_wave:
Carry plenty of water, especially for the longer Devil's Garden Primitive Loop.
Consider the Full Loop :loop:
The Primitive Loop offers more arches but is strenuous; assess your fitness level.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable; download maps beforehand to navigate the Devil's Garden Trail.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Crucial for navigating slickrock and scrambling sections on the trail to Dark Angel.
Hydration is Key :water_wave:
Carry plenty of water, especially for the longer Devil's Garden Primitive Loop.
Consider the Full Loop :loop:
The Primitive Loop offers more arches but is strenuous; assess your fitness level.
Go Early or Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Avoid midday heat and crowds by visiting at the start or end of the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dark Angel is a unique rock formation at the end of the Devil's Garden Trail, offering impressive views for those who complete the hike. While some find it a bit of a detour and not the park's most spectacular feature, others appreciate the challenging scramble and the solitude it offers. It's a rewarding destination for hikers seeking a more adventurous experience beyond the main paved paths.
"Cool structure, but not worth it if your legs are hurting. Its hard to follow the path, even compared to the rest of the trail, and you can see it pretty well from the start of the path you need to take to get there. Still a nice sight regardless."
Arjun Smith
"A bit of a detour off the main Devil’s Garden path, but a cool feature nonetheless. You’ll likely have it all to yourself as most others skip this and just trek ahead."
FFKDTP1
"Interesting rock formation found at the end of a moderately strenuous spur trail starting at Double O Arch. In my opinion, this feature wasn't really worth the 1.6 mile round-trip hike (especially if you're doing the full Devil's Garden/Primitive Loop Trail with the Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Tunnel/Pine Tree Arch spurs), but if you have the time and the energy, it's at least a different type of rock formation than you've been seeing all day"
Gunnar Caya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dark Angel is located at the northern end of the Devil's Garden Trail in Arches National Park. You'll need to drive into the park and follow signs for the Devil's Garden Trailhead. The hike itself is the primary way to reach Dark Angel.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Devil's Garden Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
No, Dark Angel is only accessible by hiking the Devil's Garden Trail. There is no road access directly to it.
The best way to get around Arches National Park is by personal vehicle. However, be aware of potential parking limitations at popular trailheads like Devil's Garden.
Yes, Arches National Park often requires a timed entry permit during peak seasons. Check the official NPS website for current requirements and book in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is typically per vehicle. You can find the most up-to-date pricing on the official National Park Service website.
While you don't need a separate reservation for the Dark Angel hike itself, you will need a timed entry permit to enter Arches National Park during designated periods.
Arches National Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, timed entry reservations may be required during specific hours or seasons.
Yes, an America the Beautiful Pass is accepted for entry into Arches National Park, covering the entrance fee for the pass holder and their vehicle occupants.
Tickets (timed entry permits) for Arches National Park are typically purchased online through Recreation.gov. It's essential to book these well in advance.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike to Dark Angel is part of the Devil's Garden Trail. The full Primitive Loop is about 8 miles roundtrip, with Dark Angel being a spur off this. The spur itself is a moderate addition to the main trail.
The hike to Dark Angel involves some scrambling over slickrock and can be challenging for some. It's considered moderately strenuous, especially when combined with other parts of the Devil's Garden Trail.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction for slickrock. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the desert heat. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential.
Restrooms are available at the Devil's Garden Trailhead. There are no restrooms along the trail itself, so plan accordingly.
You can hike to Landscape Arch, which is on the main Devil's Garden Trail, and get a sense of the area. However, Dark Angel requires continuing further on the trail, including some scrambling.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Dark Angel and the surrounding landscape. The golden hour light enhances the red rock formations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and arches. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The trail leading to Dark Angel offers various vantage points. A raised mound of sand near Dark Angel provides an overlook of the length of Arches.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Arches. Flying drones is prohibited to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment.
You can capture dramatic shots of the solitary pillar against the sky, the rugged desert landscape, and panoramic views of the park.
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