Double O Arch

Overview:
Less than a mile beyond Landscape Arch lies the second biggest Arch in Arches National Park, Double O Arch, with the larger of the two arches comprising this double arch at 71 feet, and the smaller at 21 feet. Double O Arch is a spectacular site along the Devil's Garden trail, as is the hike that takes you there. From Landscape Arch, the trail becomes less apparent and more primitive, and therefore, more fun. This hike is, of course, very crowded, and best undertaken in the morning hours when the lighting is good for photography, and the crowds haven't become overwhelming.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

• From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North


• About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park


• Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead


• You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.799257, -109.621136
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: 3
Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Trail Condition: Well maintained and well marked until primitive trail, more rugged until destination
Season: Early Spring until late Fall

Detailed Description:
The Devil's Garden trail is very well-marked, well-maintained, and well-travelled until Landscape Arch where the Primitive Trail Loop begins. When you arrive at the Primitive Loop sign-post, take the left fork for the most direct route to Double O Arch. We arrived at the Primitive Loop at around 3:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday in June, and although the Devil's Garden parking lot was packed beyond capacity, we were one of the only groups we saw who ventured beyond Landscape Arch, and remained fairly isolated our entire voyage until we returned to Landscape.

After trekking over and around sandstone fin after sandstone fin, and seeing beautiful views of the valley to the north and the La Sal mountains to the east, you'll arrive at Double O Arch. Be sure to take plenty of water because you won't find any along the way, and during the right time of day it can get pretty hot. The trail itself is mostly flat, so the only uphill hiking you'll have to do is up and over the fins. Also, be on the lookout for cairns to mark the way when the trail leaves the sand and heads up and over the fins. You'll see signposts along the way, like the one shown in the pictures below, so it's easy to tell when you arrive.

Maps:








Pictures:















Title image taken by Flicka