Devil's Garden Trail | Arches Trail Guide

Devil's Garden Trail arch through red sandstone frames distant desert valley in Arches National Park

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 7.9
Route Type: Lollipop loop with spur trails; optional out-and-back hikes to individual arches
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1250

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 7.9
Route Type: Lollipop loop with spur trails; optional out-and-back hikes to individual arches
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1250
Estimated Time: 3–5 hours for the full loop; 30 minutes to 2.5 hours for shorter arch hikes
Trail Surface: Hard-packed dirt, sand, slickrock; boulder fields; narrow fins
Trail Features: Landscape Arch, Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Double O Arch, Private Arch
rock fins
Dark Angel spire
boulder fields
narrow ledges with drop-offs
Trail Highlights: A dense arch corridor with the Primitive Loop delivering quiet miles and challenging scrambling beyond Landscape Arch.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: End of Arches National Park Road, 38.782876, -109.594996
Parking Lot Size: Large parking area; fills quickly
Parking Fill Time: Full by sunrise in peak season
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required; plan parking strategy to secure space

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: 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
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Snow can close parts of the Primitive Loop in winter; mud season makes slickrock dangerous

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No reliable water sources on the trail; carry at least 2 L per person

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Extreme sun exposure
Dehydration
Heatstroke
Flash floods in washes (rare)
Lightning
Scrambling on Primitive Trail
Narrow ledges with drop-offs
Slippery slickrock in wet conditions
Hazard Details: Primitive Trail includes rock scrambling and narrow fins with drop-offs; heat risk is real; plan for shade scarcity and keep to marked lines
Cell Service: Limited cell service throughout the park, including at the trailhead
Crowd Level: High near lower sections; Primitive Loop offers solitude
Peak Crowd Times: Sunrise to mid-morning; weekends and holidays
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Start before sunrise; Spring and Fall offer cooler temps and fewer crowds; consider winter for even fewer people.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Arches National Park, Utah
Trail Markers: Lower sections well-worn; Primitive Trail poorly marked
Shade Level: Full sun exposure; little to no shade
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 in emergencies; Arches National Park rangers via the park information line
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Snow unlikely; icy conditions possible on the Primitive Trail
Mud Season: After rain, slickrock becomes extremely slippery and dangerous
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
Recent Updates: Timed entry rules apply during peak season; verify Recreation.gov; no shuttle required
Family Friendly 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
Review Summary: Hikers note a dense arch concentration but warn that the Primitive Loop tests grit with exposure and scrambling. The trail opens up early crowds near Landscape Arch, while the Primitive section keeps a more solitary pace for those prepared for the challenge.