Devil's Garden Trail to Landscape Arch
Devil's Garden Trail to Landscape Arch
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The Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch is a celebrated hiking experience within Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah, in the United States. This iconic trail leads to Landscape Arch, recognized as the longest natural arch in North America and among the longest natural stone arches globally. Situated in the unique geological landscape of the Colorado Plateau, the Devils Garden area is renowned for its exceptional concentration of natural rock formations and arches.
Visitors consistently praise the initial section of…
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Arches National Park
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March 1, 2023
Hiking
November 17, 2019
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October 1, 2019
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Details
Informations
Distance 833 m
Uphill 40 m
Downhill 30 m
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While the path to Landscape Arch is well-maintained and relatively easy, the Devils Garden area offers a more extensive and challenging experience via the Primitive Trail or Primitive Loop. This section involves rock scrambling, walking along sandstone fins, and navigating slickrock. Along this extended route, hikers can discover other magnificent arches and geological formations, including Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, the unique Double O Arch, and the towering Dark Angel spire.
The initial 0.8-mile (1.3 km) outbound hike to Landscape Arch is generally considered easy with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. For those continuing onto the Primitive Trail, the elevation changes become more significant due to rock scrambling and navigating sandstone fins, though specific overall elevation gain figures for the entire loop are not prominently highlighted as extreme.
The initial section of the trail leading directly to Landscape Arch is very family-friendly and suitable for most ages, as it's a well-graded, hard-packed gravel path. However, it is not suitable for strollers due to uneven surfaces and some steps. Beyond Landscape Arch, the Primitive Trail becomes much more challenging, involving rock scrambling and slickrock, and is not recommended for young children or those with limited mobility.
Entry into Arches National Park requires a fee, which can be paid at the park entrance. During peak season (typically April 1 to October 31), a timed entry reservation is also required to enter the park between 7 AM and 4 PM. This reservation is separate from the park entrance fee. Once inside the park, no additional permits are needed to hike the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch.
The Devils Garden Trailhead has a large parking lot located at the very end of the main park road, approximately 18 miles north of the Arches National Park Visitor Center. Parking fills up very quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. It is strongly recommended to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM, to secure a spot. If the lot is full, you may need to wait for a spot to open or return at a less busy time.
No, there is no public transportation service directly to the Devils Garden Trailhead within Arches National Park. Visitors must use private vehicles or commercial tour operators to access the trailhead. Consider carpooling if visiting with a group to help reduce congestion in the parking areas.
Dogs are not permitted on any hiking trails in Arches National Park, including the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch. This policy is in place to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas like campgrounds, parking lots, and along paved roads, but must not be left unattended in vehicles.
The Devils Garden Trail, particularly the section to Landscape Arch, is one of the most popular hikes in Arches National Park and can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak season (spring and fall). To avoid the largest crowds, it's best to start your hike very early in the morning (at sunrise) or late in the afternoon. Weekdays generally see fewer visitors than weekends.
Winter hiking on the Devils Garden Trail can offer a unique and less crowded experience, but conditions can be challenging. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow and ice are common, especially in shaded areas or on slickrock. Traction devices (like microspikes) for your footwear are highly recommended, along with warm, layered clothing. Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions with the National Park Service before heading out.
There are no food services or accommodations directly within Arches National Park, including the Devils Garden area. The nearest town with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and lodging options is Moab, Utah, located approximately 30-40 minutes drive south of the Devils Garden Trailhead. It's advisable to bring plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
The Devils Garden Trail showcases the incredible geological processes that shaped Arches National Park. Beyond the famous arches like Landscape Arch, you'll encounter towering sandstone fins, which are the precursors to arches, and vast expanses of slickrock, which is exposed sandstone. The landscape itself is a testament to millions of years of erosion, starting with ancient salt beds that eventually led to the formation of these iconic structures.
The initial section of the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch is generally considered easier than the Delicate Arch Trail, featuring a mostly flat, well-maintained path. However, the full Devils Garden Primitive Loop is often considered more strenuous and technically challenging than Delicate Arch, involving significant rock scrambling, exposure to heights, and navigation across slickrock. Delicate Arch has a consistent uphill climb over slickrock but less technical scrambling than the Primitive Loop.