Devil's Garden and Primitive Loop

The Devil’s Garden is an extraordinary confusion of weather-smoothed rocky towers and rows of narrow-backed “fins” of rock, some sharp and shark-like, many in the form of long, thin, smooth-topped ridges. They are a fine setting for their special glory, a selection of beautiful and magnificent rock arches, including the huge, flat-curved, ultra-slender and all-round amazing Landscape Arch, considered the world’s longest rock arch. Among these rocks, juniper, pine and an assortment of hardy desert vegetation mellow what would be too harsh, and create a beautiful visual harmony.

The trail to the Landscape Arch, which all will want to visit, is pretty straightforward and some 2.5km return. It can be extended to the Navajo and Partition arches, and on to the marvellous Double O Arch.

It is also the walk-in to the11.6km (7.2 mile) Primitive Loop (also called the Devil’s Garden Trail), in Walkopedia’s view the finest walk in the park although reasonably hard work. We recommend you walk it anticlockwise so as to reach the best in the second half.

 Not that the first half is any slouch, a wonderful meander through desert scrub between big formations, then into the heart of the garden, winding between the fins and towers, climbing their flanks, a fascinating feast of dramatic landscape. The Private Arch is definitely worth a side-trip, then you are at the fabulous Double O Arch, where Walkopedia ate its lunch.

 A walk out to the Dark Angel tower is worthwhile, but not essential. Enjoy views out west across the wide, quiet Salt Valley if you do go.

The second half, a return to base via the very top of the area and some minor scrambling, with an memorable walk along a narrow sandstone ridge, a side-walk to the gorgeous Navajo and Partition arches and then a careful viewing of perhaps the world’s finest and most unlikely, as well as it longest, rock arch, the Landscape Arch, are unbelievable and thrilling walking.

This can be tough walking in hot, dry conditions. Come fully prepared, including carrying plenty of water. It is a popular walk, so don’t expect to be alone. The first section, to the Landscape Arch, can be positively crowded. But you will survive, such are the wonders.

For lots more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Arches NP walk page.