Exploring Devils Garden Escalante: A Unique Stop on Hole-in-the-Rock Road

If you’re exploring Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Devils Garden is one stop you shouldn’t miss. We first attempted this drive in our Sprinter van, Alice, but the endless washboarding and deep sand along Hole-in-the-Rock Road forced us to turn around after mile three. This year, armed with a rental Jeep, we made it easily and finally experienced this incredible wonderland of sandstone hoodoos, windows, and arches. Devils Garden isn’t a hike; it’s a playful, wide-open destination where you wander, climb, explore, and take some of the most unique photos in all of Escalante.

Trail Details

Getting to Devils Garden (Escalante)

Devils Garden is located along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, about 12 miles from Highway 12.

This road is infamous — long, dusty, washboarded, and usually in rough condition. It is graded occasionally, but even on “good” days, it’s still a punishing ride.

We’ve attempted this road twice:

• 4 years ago: We tried taking Alice (our Sprinter van) and turned around at about mile 3. At an average speed of 5–10 mph and with constant rattling and shuttering inside the van, we quickly realized it was too much for her. I was convinced every screw in every cabinet was going to shake loose from their pockets.
• This year: We rented a Jeep, which handled the sand, ruts, and washboarding without any trouble. Wow — what a difference it makes traveling in a vehicle actually built for roads like this.

If you’re traveling in a low-clearance vehicle, RV, or heavy van, we don’t recommend attempting the full drive unless conditions are excellent.

If your vehicle isn’t suited for deep washboarding or loose sand, consider renting a high clearance 4×4 in Escalante. We used Epic Jeeps and had a great experience (not sponsored — just helpful!).

What Makes Devils Garden Special?

Devils Garden is less about miles and more about discovery. There is no set trail — instead, you wander through a maze of sandstone fins, hoodoos, and arches at your own pace.

Expect to find:

• 📸 Unique photo spots everywhere you look
• 🪨 Hoodoos and balanced rocks
• 🌄 Mini arches and windows hiding between rock formations
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect areas for families to explore
• 🤳 Endless Instagram-worthy backdrops

It’s a place that invites curiosity. We spent most of our time simply climbing, exploring alcoves, and enjoying how different the landscape felt from anywhere else in Utah.

Our Experience at Devils Garden

We visited Devils Garden on our way to explore Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons, and it immediately felt like stepping into a sandstone wonderland.

There’s no official route — just endless formations to wander through. We climbed on rounded fins, ducked under small arches, and found hidden alcoves that felt like our own private playgrounds. Families were exploring nearby, kids running from hoodoo to hoodoo, and photographers positioned themselves for the perfect shot.

This isn’t a place where you log miles or chase elevation gain — it’s a destination, not a hike. Playful, creative, and visually stunning.

Is Devils Garden Worth the Stop?

Absolutely — yes.

If you’re visiting Escalante, Devils Garden is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops in the region:

• No major physical effort
• Great for all ages
• Photogenic from every angle
• A perfect complement to the nearby slot canyons

Even if you’re short on time, 30–45 minutes here is enough to fall in love with the landscape.

Final Thoughts

Devils Garden in Escalante may not be as famous as the one in Arches National Park, but it offers something entirely its own — a whimsical sandstone playground that’s perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Pair it with Peekaboo and Spooky, pack plenty of water, and prepare for a bumpy ride — Hole-in-the-Rock Road may test your patience, but Devils Garden will absolutely reward it.

You Might Also Like

• Devils Garden in Arches National Park
• Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons
• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
• How we prepare for rough dirt-road adventures