Ted's Outdoor World - Devils Garden, Arches National Park, Utah

Devils Garden
Arches National Park

April 17, 2011

It has been fourteen years since I visited this park in good weather. I left a lot on the table back then, so it is time to rectify the situation. Having survived my tiring loop trip at Natural Bridges yesterday, I am raring to go again.

At the trailhead

The first mile of this trail is designed to accommodate the "sandal set", and there are a lot of such non-hikers out today.


Easy walking at first	Approaching the first arch

Within ten minutes I am rewarded by the sight of what surely is the most spectacularly delicate arch in existence.

Landscape Arch: 290 feet wide, 78 feet high, 6 feet thick at the neck ⇔

Long considered the longest span in the world, it now ranks second or third, behind the 400-foot span of Fairy Bridge in China. The leaders are, however, natural bridges, so Landscape Arch still holds the title of longest known arch.

The tourists will be calling it quits here, for the next section of trail is unsuitable for unprepared walkers. And that is a good thing; Landscape Arch was a "gimmee"; but the other special attractions must be earned.

A steep scramble up the slickrock

There has been no mention on signposts of this new arch on the trail directly above me. Perhaps there is a plan — and surely enough, a spur trail is about to lead me over there.

Around to the back side

Partition Arch ⇔

Albeit out of sight, a pair of hikers is lounging just on the other side of the opening. Being able to get up-close-and-personal with an arch is a special treat.

This one is not an arch

The second fork leads to an interesting little alcove.

The arch is exquisite! This is one of the best-feeling spots I have visited; and I have the place to myself for the moment.

Navajo Arch ⇔

Behind the arch is a little closed room of sorts; for there is no other exit.

Back at the junction with the main trail, a young couple asks me about the formations. I advise them to expect something extra-special at Navajo Arch. (Later on the man agreed with me.) Soon afterwards, I forgo the opportunity to photograph the jumbled remains of Wall Arch, which collapsed in the summer of 2008.

Trying an alternative route

From here the trail ascends to the top of a fin. This is my kind of fun! Acrophobes and the faint of heart would not be comfortable here.


That reassuring cairn is nailed down	Exciting stuff

From this top-of-the-world vantage point, the vista eastward into Fin Canyon is spectacular.

There is another arch right at my feet! ⇔

Telephoto view of Black Arch

In the opposite direction is a first view of the next attraction:

Double-O Arch ⇔

This is quite a popular spot. Hikers are hanging out all over the place.

No solitude here

Scrambling up and through the lower "O," I encounter a family of recent transplants to Moab. The man offers me a cold orange soda, of all things, which I eagerly accept. What a treat! The drink is accompanied by dessert — an oreo cookie.

Also interested in a handout is the cutest chipmunk I ever saw:

A priceless pose

This side of the arch is much more photogenic.

Double-O Arch ⇔

A mile to the north is a lone 150-foot pillar called the Dark Angel. I had tentatively planned to hike up there; but a toe is bothering me severely. I don't wish to aggravate the condition; for I have four or five more days of hiking scheduled.

With a somewhat heavy heart, I also elect to pass on a planned continuation on the primitive loop; so I will miss the chance to see Private Arch. Bummer. Oh well, I must think ahead.

Dark Angel

It is time to remount the fin and head back. One particular stone step with a foothold cut into it is reminiscent of a spot on the Angels Landing Trail in Zion Park. Both have a steep dropoff on each side; the difference is that a handhold has been provided at that other place!


	No handhold here!


The La Sal Mountains always are beautiful

At the steep exit from the rock fin, a mother and two children are crawling virtually prone up the slab. Is this even remotely necessary? Not for the kids, it isn't; but mother is not doing well, so I guess she assumes that the kiddies can't handle it either. Wrong. Dad, following behind them, is walking normally and sporting a sheepish grin. Wait until mom sees what is in store for her next!

"Yes, mother. This is humiliating, but yes, mother."

Back at Landscape Arch, I cannot resist an opportunity to get into the act.

A happy guy

Near the trailhead, another spur route leads to more stuff.

Tunnel Arch ⇔


They have found a special spot	Approaching the next attraction

An easy ten-minute walk achieves the goal:

Pine Tree Arch ⇔


What few flowers are out this spring are satisfying to find

The lofty couple is departing

A girl poses for a photo at an interesting dead-end slot. At the trailhead, even the overflow parking area is full. I almost feel guilty in taking the time to remove my boots, while another group awaits my parking space.

§: In a park which sports more than 2,200 known arches, this trail offers the best collection. Today I saw and photographed seven significant arches, including the longest and probably the most fragile one on the planet, and I walked right underneath four of them. Additionally, hiking atop a rock fin is exhilarating, if you like that sort of thing. This was a most interesting trail.

Redrock hiking doesn't get much better than this.

Trailhead: the northern terminus of the Arches Park Road
Distance: 6 miles, including all spur trails
Elevation: 5100' to 5500'
Hikers: 200
Rating: 10