Private Arch Spur
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The route crosses exposed slickrock with limited shade — in summer, surface temperatures can be scorching and the reflected heat is brutal, so avoid midday entirely from June through September.
Navigation is the real hazard here. Cairns are inconsistent and the slickrock terrain makes it easy to wander off-route — if you lose the trail, backtrack to the last cairn rather than pushing forward on a guess.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Reach Private Arch by first hiking the full Devils Garden Trail to the primitive trail junction — the spur branches off about midway along the primitive loop, so plan for a substantial outing, not just a quick half-mile walk.
Carry a map or download the offline trail in AllTrails before you go — the spur is unmarked on most park maps and cairns can be sparse, especially after wind or rain rearranges the sand.
Visit in the late afternoon when the western light fills the arch with a warm glow and most day-hikers have already turned back from the primitive trail, giving you the best chance at a completely private visit.
