Devil’s Garden Trail Hike Profile & Guide

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Go with a buddy or tell someone your plan. Carry water, know the route, and stay on marked paths.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Poles help on slickrock and during scrambling; they’re not required but can improve stability.

Q: Is Landscape Arch family-friendly?

Landscape Arch section is more suitable for families; the Primitive Loop has exposure and scrambling that aren’t appropriate for young kids.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike Devil’s Garden?

No specific day-hike permit is required, but timed entry tickets may apply during peak season; check Recreation.gov before you go.

Overview

About This Trail

Devil's Garden Trail weaves through a dense arch cluster along a 7.9-mile loop. The route starts easy but the Primitive Loop demands scrambling and exposes you to drop-offs. It passes Landscape Arch, Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Double O Arch, and Private Arch, plus sculpted fins and the Dark Angel spire. Plan 3–5 hours for the full loop; carry at least 2 liters of water and a map; start early for shade and to beat heat. High reward for the effort.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Strenuous

Trail Highlights

A dense arch corridor with the Primitive Loop delivering quiet miles and challenging scrambling beyond Landscape Arch.

Insider Tips

• Hike counter-clockwise on the Primitive Loop for safer ascent • Start before 8 AM to beat heat and crowds • Shoulder seasons or winter offer fewer people • Landscape Arch segment is more kid-friendly; Primitive Loop is not for small children • Bring a map and stay on marked routes

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry 2 liters water minimum
Wear sturdy shoes with grip
Use sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
Start cold and pace yourself
Have a map or GPS
Trekking poles help on slickrock and scrambling
Counter-clockwise on the Primitive Loop for safer ascent

Family Info

Landscape Arch segment is generally family-friendly; beyond, especially the Primitive Loop, exposure and scrambling are not recommended for young children

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,250 ft

Duration: 3–5 hours for the full loop; 30 minutes to 2.5 hours for shorter arch hikes

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Route Type: Lollipop loop with spur trails; optional out-and-back hikes to individual arches

Surface: Hard-packed dirt, sand, slickrock; boulder fields; narrow fins

Getting There

Trailhead: End of Arches National Park Road, 38.782876, -109.594996

Parking: Large parking area; fills quickly

Fills Up: Full by sunrise in peak season

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Timed entry tickets may be required during peak season and hours (April 1–July 6 and Aug 28–Oct 31, 2025, 7 AM–4 PM). Purchase in advance on Recreation.gov

Fees: Park entrance fee + timed-entry reservation fee

Shuttle Available

Not required; plan parking strategy to secure space

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not specified

Biking: Not specified

Trail Markers: Lower sections well-worn; Primitive Trail poorly marked

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No reliable water sources on the trail; carry at least 2 L per person

Shade: Full sun exposure; little to no shade

Cell Service: Limited cell service throughout the park, including at the trailhead

Hazards:

Primitive Trail includes rock scrambling and narrow fins with drop-offs; heat risk is real; plan for shade scarcity and keep to marked lines

Emergency: Call 911 in emergencies; Arches National Park rangers via the park information line

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: High near lower sections; Primitive Loop offers solitude

Peak Times: Sunrise to mid-morning; weekends and holidays

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not specified

Family Notes:

Landscape Arch segment is generally family-friendly; beyond, especially the Primitive Loop, exposure and scrambling are not recommended for young children

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilets at trailhead; no facilities along the trail; nearest services at Arches Visitor Center

FAQs

Are there bears?

Bears are present in some parts of the region, but not common on this park trail; store food securely and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Do I need trekking poles?

Is Landscape Arch family-friendly?

Do I need a permit to hike Devil’s Garden?

📖 trekkn.co 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 earthtrekkers.com 📖 ulumresorts.com 📖 hikebiketravel.com 📖 thevanimals.com 📖 ktnpblog.com 📖 parkrangerjohn.com 📖 thefearlessforeigner.com 📖 visitutah.com 📖 beyondmydoor.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 grandcanyontrust.org 📖 utah.com 📖 annatee.co ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Devil’s Garden Trail