2026 update (checked October 21, 2026): Arches National Park does not require timed-entry reservations in 2026. You still need an entrance pass, and on busy days rangers may briefly close full parking areas, including Devils Garden. Reservations are still required for Fiery Furnace hikes and for Devils Garden Campground (March through October).
The Devils Garden Trail is the best all-in-one hike in Arches National Park. From one trailhead at the far end of the park road, you can see more arches than on any other trail in the park: the record-breaking span of Landscape Arch, the window of Partition Arch, the stacked openings of Double O Arch, and more.
Here’s the important part: Devils Garden isn’t one hike. It’s several. You can take an easy 1.9-mile walk to Landscape Arch, scramble over sandstone fins to Double O Arch, or do the full Primitive Loop, a rugged 7- to 8-mile adventure with route-finding and a pool you may have to wade.
This guide explains each option clearly so you can pick the right one: the trail map, distances, every arch along the way, difficulty, timing, parking, fees, the best season, safety, and FAQs.
Cover photo: Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America. Photo: James Lee / Unsplash
Devils Garden Trail: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah |
| Trailhead | Devils Garden Trailhead, end of the main park road |
| Drive from visitor center | 18 miles, about 45 minutes |
| Easiest hike | Landscape Arch: 1.9 miles round trip, easy |
| Moderate add-on | Pine Tree and Tunnel arches: +0.5 mile, easy |
| Harder hike | Double O Arch: 4.1 miles round trip, difficult |
| Full trail | 7.9 miles with all side trails, including the Primitive Trail |
| Time needed | 1 hour to 5+ hours, depending on route |
| Number of arches | Up to 8 on the full route |
| Best seasons | Spring and fall |
| Shade | Very little |
| Dogs | Not allowed on trails |
| Timed entry (2026) | Not required |
| Entrance fee | $30 per vehicle, valid 7 days (cards only) |
Where Is Devils Garden?
Devils Garden is at the far northern end of Arches National Park, just outside Moab, Utah. The trailhead sits at the very end of the paved main park road, about 18 miles (45 minutes) from the visitor center. Any car can make the drive.
The area gets its name from its rows of tall, thin sandstone walls called fins. Over millions of years, water and ice wore holes through some of these fins, and those holes grew into arches. Devils Garden has one of the biggest collections of arches in the park.
At the trailhead: You’ll find a large parking lot and restrooms. The Devils Garden Campground and a picnic area are right next door. There’s no food, gas, or store anywhere in the park, so stock up in Moab.
Devils Garden Trail Map: Your Route Options
Think of Devils Garden as a main trail with side spurs and an optional loop. Here’s how it fits together:
| Route | Round trip | Difficulty | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape Arch only | 1.9 miles | Easy | Landscape Arch |
| + Pine Tree and Tunnel arches | 2.4 miles | Easy | 3 arches |
| Double O Arch | 4.1 miles | Difficult | Landscape, Wall Arch site, Double O |
| + Navajo and Partition arches | 4.9 miles | Difficult | Adds 2 more arches |
| Dark Angel (main trail) | 4.9 miles | Difficult | A tall dark spire past Double O |
| Primitive Loop (via Double O) | About 7–8 miles | Most difficult | Everything above plus Private Arch |
| All trails and spurs | 7.9 miles | Strenuous | Every arch in Devils Garden |
Distances come from the National Park Service. You may also see 1.8 miles for Landscape Arch on some park pages and apps. It’s the same hike.
Get a map: Download the park’s Devils Garden trail guide or an offline map before you go. Cell service is spotty, and the Primitive Trail is easy to lose.
Option 1: Landscape Arch (easy)
The first section is wide, mostly flat, and hard-packed or gravelly, with a few gentle hills. It winds between tall fins to the Landscape Arch viewpoint. This is a great hike for families, beginners, and anyone short on time.
Option 2: Double O Arch (difficult)
Past Landscape Arch, the trail changes completely. It climbs steeply up and over sandstone fins, with narrow ledges, drop-offs, and spots where you’ll need your hands to scramble. The reward is Double O Arch, plus side trips to Navajo and Partition arches.
Option 3: The Primitive Loop (most difficult)
From Double O, you can return on the Primitive Trail, a rougher 2.1-mile route that loops back to the main trail near Landscape Arch. It has tricky route-finding, steep slickrock, narrow drop-offs, and a pool that may have water in it. Don’t try it when the rock is wet or icy, or if you’re uncomfortable with heights.
The Arches of Devils Garden
1. Landscape Arch
The star of the show. Landscape Arch spans 306 feet, the longest arch in North America, yet at its thinnest point it’s only about 6 feet thick. It looks impossibly fragile, and it is.
In 1991, a large slab of rock fell from the underside of the arch, and more pieces fell later in the 1990s. The trail that once went under it is now closed. You view it from a fenced viewpoint, and you’re not allowed to walk under or climb on it.
Tip: Morning light is beautiful here. Step back and use a wide angle to fit the whole span in your shot.
2. Pine Tree Arch
An easy side trip on a short spur before Landscape Arch. It’s a big, rounded opening in a fin, and it’s usually much quieter than Landscape Arch.
3. Tunnel Arch
On the same spur as Pine Tree Arch. It’s a high, tunnel-like opening near the top of a fin. Seeing both adds only about half a mile.
4. Wall Arch (collapsed)
Just past Landscape Arch, on the way to Double O, you’ll pass the spot where Wall Arch stood. It collapsed in August 2008, a reminder that every arch here will eventually fall. Look for the pile of rubble beside the trail.
5. Partition Arch
One of the prettiest stops on the trail. A short spur leads to a big window in a fin that frames a wide view of the desert. A smaller opening sits right beside it, which is how the arch got its name.
6. Navajo Arch
On a spur near Partition Arch. It’s tucked into a shady, almost room-like nook surrounded by rock walls, making it a nice place to cool off.
7. Double O Arch
The main destination for most hikers who go past Landscape Arch. Double O has two openings stacked one above the other: a large arch on top and a smaller one below. Getting there means climbing over fins with steep drop-offs.
8. Private Arch
On a short spur off the Primitive Trail. Fewer people make it here, so it’s often quiet. It adds about half a mile.
Bonus: Dark Angel
Not an arch, but a tall, dark sandstone spire you can see from Double O Arch. A spur from the north side of Double O leads to its base, making a 4.9-mile round trip on the main trail.
How Hard Is the Devils Garden Trail?
It depends on how far you go.
- To Landscape Arch: Easy. Most people, including kids and beginners, can do it. Just bring water and sun protection.
- To Double O Arch: Difficult. You’ll climb steep slickrock, walk along narrow fins with drops on both sides, and scramble with your hands.
- The Primitive Loop: The hardest option. It adds route-finding, steep slickrock, sandy washes, a pool to cross, and steep spots that can be tricky.
| Section | Difficulty | What makes it hard |
|---|---|---|
| Trailhead to Landscape Arch | Easy | Sand, gentle hills, heat |
| Landscape Arch to Double O | Difficult | Steep fins, ledges, scrambling, exposure |
| Navajo and Partition spurs | Moderate to difficult | Uneven slickrock |
| Primitive Trail | Most difficult | Route-finding, steep rock, a possible pool |
Not sure? Turn around at Landscape Arch. It’s the highlight for most people, and there’s no shame in skipping the scramble.
Scared of heights? The fin walk to Double O has narrow sections with drops on both sides. Many people find it fun, but if heights bother you, skip it.
How Long Does It Take?
| Route | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Landscape Arch | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Landscape + Pine Tree and Tunnel arches | 1.5–2 hours |
| Double O Arch | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Double O + Navajo and Partition | 3–4 hours |
| Full Primitive Loop with spurs | 4–6 hours |
Add extra time for photos, breaks, and heat. Summer afternoons will slow everyone down.
Best Time to Hike Devils Garden
| Season | Weather | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Pleasant days, cool mornings, busy | One of the best times; arrive early |
| Summer (June–August) | Often over 100°F, little shade, monsoon storms | Hike only at sunrise; stick to Landscape Arch |
| Fall (September–November) | Warm days, cool nights, fewer crowds by late fall | The best overall season |
| Winter (December–February) | Cold, quiet, possible snow and ice | Easy section is fine; skip the fins if icy |
Best time of day: Early morning. It’s cooler, the light is soft on the red rock, and parking is easier. Late afternoon is beautiful too, especially at Landscape Arch.
Summer tip: Avoid hiking past Landscape Arch in the middle of the day. The slickrock reflects heat, and there’s almost no shade.
After rain or snow: Wet or icy sandstone is very slippery. Stay off the fins and the Primitive Trail until the rock dries.
Parking at Devils Garden
The Devils Garden parking lot is large, but it’s one of the busiest in the park.
- In spring and fall, it can fill by mid-morning.
- Arrive before 8 a.m. or after about 4 p.m. for the best chance at a spot.
- When lots fill, rangers may temporarily close access to the area. Don’t wait in the road for a space, and never park on plants or the shoulder.
- The park’s entrance webcam can show you how long the line is before you leave Moab.
Fees, Reservations, and Permits
- Timed entry: Not required in 2026. You can enter any time.
- Entrance pass: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bike, valid for 7 days. Cards only.
- Arches annual pass: $55, also valid at Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep.
- Hiking permit: None needed for Devils Garden day hikes.
- Fiery Furnace: A separate area that requires a permit or ranger-led tour reservation.
What to Bring
- Water: At least 1 liter for Landscape Arch and 3+ liters for Double O or the full loop. More in summer.
- Salty snacks to help you stay hydrated.
- Shoes with grippy soles for slickrock.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- An offline map, especially for the Primitive Trail.
- A light jacket for cool mornings in spring and fall.
- A headlamp if you’ll be out near sunset.
- A small first-aid kit.
Is Devils Garden Good for Kids?
Yes, the first part is perfect for kids. The walk to Landscape Arch is short and mostly flat, and kids love the spur to Pine Tree and Tunnel arches.
Beyond Landscape Arch, the fins have steep drops. Many families turn around at Landscape Arch, and that’s a smart call with young kids. Skip the Primitive Loop with children.
The trail isn’t suitable for strollers past the first part, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Safety Tips
- Don’t climb on arches. It’s illegal and dangerous, and it damages fragile rock.
- Watch for heat. Heat is one of the biggest dangers in Arches. Drink water, eat salty snacks, and rest in shade when you can.
- Follow the cairns. On slickrock, small rock piles mark the route. Don’t build or knock down cairns.
- Stay on the trail. The dark, crusty soil, called biological soil crust, is alive and takes decades to recover from a single footstep.
- Avoid storms. Lightning is dangerous on the fins, and flash floods can fill washes quickly.
- Turn back if you’re unsure. Exposed fin sections are much scarier in wind or when you’re tired.
Sample Devils Garden Itineraries
1–2 hours: The classic short hike
Hike to Landscape Arch, then add the Pine Tree and Tunnel Arch spur on the way back. It’s easy, scenic, and perfect for most visitors.
3–4 hours: Double O and the side arches
Start early. Hike past Landscape Arch, take the spurs to Partition and Navajo arches, continue to Double O, and return the same way.
5–6 hours: The full Devils Garden
Do it all: Landscape, Partition, Navajo, Double O, Dark Angel, then return on the Primitive Trail with a stop at Private Arch. Bring plenty of water and a map, and start at sunrise in warm months.
Other Things to See Nearby
- Skyline Arch: A short, easy walk to a big arch, just south of Devils Garden on the main road.
- Sand Dune Arch: A fun, shady walk through a narrow sandy slot to a hidden arch. Kids love it.
- Broken Arch: A short, easy hike near Sand Dune Arch.
- Fiery Furnace: A maze of fins nearby that needs a permit or ranger tour.
- Delicate Arch: Utah’s most famous arch, about 20 minutes back down the park road. It’s a separate 3-mile hike. See our Delicate Arch hike difficulty guide.
Where to Stay
- Devils Garden Campground: The only campground in Arches, right next to the trailhead. Reservations are required March through October and fill quickly. In winter, sites are first-come, first-served.
- Moab: About 50 minutes to an hour from the trailhead, with hotels, cabins, restaurants, and gas. It’s the easiest base for Arches and Canyonlands.
Exploring more of Utah? See our guides to places to visit near Hanksville and Capitol Reef from Hanksville.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Arriving late
The lot often fills by mid-morning in busy seasons. Start early.
Underestimating the heat
Even the short hike can feel hard in summer. Bring more water than you think you need.
Going past Landscape Arch without the right shoes
Smooth soles slip on slickrock. Wear shoes with good grip.
Getting lost on the Primitive Trail
Watch for cairns, carry a map, and don’t follow random footprints in the sand.
Climbing on arches
It’s against the rules, and the rock is more fragile than it looks.
Devils Garden Trail FAQs
How long is the Devils Garden Trail?
It ranges from 1.9 miles round trip to Landscape Arch up to 7.9 miles for the full trail with every spur.
How hard is Devils Garden?
The walk to Landscape Arch is easy. Past it, the trail to Double O Arch is difficult, and the Primitive Loop is the hardest option.
How long does the Devils Garden hike take?
About 1 hour for Landscape Arch, 3 hours for Double O, and 4 to 6 hours for the full loop.
Do you need a reservation for Arches in 2026?
No. Arches doesn’t require timed-entry reservations in 2026. You just need an entrance pass.
Do you need a permit for Devils Garden?
No permit is needed for day hikes. Only the Fiery Furnace area and the campground need reservations.
How many arches are in Devils Garden?
You can see up to eight: Landscape, Pine Tree, Tunnel, Partition, Navajo, Double O, Private, and the site of the collapsed Wall Arch.
How long is Landscape Arch?
Its span is 306 feet, making it the longest arch in North America.
Can you walk under Landscape Arch?
No. The trail under it closed after rockfalls in the 1990s. You view it from a fenced viewpoint.
Is the Primitive Loop worth it?
For experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights and route-finding, yes. It’s quieter and more adventurous. For everyone else, the out-and-back to Double O is plenty.
Is there water at the Devils Garden trailhead?
Don’t count on it. Bring all the water you need from Moab or the visitor center.
Are dogs allowed on the Devils Garden Trail?
No. Pets aren’t allowed on any trails in Arches National Park.
Can kids hike Devils Garden?
Yes. The walk to Landscape Arch is great for kids. The fins beyond it are better for older, experienced kids.
Is Devils Garden better than Delicate Arch?
They’re different. Delicate Arch is one famous arch at the end of a steady climb. Devils Garden lets you see many arches in one hike. If you can, do both.
Final Thoughts
Devils Garden gives you the most arches for your effort of any trail in Arches National Park, and you choose how adventurous it gets. Families can stroll to Landscape Arch, confident hikers can scramble to Double O, and experienced adventurers can tackle the full Primitive Loop.
Start early, carry plenty of water, wear grippy shoes, and turn around whenever the terrain feels like too much. Even the short walk to Landscape Arch is one of the best hikes in Utah.