Perhaps less popular than other areas in Arches National Park, the Devils Garden section is quite special for its excellent opportunities to get close to the park’s famous rock formations. The path meanders in and around a set of sandstone hoodoos, natural arches and more that recall Bryce Canyon, but on a kid-friendly scale. People of all ages enjoy climbing onto the tops of the monoliths. Bring magnifying glasses to study evidence of how these rocks were formed.
Drive along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, whose unpaved surface gives a real sense of off-roading, even though it is accessible in regular vehicles.
Be greeted at the parking lot by a stand of several hoodoos, appearing as a welcoming party for visitors. Limber up by stretching against their elongated forms or by trying to climb to the top. Continue north to the natural arches, which are perfect for taking family photographs commemorating a trip out west.
Stop for lunch in one of the many picnic areas scattered through the area. While you eat, watch other visitors trying to pick their way up the sometimes tricky formations.
Walk out to an overlook that offers great views of Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world, with an opening of 306 feet (93 meters). Head back to the car with a real sense of what Arches National Park is all about.
Devils Garden is located at the northern end of Arches National Park, about a 20-mile (30-kilometer), 30-minute drive from the park’s Visitor Center. Drive from Moab in less than 1 hour. Parking is available at the entrance to the campground, near the trailhead, though this can get crowded during peak season. Eat lunch at the picnic area just south of the campground. The park itself is open 24 hours a day, year-round, as is the campground. Reservations are required for the campground during the summer. Availability is first come, first served in the winter.
Note that Hole-in-the-Rock Road has a high clay content, which may make it quite wet and difficult to drive on after rain. Pay the park’s entrance fee.
