The Armchair Traveler Ritual
Before we step out onto the narrow sandstone fins, set the scene: Put on your favorite grippy hiking boots, pour a massive glass of water, and imagine the hot desert sun and the feeling of slickrock under your feet.
🎵 Shauna's Soundtrack
To truly capture the thrill and suspense of balancing on top of the world, I highly recommend playing "Discovery" by Scott Buckley right here in the background while you read and explore the VR tours!
⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: A gorgeous, heart-pounding 7.5-mile journey through a wonderland of 9 unique natural arches.
The Reality Check: The trail has a very small "Goldilocks" window. Go too early in the spring, and ice makes the steep drop-offs terrifying. Go too late in the summer, and the heat is absolutely unbearable!
Accessibility: ♿ Semi-accessible at the very start! The first section leading toward Landscape Arch passes through two massive walls and is paved. However, steps quickly appear, making the rest of the trail impossible for wheels.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds for sheer thrills!)
If you have an adventurous spirit, then the Devils Garden Primitive Loop in Arches National Park is a trail you will absolutely LOVE. It has it all: great "get your heart rate up" challenges without much real danger, amazing views that will definitely WOW you, and the chance to see 9 unique and amazing natural arches all in one hike.
It's a journey that is so deeply interesting, it doesn't even feel like 7.5 miles. This is my guide to surviving the slickrock, finding the hidden gems, and the beautiful lessons the arches can teach us.
👇 Choose Your Path
Walking the Fins & Conquering Fear
The most exciting (and terrifying) part of the primitive loop is "walking the fins." There are 3 or 4 sections where the trail literally takes you along the narrow, rounded spine of a sandstone fin, with steep drop-offs on either side!
🎬 Behind the Scenes: The Panicked Crossing
When you get to these sections, it is definitely nerve-wracking. Every single time we crossed, there were people up there panicking, trying to figure out how to get across. I was trying so hard to find a safe, flat place to set down my tripod for my 360 camera, but balancing on the rounded spine of a fin is incredibly tricky!
Going down the other side was so steep that I completely gave up on the camera. I just held onto the selfie stick pole for dear life and scooted my way down!
✨ "I Got This! I Can Do This!"
Here is what I learned from watching people cross the fins: If you focus too much on the fear, it makes it ten times harder. You just have to keep your eyes on the goal. In my classroom, I teach my math students a power statement to conquer their anxiety, and it works perfectly on the trail, too: "I got this! I can do this!"
I watched so many people almost talk themselves out of crossing. But then their hiking buddies would give them a few encouraging words, they would take a deep breath, stay close together, and slowly make their way across. By the time they reached the other side, they were SO proud that they conquered it! (And for the record, for as scary as it looks, I don't think I have ever heard of anyone dying falling off these specific fins!)
Those tiny dots in the top middle are people coming down the fin. Here I come!
The 9 Arches & The Crystal Secret
This trail is an ultimate treasure hunt. You will see the incredibly thin, fragile Landscape Arch, the massive Double O Arch, and the hidden gems Partition Arch and Navajo Arch (which looks more like a beautiful, shady cave). We also spotted Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, and the distant Black Arch Overlook.
💎 The Hidden "Crystal Arch"
Todd and I went through Pine Tree Arch and found another faint trail back there. We pulled up Google Maps (you MUST download your offline maps before you go!) and realized there is a hidden arch back there called Crystal Arch that most people don't even mention!
We tried so hard to follow the faint marks on the map. We did get off the trail for a minute, but we were incredibly careful of where we stepped. The dirt here is covered in "cryptobiotic soil"—a living, fragile crust that takes decades to grow. We know the land is tender here, so we tip-toed our way until we finally found it!
The elusive, rarely-visited Crystal Arch.
A Poem for the Arches
Walking among these giants, it struck me how much these beautiful, unique formations are like people. Each one is different, scarred by weather and time, but all are a wonder to behold. This park inspired me to write a poem.
Arches come in so many shapes and sizes
And just like us, they have value and vices.
Some are a haven to those creatures close by,
Helping others so they can soar and fly.
Some are overlooked and easily set aside,
But if you bring love when you enter inside,
Not only will the gratitude be profound,
But you will want to stay and look around.
Some come in pairs that are better together,
Strong ones that only get better in the weather.
Some cuddle round you in a warm embrace,
Acceptance and love is written on their face.
So what kind of arch are you choosing to be?
Realizing everyone’s worth love is the key.
Just like these arches are a wonder to behold,
Each of us are a beloved creation more grand,
So Let's admire our differences with an embracing hand.
Landscape Arch is a marvel that continues to stand strong despite its frailties. May we all be like that arch, pushing ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, and finding strength even in our weaknesses.
360° VR Explorations
I've created two different videos for this amazing area. The first is a new, special VR Getaway that is a collection of my favorite arches set to my poem. The second is my original 360° adventure showing the fun of the full Devils Garden loop!
🔎 VR Video Treasure Hunt!
- 🔎 Walking the Fin: Can you find the terrifying shot where we're walking along the top of a narrow rock spine?
- 🔎 The View from Double O: Look for the breathtaking view looking through the top loop of Double O Arch.
- 🔎 Navajo Arch Cave: Can you find the peaceful, shady "cave" that is the beautiful Navajo Arch?
A VR Ode to Arches
Immersive 360° Devils Garden Hike
Tiny Planet Shorts
Want a completely different, fun perspective? Check out these "Tiny Planet" shorts! The first explores the rugged Primitive Trail, and the second takes you out to Tapestry Arch, the unique heart-shaped sand arch, and Broken Arch.
🗺️ Pro Tip for Homebound Explorers!
To get the ultimate interactive experience: Click "View on larger map" on the maps below. Then, grab the little yellow dude (Pegman) in the bottom right corner and drag him onto any of the blue dots or blue lines. This drops you right into the 360° view so you can look around freely, even if Google's navigation arrows are acting glitchy!
Interactive Google Street Views
I mapped portions of this trail for Google Earth! Drop Pegman to walk the fins and arches.
What's in My Pack?
For this specific adventure, these are the 3 items I wouldn't leave home without!
HOKA Hiking Boots
It is surprising how a good pair of hiking boots boosts your confidence! My Hokas literally stick and "suction" to the slickrock, making walking the fins so much safer.
3-Liter Hydration Bladder
This is a long, strenuous hike with zero shade. You cannot overpack on water here. I drain my 3-liter bladder every time.
Offline GPS Map
The primitive trail can be confusing, and missing a cairn is easy. A GPS app (like Gaia) downloaded offline gives me the confidence to explore without getting lost.
🧭 Counter-Clockwise Strategy
Most people hike the loop counter-clockwise, going to Landscape Arch first and tackling the primitive trail on the way back. This gets the easier, more crowded part done first so you can enjoy solitude on the back half!
✨ Ask the Desert Guide
Curious about the secret Crystal Arch, how to navigate the fins, or where to find Landscape Arch? Ask our AI Guide!
You Got This!
The Devils Garden Primitive Loop is an adventure of a lifetime. It challenges you, wows you with its beauty, and rewards you with a profound sense of accomplishment. If you ever feel scared standing on the edge of a fin—or on the edge of a hard moment in life—just take a deep breath, keep your eyes on the goal, and remember: "I got this! I can do this!"
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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