Devils Garden Loop Trail Is A Challenging Hike In Utah That Will Make Your Stomach Drop
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 17, 2020
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Utah has no shortage of challenging hikes, but some don’t get nearly enough recognition. Devils Garden Loop Trail, located in Arches National Park, is a 7.8-mile adventure that features seven natural arches, and the awe-inspiring views are worth every drop of sweat.
Devils Garden Loop Trail is a top-rated difficult hike in Utah, and for good reason. At 7.8 miles long, it ascends nearly 1,000 feet -- but the seven natural arches you'll see along the way more than make up for the challenge.
Well-maintained, the path is plenty wide enough to accommodate the large volume of hikers that traverse it. Even still, you'll want to arrive early to enjoy some level of solitude before the crowd really starts to thicken.
Landscape Arch, which measures a whopping 306 feet across, is among the world's largest natural arches. It's up next on the trail, and you'll want to stick around for a bit -- both to take in the spectacular views and rest up before a significant uphill climb.
You'll walk below Wall Arch, then embark on spur trails up to Navajo and Partition Arches. From here, either head back the way you came or continue on for an additional two miles.
If you choose to stay the course, sweeping views of Double Arch and Dark Angel await. The entire state of Utah is seemingly on display before you, its rugged landscape extending far as the eye can see.
Make sure to bring at least two liters of water for each person, as temperatures can soar above 100 during the warmer months. Factor in about half a day to complete the entire hike, as the cairns aren't always easy to spot. A decent fitness level is recommended as well, since you'll encounter a few rock scrambles.
All in all, the breathtaking vistas Devils Garden has to offer are, by far, more memorable than the effort involved to reach them. Rewards are much sweeter when you put in a little work, anyway. Don't forget to bring a camera!