Arches feels bigger when you hike it. This 7-mile Devils Garden loop turns a famous park into a hands-on photo walk, with guided stops at major arches like Landscape, Double O, Partition, and Navajo. I like how the outing blends hiking + photography focus, so you’re not just moving—you’re also stopping at the right moments to look closely.

Two things I especially like: the route hits big names (Landscape Arch and the remote-feeling Double O and Partition areas) without dragging on, and you get a guide like Paulina who keeps the day moving and teaches you what you’re actually looking at. One possible consideration: park entry is not included in the tour price, so you’ll likely add the $15 per person gate fee unless you already have a pass.

You also get a practical setup for a smooth day in Moab. Pickup is available from hotels, campgrounds, and AirBnBs inside Moab limits, and the company includes a timed-entry reservation so you’re not stuck guessing your way into Arches. Add in that it’s private (just your group) and it starts early at 7:00 am, and you’ve got a plan built for people who want value without chaos.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• 7-mile intermediate Devils Garden loop with a mix of short walks and viewpoint moments
• Timed-entry reservation included for Arches National Park
• Photo and hiking focused guiding, not just a shuffle from stop to stop
• Remote-feeling arches like Double O and Partition, not only the most obvious ones
• Paulina-style pacing that aims to keep you moving and still work with your comfort level
• Moab pickup options that reduce the stress of getting to the start

Devils Garden 7-mile loop: what makes this Arches challenge worth it

If you like your Arches days to feel like an actual hike, not a quick drive-and-photos loop, this Devils Garden route is a strong match. It’s about 7 miles and labeled intermediate, which usually means you’ll be walking enough to feel it by hour two—but the itinerary is broken into short stops so you get frequent breaks.

The best part is the mix of famous and remote. You’ll start near Landscape Arch (the world’s longest arch), then you’ll move toward areas where the arches feel more tucked in—think Double O Arch, Partition Arch, and Navajo Arch. Those “off the main drag” stretches are where a guided day helps, because you’re not just chasing shapes; you’re also learning why they’re there and how they relate to the rock around them.

This is also a day built for looking, not speed. The stops are quick (often just a few minutes), which sounds short until you realize it’s exactly what you need in a desert park: enough time to see, frame a photo, and move on before the light shifts or the heat ramps up.

Price and value: $315.12 plus the Arches entry fee reality

At $315.12 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Arches. But it’s priced like a guided, time-managed outing with real hiking time, not a casual self-guided stroll.

Here’s the practical value math: the tour includes a timed-entry reservation and an Arches-focused route with a photography/hiking emphasis. That matters because timed entry can shape your day, and a good route plan saves you from burning energy on poor logistics.

The big catch is also straightforward. National Parks entry is not included. The data says it’s $15 per person extra, or you may use an existing pass (free entry for up to 4 people with one pass, if you already have it). So before you book, decide whether you’ll pay the gate fee or bring a pass you already own. If you’re arriving without a pass, the all-in cost is meaningfully higher than the headline price.

Also note: tips aren’t included. A typical guest tip is listed at about 15% if the day matched expectations.

Moab pickup, 7:00 am start, and why it changes the whole day

Getting to trailheads and overlooks in Moab can be its own mini workout. This tour helps because it includes pickup from hotels, campgrounds, and AirBnBs within Moab city limits, plus specific pickup guidance for several other areas.

The meeting point is 150 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532, and the start time is 7:00 am. An early start is exactly what you want for a desert hike, because you’ll feel the temperature rise during your mid-morning walking. Even with frequent stops, the sun and exposed rock don’t play nice later in the day.

One thing I appreciate is the clarity around pickup areas. For certain places (like Sorrel River Ranch, Red Cliffs Lodge, Castle Valley, Under Canvas, and Pack Creek Ranch), the guidance directs you to meet at the office at 150 E Center instead of a direct hotel pickup. That kind of detail prevents the classic last-minute confusion that can ruin a morning.

Landscape Arch and the “world’s longest” moment

Most Arches visitors have a mental image of Landscape Arch. Seeing it in person is still different—because scale is the whole story here.

On this hike, Landscape Arch is an early stop with a short walk (about 5 minutes) focused on getting to the viewpoint and taking it in. The big hook is that it’s described as the world’s longest arch, which means your eyes naturally try to follow the span from one end to the other. This is one of those places where a guide helps you slow down and look at the details you’d otherwise miss.

If you’re a photographer, this stop is about composition and context. If you’re hiking for the experience, it’s about orientation: after seeing Landscape Arch, the rest of the route makes more sense.

One possible limitation: because the walk is brief, you won’t have a long sit-down moment here. If you want extended quiet time for sketching or long tripod setups, you may want to bring that expectation with you so you can plan your photo timing.

Double O Arch: why the “remote” ones feel like the reward

After the early-famous stop, the route moves toward arches that feel more spread out. Double O Arch is listed as a remote arch along the hike, with another short stop (about 5 minutes).

Remote-feeling arches are where your brain starts to shift. Instead of thinking about checklists, you start thinking about how the trail threads through rock formations and how the arches frame the sky. That’s the kind of moment that sticks, especially when you’re walking rather than driving.

This is also a good place to pay attention to your footing. Even if the stop time is short, you’ll still be stepping along a desert trail where the ground can be uneven. If your goal is comfort, go easy early so you don’t spend the mid-part of the hike managing fatigue later.

Partition Arch: a quick stop with big payoff

Partition Arch is another arch along the hike with a remote feel. It’s also on the schedule with around 5 minutes.

This stop works because it’s different from the huge, obvious landmark shapes. Partition Arch is part of the reason Devils Garden feels like more than one signature site—it’s a cluster of formations that change how you perceive the area. When you only see Arches from overlooks, you’re often seeing a single highlight at a time. On foot, you see relationships.

The short stop format is important here. You’ll get what you need to enjoy the arch, take photos if you want, and keep moving so the whole day stays within about 5 to 6 hours.

Scenic drive stops: using the car for smart viewpoint coverage

Not every great Arches moment requires a long walk. This tour includes times where you’ll see arches from a vehicle and also stop at scenic pull-offs.

The itinerary includes arch views along the scenic drive (listed more than once), and there’s also a Balanced Rock moment both as a trail photo stop and as a vehicle view. That structure is smart: it lets you stack viewpoints without burning energy.

Think of it as a pacing tool. When the hike is moving, you stay on track. When the route hits a perfect overlook, the vehicle sections help you reset—water breaks, hat adjustment, quick photo, then back out again.

Balanced Rock trail photo stop: the quick win for iconic photos

Balanced Rock Trail is included as a photo stop (about 5 minutes). You’ll also see Balanced Rock from the vehicle as part of the scenic coverage.

This is one of those Arches icons that can look small on a map and huge in person. It’s also a favorite because it’s relatively easy to understand visually. From a trail edge or an overlook, you can quickly grasp the idea of the rock balanced above softer material.

A quick stop here is efficient. It gives you the shot and the moment without asking you to add extra time beyond the planned day. The downside is the same as at Landscape Arch: you won’t get long lingering time unless your guide adjusts on the fly for your group.

Navajo Arch: finishing with a remote-feeling payoff

You end (within the tour flow) with Navajo Arch, another remote arch along the hike with about 5 minutes. By the time you reach this part of the route, you’re already warmed up to how the landscape works, so you’ll likely feel more connected to what you’re seeing.

This is a nice way to close because the remote feel of Navajo Arch contrasts with the early landmark moment. It makes the whole outing feel like a journey, not a loop of random stops.

One more practical thought: by this point in the day, you’ll want to keep your pace steady. The route is still active, and the desert can make energy dip feel sudden. If you’re the type who pushes through regardless of how you feel, this is a good moment to check in with yourself and slow down.

What the guide is doing for you (and why that matters)

The value of a guided hike isn’t just reading a few facts. It’s how the guide manages your time, your route, and your focus.

In the provided info, Paulina is singled out as someone who doesn’t waste time and who shares what you’re seeing and learning about Moab alongside the geology. That matters because Arches is one of those parks where the formations can look similar at first glance. A guide helps you notice differences fast, so your photos and your memories don’t blur together.

There’s also a clue in one of the notes about adjusting for slower hiking in heat and having water and stops as needed. That’s the kind of practical care that can make a desert hike feel more human. Even if your fitness is solid, it’s still good to have someone who understands when the day needs a breather.

Timing, pacing, and how to get comfortable on a 7-mile day

A 5 to 6 hour day with a 7-mile loop means you’ll likely walk more than you think, even with short stops. To get the most enjoyment, plan like this is a hike day first, sightseeing day second.

Start with hydration. The desert makes water a first-class item. Bring more than you think you’ll need, and use your guide’s stop rhythm to sip regularly instead of chugging when you feel behind.

Wear solid shoes. The itinerary includes short walks between arches, plus trail segments for Balanced Rock and the arch route sections. If your footwear is soft or slippery, you’ll feel it more than you expected.

Finally, don’t over-plan for long photo setups. The stop times are brief by design. If you want tripod-style, take a quick test before the stop ends, then decide whether to keep shooting or move on.

Is it a good fit for you?

This tour is listed for a moderate physical fitness level. That’s a helpful clue: you don’t need to be an elite hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for hours and handling uneven desert ground.

If you’re the kind of person who likes learning while you walk, you’ll probably enjoy the way the day is set up—moving between landmark and remote arches with enough structure to feel complete. If you’re traveling with a group and want everyone to see key spots without negotiating logistics, the private format helps.

If your goal is a very easy stroll with lots of resting, you might find the intermediate label and 7-mile distance tougher than expected. In that case, you may want a shorter Arches option.

Should you book the Arches National Park Hike Challenge: Devils Garden 7m Loop?

I’d book it if you want your Arches day to be active, guided, and focused on the arches that most people don’t fully explore. The combination of a 7-mile intermediate loop, timed entry, and short, efficient stops at Landscape, Double O, Partition, Balanced Rock, and Navajo gives you a high hit-rate without wasting time.

You should pause before booking if you don’t already have an Arches pass and you’d rather keep costs strictly to the headline price. Once you add the $15 per person entry fee, the math changes.

FAQ

How long is the Devils Garden 7-mile loop tour?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Is national park entry included in the tour price?

No. Arches National Park entry is extra at $15 per person, unless you use an existing pass (free for up to 4 people with 1 existing pass).

What is the hike distance and difficulty?

The included hike is about a 7-mile intermediate hike, and it’s meant for a moderate physical fitness level.

Do you get a timed entry reservation for Arches National Park?

Yes. The tour includes a timed-entry reservation.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

Is pickup available in Moab?

Yes. Pickup is offered from all hotels, campgrounds, and AirBnBs within Moab city limits, with some additional guidance for certain areas.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What if I cancel close to the tour date?

The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.