Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Part 1: Devil’s Garden and Cedar Wash Arch
I had been dreaming of seeing some of the canyons and magical formations out on Hole-in-the-Rock Road for over two years and was so excited to finally make it out there. I had quite the itinerary planned for us, but with all the recent rains two of the slot canyons we had planed to explore had at least 5 feet of water in them (I refer to this type of excursion as not dog-able) and an additional hike that required multiple wash crossings was flooded. And then the car became more fussy; nervous we would stall while climbing out of washes or going up steep 4-wheel drive tracks we decided it wasn’t worth the risk to drive out to a couple other places. But we really had an awesome time and have planned to just return to what we missed this trip.
Our first stop was Devil’s Garden, a collection of two-toned hoodoos and arches that have eroded into some amazing organic shapes. This small area is one of the most popular and accessible places along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, only 13 miles from Route 12. We spent a short time exploring the formations then decided to walk, crossing plateaus of petrified dunes and dropping into a rounded canyon. Turning back after a few miles we returned to the car and drove to our next destination: Cedar Wash Arch.
Cedar Wash Arch is a shallow arc, almost hidden among the gorgeous, creamy white Entrada sandstone that makes up the canyon walls. Though it was towards the end of our day we agreed that this wash would absolutely merit further exploration. Next we went looking for Covered Wagon Natural Bridge which should have been a half mile up the wash but we were unsuccessful. Walking along the canyon rim towards where we thought it was located provided us with more spectacular views into the wash and across the plateau though and was quite a spectacular place to explore.
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Me taking pictures at Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Metate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Metate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Metate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Metate Arch, Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Tom and Abby crossing petrified dunes near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Unique conglomerate, near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Canyon carved through rounded petrified dunes near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Walking through the canyon near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Looking down a trail of small potholes into the wash, Near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Near Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Devil’s Garden, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Cedar Wash Arch, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Tom and Abby looking over Cedar Wash, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Canyon rim near Cedar Wash Arch, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
View into the canyon, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
View along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Amazing!! We will be going through this way after Zion, did you need permits, etc to access what you’ve photographed here?
Again, sorry for the delay on responding! Anything here does not require a permit but a couple things should be noted, the most important being that this road is frequently closed for stretches after any precipitation. Also, anytime you get too far down this road (I’ve heard after 40 miles) it deteriorates rapidly. You have a high-clearance 4-runner though, right (?) so you should be fine in most conditions (just unhook Thelma at the large dispersed camping areas near the junction of Rt 12 (free camping too)) . Just be aware that going off the main road like where Cedar Wash Arch is will require driving in sand and through washes. We did it with 4 wheel drive. Devil’s Garden will be no problem to get to. Whenever I can get my next post up (hopefully really soon!) I’ll have the slot canyons we went to which are the most accessible ones off the road. I really recommend them. There is a TON of other amazing things to see off Hole-in-the-Rock but many are difficult to get to without 4 wheel driving in sand and through challenging conditions but I think anything would be worth seeing here really. Hope that’s enough – or maybe not too much, ha – info for you!
So good to know none of these require a permit. So Hole in the Rock road is def a place to put on the list? I have a Toyota Rav4, smaller than a 4-Runner, and no 4WD 🙁 I want to avoid permits if possible, because of time restraints. I will put these places you’ve mentioned on the list! Thank you Meghan!!
Hole-in-the-Rock is def awesome. As long as you’re not venturing off onto side roads and the weather doesn’t close the road you’ll be fine in your rav4.
These pictures are amazing as always! The landscape looks like something from another planet!
Thank you, Oleksandra! So many parts of Utah definitely look like a different planet!
Such surreal country! Nice composition on your photos.
Thank you, Ingrid! It’s a fantastic place.