Walking the Fins: A Guide to the Devils Garden Primitive Loop & Double O Arch

⛰️ Walking the Fins: A Guide to the Devils Garden Primitive Loop

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The magnificent Double O Arch, one of the rewards on this trail.

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 7.5-mile journey that is so interesting, it doesn't even feel that long. This is my guide to this incredible adventure and the beautiful lessons the arches can teach us.

In This Adventure Guide:

🌟 The Golden Nugget: Walking the Fins!

Don't Miss This: The most thrilling and memorable part of the primitive loop is the section where the trail requires you to walk along the top of a narrow rock fin with drop-offs on both sides. It sounds scarier than it really is, and I watched tons of kids and older adults all braving it! It definitely shakes your nerves a little, but you feel so excited and accomplished afterward. Just be sure not to try this if the rock is wet or icy.

🗺️ The Adventure Map

The Devils Garden trail system is at the very end of the main park road. This official map from the National Park Service is a must-have for seeing where all 9 arches are located on the loop.

Click Here for the NPS Trail Map

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE ARCHES

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 a poem I wrote. The second is my original 360° adventure showing the fun of the full Devils Garden loop!

A VR Ode to Arches:

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Immersive 360° Devils Garden Hike:

"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."

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Location/Park: Arches National Park, Devils Garden Area
🥾 Hike/Activity: Devils Garden Primitive Loop
📏 Distance: ~7.5 miles (for the full loop)
📈 Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
⏳ Recommended Time: 4-5 hours
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, "Walking the Fins," Navajo Arch, and Partition Arch.

Adventure Rating:

Wow Factor: 💎💎💎💎💎 (An absolute must-do!)
Difficulty: ⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⚪️ (Hard - due to length, scrambling, and navigation)
Crowds: 🚶🚶🚶⚪️⚪️ (Busy to Landscape Arch, much quieter on the primitive loop)

A Cinematic Preview

Here's a fun, short trailer I put together that captures the adventurous and unique feeling of this incredible hike!

🥾 My Devils Garden Adventure

The Devils Garden Primitive Loop is not for the faint of heart, but it is an absolute blast. The trail is an adventure of a lifetime, taking you to a wonderland of arches, each one a unique discovery. We managed to find 7 of the 9 arches on our journey, each one worth the side trip to see.

Walking the Fin Close to Double O Arch.

Walking the Fins

The most exciting part of the primitive loop is "walking the fins." There are 3-4 sections where the trail literally takes you along the narrow, rounded spine of a sandstone fin, with drop-offs on either side. It definitely shakes your nerves a little, but seeing kids and adults of all ages bravely navigating it makes you feel excited to accomplish it! The key is to have shoes with excellent traction and to never attempt this when the rock is wet, icy, or in a lightning storm.

The Arches

This trail is a treasure hunt for arches. You'll see the incredibly thin **Landscape Arch**, the amazing **Double O Arch**, and the hidden gems **Partition Arch** and **Navajo Arch** (which looks more like a beautiful cave). We also spotted **Pine Tree Arch**, **Tunnel Arch**, and the distant **Black Arch Overlook**. Each one is a reward for your hard work.

🎨 A Poem for the Arches

This park inspired me to write a poem about how these beautiful, unique formations are so much like people. Each one is different, but all are a wonder to behold.

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.

💡 Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Go Counter-Clockwise: 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 part done first.
♦️ Follow the Cairns: The primitive section of the trail can be very hard to follow. You MUST pay close attention to the small rock stacks (cairns) that mark the way across the open slickrock. A GPS with the trail downloaded is a very good idea.
♦️ Timed Entry Permit: Remember that Arches National Park requires a timed entry permit to enter the park during peak season. You must book this online in advance.
♦️ Start Early & Bring Water: This is a long, strenuous hike in the desert with very little shade. Start as early as possible to beat the heat and carry more water than you think you will need (at least 3-4 liters per person).

🎒 What's in My Pack?

For this specific adventure, these are the 3 items I wouldn't leave home without!

Shoes with Excellent Grip: You will be scrambling and walking on steep, angled rock. Hiking shoes with sticky rubber (like trail runners or approach shoes) are essential.
Lots of Water: I carry a large 3-liter hydration bladder for this hike. You cannot overpack on water here.
A Downloaded GPS Map: The primitive trail can be confusing. A GPS app on my phone with the trail downloaded gives me the confidence to explore without getting lost.

🔎 VR Video Treasure Hunt!

When you watch the immersive 360° video (the second video above), see if you can find these special moments I captured!

Walking the Fin: Can you find the shot where we're walking along the top of a narrow rock fin?
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?

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Devils Garden Primitive Loop is an adventure of a lifetime. It's a trail that challenges you, wows you with its beauty, and rewards you with a profound sense of accomplishment. It reminds me of the magnificent Landscape Arch—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.

What's your favorite hike in Arches National Park? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments! Happy Hiking!

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaway

WALKING THE FINS!

This Devils Garden Primitive Loop is quite the adventure and not for the Faint of Heart, for there are 3 places on the trail where you have to Walk the Fin over to the next spot, and the fins really have drop offs on both sides of you. It sounds scarier than it really is, and I watch tons of kids to older adults all braving the Fins! It definitely shakes your nerves a little, but then you realize it is not that bad, and you feel pretty excited that you accomplished it! You definitely want shoes with good traction, and you don't want to do this hike if it was wet and slippery, but it is a way cool adventure otherwise!

Is this really the trail!

Walk with me up the Fin! Click on the Video Below

Those Dots in the top middle are people coming down the Fin. First Fin...Here I come!

360 Trail Walking the Fin

VIEW OF THE FINS FROM SIDE and ABOVE.

Arches National Park is a wonderland of amazing sites. In the area by Double O Arch it is Fin after fin in this columns. It is quite fascinating to see from afar, but crazy to walk along the top of one. In this trail you get to walk a fin 4 times.

Fins in Arches National Park Close to Double O Arch

AERIAL FOOTAGE FROM PARKING LOT OF THE FINS IN THIS AREA.

The Dev...ls Garden Primitive Loop is so so great for not only do you get an adventure of a lifetime, but in one trail you get to see 9 different Arches that are all very unique and beautiful. You do have to take the side trails off to see them, but they are all worth the journey. Here is a trail map to see all 9 arches.
National Park Service Map of Arches

I made it to 7 of the Arches. Check out all the arches below.

1st ARCH is LANDSCAPE ARCH

Landscape Arch is probably one of the most famous of the arches on this trail. This super thin arch is a marvel that it continues to stand strong among such opposition and admired for its strength even dealing with its frailties. May we be like this arch. The Lord knows we have weaknesses/frailties, and we were given them for a purpose to grow and become better. May we push ourselves to still be strong and be the best version of ourselves, yet not be overly hard on ourselves about our weaknesses. If you keep trying your best to be strong amidst your weaknesses/frailties, you'll find the Lord will help you overcome your weaknesses/frailties and hopefully you will see that the Lord will be looking down on you with pride that you are as beautiful in his eyes as this arch is to us.

Landscape Arch - Arches National Park

360 Google Earth Trail at between Landscape Arch and Partition Arch

To get to Partition Arch you have to detour off the main trail, and then there is a split to see both Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. Just watch got the trail signs for directions.

2nd ARCH is PARTITION ARCH

Partition Arch (a side trail just off the Devils Garden Primitive Loop Trail)

360 Trail at Partition Arch

Partition Arch from the Front (above is from the backside)

Partition Arch from the front side (Above picture is from the backside.)

3rd ARCH is NAVAJO ARCH

Approaching Navajo Arch. It looks more like a Cave up ahead.

4th ARCH is DOUBLE O ARCH

Double O Arch - Devils Garden Primitive Loop - Aches National Park

A few months ago I was reading the book "The Nature Fix" that goes over many studies they have been doing that are all proving that getting out into nature is healing in so many ways, especially hitting a trail that has a WOW factor. They are finding that it boosts your immune system by astonishing amounts. It increases creativity. It has positive healing effects for those with depression issues. Of course if you are hiking with a group the social bonds are extremely beneficial in your life. I would also add in that it is builds a positive relationship with the man upstairs. You can't look at the gorgeous creations and not know that there really is a God, and then hopefully go past that and feel humbled by his greatness and grateful for the beautiful creations.

5th Arch is Black Arch Overlook

Black Arch Overlook - Devil's Garden Loop

Black Arch at the Black Arch Overlook on the Devil's Garden Primitive Loop Trail Arches National Park

6th Arch is PINE TREE ARCH.

360 Trail Pine Tree Arch

Pine Tree Arch Arches National Park Devils Garden Primitive Loop Trail

7th Arch is TUNNEL ARCH

Tunnel Arch - Devil's Garden Primitive Loop Trail

Conclusion

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways

If you enjoyed this hike, I think you would also LOVE

GrandStaff Canyon
I love how Grand this Canyon feels because of the height of he canyon walls. I love the arch at the end. I also really enjoy crossing back and forth across the river.

Link to Grandstaff Canyon

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Corona and Bow Tie Arch

Also an Epic Hike. Has that challenging sections that get your blood pumping from the challenge, but your not really in danger. The arches are amazing. The canyons are beautiful, and the trail is well marked. Just follow the green rectangles!

Link to Corona and Bowtie Arch

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DING and DANG SLOT CANYON

Not a canyon to head into without a buddy or if you are not a level 4 hiker. This trail is tough, but you will never forget it if you conquer it.

Link to Ding and Dang Slot Canyon

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Tower Arch

I love this hike, for it is a less crowded Arches Hike. It is not hard in difficulty, but REALLY required you to have navigating tech, or to be very good at watching the Cairns, but sure feels awesome making it there!

Link to Tower Arch

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Crack Canyon

Such an Unique amazing Place. Never seen anything like it before.

Link to Crack Canyon

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If you enjoyed this hike and would like to continue to have more fun adventures come your way, please consider these favorite products of mine.

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Walking the Fins: A Guide to the Devils Garden Primitive Loop & Double O Arch