Devil’s Garden, Utah

Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its distinctive geological formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Among the most popular destinations in the park is Devil’s Garden, which is located at the end of the park’s main road. Devil’s Garden is a unique area of the park with several arches and trails to explore. In this article, we will take a closer look at Devil’s Garden, including its history, the arches found there, and the trails that lead to them.

History of Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden received its name from an early settler who claimed that the area was so difficult to navigate that only the devil himself could safely pass through it. The area was used as a cattle ranch in the early 1900s, and several structures from that time period can still be seen in the area. The park was established in 1929, and Devil’s Garden has been a popular destination for visitors ever since.

Arches in Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden is home to many arch formations, each with unique characteristics. The most famous arch in the area is Landscape Arch, which spans 306 feet and is one of the longest natural arches in the world. Another notable arch is Double O Arch, which consists of two arches stacked on top of each other. Here is a list of all the arches in Devil’s Garden, along with their length and height:

• Landscape Arch: 306 feet long, 105 feet high
• Tunnel Arch: 43 feet long, 20 feet high
• Pine Tree Arch: 75 feet long, 46 feet high
• Partition Arch: 29 feet long, 44 feet high
• Navajo Arch: 120 feet long, 55 feet high
• Wall Arch: 71 feet long, 33 feet high (collapsed in 2008)
• Double O Arch: 71 feet long, 106 feet high

Trails in Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area and see the arches up close. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so it’s essential to choose a trail that fits your abilities. Here is a brief description of each trail in Devil’s Garden:

1. Devil’s Garden Trail: This is the main trail in Devil’s Garden and is a 7.2-mile roundtrip hike that passes by several of the park’s most famous arches, including Landscape Arch, Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, and Partition Arch. The trail is considered moderately difficult and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete.
2. Primitive Trail: The Primitive Trail is an extension of the Devil’s Garden Trail that leads to the Double O Arch and Navajo Arch. The trail is more challenging than the Devil’s Garden Trail and involves some steep climbs, narrow ledges, and rocky terrain. The roundtrip distance is approximately 3.2 miles.
3. Trail to Dark Angel: The Trail to Dark Angel is a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike that leads to a towering rock formation called Dark Angel. The trail is considered moderately difficult and involves some steep climbs and rocky terrain.
4. Broken Arch Trail: The Broken Arch Trail is a 1.3-mile roundtrip hike that leads to the Broken Arch, which is named for the crack that runs through its center. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for hikers of all abilities.
5. Sand Dune Arch Trail: The Sand Dune Arch Trail is a 0.3-mile roundtrip hike that leads to a secluded area with towering sandstone fins and a small arch. The trail is considered easy and is suitable for families with young children.