For those willing to “go the distance”, Devil’s Garden has the potential to be one of the longest marked hikes in Arches National Park. There are numerous arches within a few miles, but those wanting to experience the entire route are in for an almost 8-mile adventure. Part of the loop includes a primitive trail, which is only challenging in a few sections.

If you are planning on hiking the loop, the trailhead sign suggests following the loop in a counterclockwise direction. We found out the hard way as to why clockwise is suggested as we ended up going the opposite direction after hiking to Double O Arch and Dark Angel.

There are a few portions of the primitive trail that require working you way around some small drop offs to climb up or down depending on the direction you choose. If you choose to go clockwise on the trail, the most difficult part is working your way down a steep slope that requires walking sideways with your feet awkwardly angled as you work your way down. Those with extreme fear of heights may struggle here. Had we chosen to go counterclockwise, we would have climbed up this section which would have been much easier. If you do choose to take the primitive trail, I would highly recommend taking the suggested direction.

Tunnel and Pine Tree Arch

If you intend to do the entire 8-mile loop in a counterclockwise direction, you will start by visiting Tunnel Arch and then Pine Tree Arch. Tunnel Arch is viewable by working your way to the fenced area and looking back up to the main path. A short distance away is Pine Tree Arch. As you can guess, it gets its name from the pine trees growing inside the arch.

Private Arch

The only marked arch on the primitive portion of the trail is Private Arch. As the name implies, this arch can only be seen by making your way to a secluded section of the trail. I saw some people hike down into the arch, but we were already well into the hike and weren’t keen on adding additional mileage.

Double O Arch

Double O Arch is an arch inside of an arch or an arch on top of another arch depending how you look at it. After viewing the arches, you can head towards Dark Angel, the primitive trail or the main trail.

Dark Angel

Dark Angel is a 15-story rock pillar about half a mile from Double O Arch. The trail is a bit tricky as there are a lot of other paths that look like trails. If you can see others on the trail, use them to get a general idea on which path to take. This was one of my least favorite stops as it’s not that different from a lot of the other scenery. Choosing this route will add another mile added to your journey that you may or may not want to add.

Navajo and Partition Arch

Between Double O Arch and Landscape Arch, there’s a side trail that leads to Navajo and Partition Arch. The trail splits part way up and leads to the two arches. You can see Partition Arch from the main trail as well as up close from the side trail. The arch makes a great frame of the Devil’s Garden landscape.

Down the other trail is Navajo Arch. It’s a secluded arch that leads to a small amphitheater. This was a nice spot to stop for lunch and a break.

Final Thoughts

Devil’s Garden is one of the longest managed trails in Arches National Park. It also has the most arches. You can either make a hike to Landscape Arch or commit to the entire loop. You could also hike to Double O Arch and possibly Dark Angel and then head back the same way you hiked in. I would highly recommend deciding beforehand which route to take. If you’re going to make the whole 8-mile loop, go counterclockwise.