Views Along the Primitive Trail Views Along the Primitive Trail We hiked this trail on Memorial Day weekend, and even though there were massive lines to enter the park, this trail was empty. This section of the trail goes through a lower-lying area with gorgeous views of the rocky landscape and the green brush.Įach time I've hiked the Primitive Trail, it's been almost completely quiet, with no other hikers (or only a handful of hikers) along the way. The Primitive Trail is slightly less clearly marked than the Double O trail, but the rock cairns are still there. If you prefer, you can go back the way you came, back over the narrow rock fin, down the steep rock fin, and past Landscape Arch. When you're ready, turn around and leave Dark Angel. Dark Angel Rock in ArchesĪre you a rock climber? Learn more about climbing Dark Angel. When you reach Dark Angel, you'll see the large rock spire sticking straight up into the air. This section of the trail was fairly easy, and we had the trail all to ourselves! Hiking to Dark Angel Rock The Double O Arch The Double O Trailįrom Double O Arch, follow the signs for Dark Angel. Sit and admire the view for a moment (and maybe eat a snack). Hiking the Double O Trail The Double O Trail Rock Fin on The Double O TrailĪs you hike, watch for rock cairns (small piles of rock that mark the path) to guide you. This was the other spot on the trail that freaked me out a little bit, but in reality it was wide enough that I probably shouldn't have been so nervous. Next, rejoin the main trail and keep walking.Įventually, you'll cross another long, narrow rock fin. I was too distracted by my nerves to snap a photo of the rock fin!Ĭontinue along the trail, and when you reach the spur trail for Navajo and Partition Arches, take it. If you're scared of heights, this will probably be one of two scary spots on the trail. This hike begins by walking (or climbing, or crawling) up a steep rock fin. If you decide you're up for a challenge, start the hike to the Double O Arch. This will likely be the most crowded part of the hike, but the crowds will get smaller and smaller as you hike the Double O trail. Rejoin the main trail, and continue towards Landscape Arch. You'll start the hike by walking along the (probably crowded) path to Landscape Arch.Īlong the path, take the short spur trail to see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. Need hiking boots? Check out my picks for the best women's hiking shoes and boots. You'll be walking on sandstone rocks, often on an angle, so make sure to wear hiking shoes or boots with excellent grip. I love these Kelty cork-handled poles for a budget-pick, or these Black Diamond Alpine carbon trekking poles for a higher-end pole. I also recommend a trekking pole, especially if you're used to hiking with one. There are no water sources along the trail. What Should I Bring With Me on the Hike?īring lots of water, especially if you're hiking in the summer. Look for the trailhead sign for Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. How Do I Get to the Double O Trail?Įnter the park and drive 18 miles (all the way to the end of the road), and then park your car in the Devil's Garden parking area. If you do the entire trail, including all the trail spurs and the Primitive Trail, it's a 7.9-mile loop trail. The remaining four arches and the Dark Angel rock are on short (well-marked) trail spurs. Keep in mind that only two of the arches are along the main trail. The Primitive Trail is less clearly marked (but is still marked!), and turns the Double O trail into a six-mile loop trail. Instead of turning around at the Double O Arch, you can keep going on the Primitive Trail. The trail from the trailhead to Double O Arch is clearly marked with rock cairns. If you hike to the Double O Arch and go back the way you came it's a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail. That said, the trail itself isn't excessively narrow in those spots, so if you're steady on your feet you should be fine. This trail includes walking across rock fins, and there are some sections with steep drop-offs. I'm just a little bit afraid of heights, and find a few places on this trail to be fairly nerve-wracking. If you're very afraid of heights, this trail might not be for you. The first mile of the trail is easy, but the rest is much trickier. It's a moderately strenuous trail with some (fairly easy) rock scrambling. Want more nearby hiking trails? Some of these hiking trails in Canyonlands National Park are only about 30 minutes from Arches! How Difficult is the Double O Trail? The Double O trail also happens to be one of my favorite trails in Arches! This trail gets less attention than the Delicate Arch trail, but it passes six different arches, plus the Dark Angel rock, and is relatively uncrowded. Are you planning on hiking in Arches National Park?ĭo you want to avoid the crowds in this extra-popular (and also fairly small) national park?
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