If you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it mistaken. This desert city is a mecca for outside journey, house to a few of the most unbelievable landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, the finest hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated by them. And now we’re sharing the 12 finest Moab hikes, from beginner-friendly trails to backcountry routes that’ll blow your mountaineering boots off. This is your go-to path information for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point, and secret native favorites that don’t make each record.
Let’s dive in.
Jump to the Best Hikes in Moab
Compare the Best Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Trail: Best Short Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers appears like Mars determined to construct a skyline. This brief path winds round towering purple spires which have been carved by centuries of wind and water, and so they’re as weird as they’re stunning.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get scorching. But the payoff? Incredible views all the approach by. The last overlook offers you a panoramic shot of the total formation, and it’s a photographer’s dream. There’s even a picnic space again at the trailhead for a well-earned break.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 448 toesTrailhead: Fisher Towers Picnic Area
2. Hidden Valley Trail: Moab’s Most Underrated Viewpoint
This one’s for the hikers who like incomes their solitude. Hidden Valley isn’t on most Moab bucket lists, however it ought to be. You’ll begin with a steep, no-nonsense climb that’ll get your coronary heart pounding, after which all of a sudden… it opens up into a large, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.
It’s referred to as “Hidden Valley” for a purpose. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Follow the proper fork close to the finish to see historic petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1469 toes (448 m)Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead
3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)
If you solely do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the famous person of Arches National Park—and simply one in all the finest hikes in Moab. The 3-mile path climbs slick rock and hugs the fringe of a rock face earlier than revealing the 52-foot freestanding arch in all its glory.
We hit the path at 6 AM, half-asleep however decided to beat the crowds. By the time the solar broke over the horizon, the arch was glowing orange, and we had it virtually totally to ourselves. Worth each pre-dawn grumble.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp should you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 629 toes (192 m)Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Windows Loop: Easy Family Hike
This is the Moab hike you’re taking if you’re drained, hungry, or touring with children who simply want to see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up a few of the greatest, most accessible arches in Arches National Park, no sweat required.
We hit it simply earlier than sundown, and the entire space lit up prefer it was on fireplace. The gravel path is easy, and you will get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s an awesome “rest day” hike or the good first cease should you’re brief on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 98 toes (30 m)Trailhead: The Windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Garden Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Adventure
This is the large one. If you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Garden is one in all the finest hikes in Moab. You’ll hit a number of arches—together with Landscape Arch (longer than a soccer discipline), Double O Arch, and the secluded Private Arch. There is a primitive path and the principal path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically onerous, however it calls for stamina and confidence. Some components are unmarked and require a little bit scrambling. We acquired circled as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we have been mountain goats, after which high-fived after we discovered our approach.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)Difficulty: TroublesomeElevation Gain: ~500 toesTrailhead: Devils Garden Trailhead
6. Grand View Point Trail: Top Sunset Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Point lives up to the title. This path, situated in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is brief, straightforward, and ridiculously scenic. You’ll stroll alongside the fringe of a cliffside mesa with panoramic views that stretch all the approach to the La Sal Mountains and past.
We introduced snacks, parked ourselves at the last overlook, and watched the total desert ground flip gold. If you’re selecting one straightforward hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 160 toes (49 m)Trailhead: Grand View Point Trailhead
For a fair higher view of this space, you may want to soar on this tremendous common Helicopter flight which provides you an awesome take a look at this panorama from the sky.
7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike by way of Grandstaff Canyon
If you need to combine issues up, that is the hike. Morning Glory Bridge sits hidden in Grandstaff Canyon, a lush slice of inexperienced in the center of purple rock nation. The path winds by willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Bring water footwear—you’ll thank us later.)
At the finish, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot pure bridge. We stayed there for almost an hour, simply watching the mild shift and echoing our voices by the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: ~300 toesTrailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Dead Horse Point Rim Loop: Canyon Views Without Crowds
Imagine standing on a cliff 2,000 toes above the Colorado River with nobody else round. That’s Dead Horse Point. While the overlook pulls in the crowds, the Rim Loop Trail stays surprisingly quiet, regardless of providing nonstop views that rival the Grand Canyon.
We looped this path in simply over two hours and barely handed one other soul. The dramatic drop-offs and sweeping bends in the river under made it one in all our favourite hikes in Moab for images. Just don’t overlook your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 908 toes (277 m)Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Area (Dead Horse Point State Park)
9. Double Arch Trail: Easiest Hike in Arches National Park
Double Arch is perhaps the best hike in Arches National Park—however it’s removed from boring. This brief path leads you to a large twin arch that’s as tall as a four-story constructing and ideal for scrambling beneath.
We did this one at excessive midday (not beneficial!) and nonetheless cherished it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two large stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. If you’re brief on time or touring with children, that is the good “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 95 toes (29 m)Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Area
10. Mesa Arch Sunrise Trail in Canyonlands
If you’re chasing that good Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path leads to one in all the most well-known dawn views in Utah. As the solar rises, it shines by the arch, lighting up the purple canyon under prefer it’s been set on fireplace.
We arrived at Canyonlands National Park in the darkish with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers ready for the present. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even should you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is value the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 88 toes (27 m)Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot (Island in the Sky, Canyonlands)
11. Mill Creek Trail: Swim and Hike Just Minutes from Moab
Need a break from purple rock and dry warmth? Mill Creek is your oasis. This straightforward path follows a shallow creek previous small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots simply minutes from downtown Moab. Yes—actual water in the desert.
We did this one in flip-flops and bathing fits, and it felt like we’d stumbled into a neighborhood secret. It’s a brief hike however tremendous rewarding, particularly should you’re touring in summer time and wish a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 66 toes (20 m)Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Trail: The Most Confusing Hike in Moab
This one’s probably not a path, it’s a labyrinth. Fiery Furnace is a sandstone maze of tight slot canyons, tunnels, and arches that can take a look at your navigation abilities. It’s brief in distance, however don’t let that idiot you. You will get misplaced, and that’s half the enjoyable.
We joined a ranger-guided hike (extremely beneficial), and nonetheless discovered ourselves doing the previous “wait, have we been here already?” routine. But between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, that is one in all the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Note: You want a allow or to guide a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: Moderate (Navigation-heavy)Elevation Gain: ~300 toesTrailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Moab
So, now you’ve acquired some mountaineering path inspiration, what else ought to ? We’ve ready some necessary solutions to widespread questions on Moab hikes.
Hiking in Moab is adventurous, dry, and filled with dramatic purple rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s one in all the finest mountaineering locations in the U.S. Be ready for excessive climate, restricted shade, and occasional flash floods—particularly in slot canyons.
Essentials for mountaineering in Moab embrace a hydration pack or water bottle, solar safety (hat, sunscreen, sun shades), layered clothes, insect repellent, first support equipment, sturdy mountaineering boots, and water footwear for creek trails. Flashlights or headlamps are additionally helpful for dawn and sundown hikes.
Double Arch Trail is the best hike in Moab. It’s simply 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 toes of elevation achieve and leads to one in all the park’s most spectacular arches. Windows Loop is one other beginner-friendly choice with nice views and easy accessibility.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the finest instances to hike in Moab. These seasons provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path circumstances in contrast to the excessive warmth of summer time or snow in winter.
Stay close to Arches or Canyonlands for early path entry. Budget choices embrace campgrounds and RV websites. Red Cliffs Lodge is a good mid-range resort with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab gives a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and easy accessibility to city.
And should you’ve acquired quite a lot of days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is filled with jaw-dropping parks simply ready to blow your mountaineering boots off—Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley… and doubtless a number of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the street, and pleased mountaineering.