If you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it flawed. This desert city is a mecca for outside journey, dwelling 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 greatest hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated via them. And now we’re sharing the 12 greatest 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 listing.
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 crimson spires which have been carved by centuries of wind and water, they usually’re as weird as they’re stunning.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get sizzling. But the payoff? Incredible views all the method via. The ultimate overlook provides you a panoramic shot of the complete 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 ftTrailhead: 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 instantly… it opens up into a large, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.
It’s known as “Hidden Valley” for a cause. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the complete 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 ft (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 certainly one of the greatest 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 nearly solely to ourselves. Worth each pre-dawn grumble.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp if you happen to 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 ft (192 m)Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Windows Loop: Easy Family Hike
This is the Moab hike you are taking while you’re drained, hungry, or touring with youngsters 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 complete space lit up prefer it was on hearth. The gravel path is clean, and you will get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s an important “rest day” hike or the excellent first cease if you happen to’re brief on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 98 ft (30 m)Trailhead: The Windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Garden Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Adventure
This is the huge one. If you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Garden is certainly one of the greatest hikes in Moab. You’ll hit a number of arches—together with Landscape Arch (longer than a soccer area), Double O Arch, and the secluded Private Arch. There is a primitive path and the fundamental path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically laborious, however it calls for stamina and confidence. Some components are unmarked and require somewhat scrambling. We received circled as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we have been mountain goats, after which high-fived after we discovered our method.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)Difficulty: ToughElevation Gain: ~500 ftTrailhead: Devils Garden Trailhead
6. Grand View Point Trail: Top Sunset Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Point lives up to the identify. This path, positioned 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 method to the La Sal Mountains and past.
We introduced snacks, parked ourselves at the ultimate overlook, and watched the complete desert flooring 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 ft (49 m)Trailhead: Grand View Point Trailhead
For a fair higher view of this space, you may want to soar on this tremendous widespread Helicopter flight which provides you an important have 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 crimson rock nation. The path winds via willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Bring water sneakers—you’ll thank us later.)
At the finish, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot pure bridge. We stayed there for practically an hour, simply watching the gentle shift and echoing our voices via the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: ~300 ftTrailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Dead Horse Point Rim Loop: Canyon Views Without Crowds
Imagine standing on a cliff 2,000 ft 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 certainly one of our favourite hikes in Moab for pictures. Just don’t neglect your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 908 ft (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 excellent for scrambling below.
We did this one at excessive midday (not advisable!) and nonetheless cherished it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two big stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. If you’re brief on time or touring with youngsters, that is the excellent “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 95 ft (29 m)Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Area
10. Mesa Arch Sunrise Trail in Canyonlands
If you’re chasing that excellent Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path leads to certainly one of the most well-known dawn views in Utah. As the solar rises, it shines via the arch, lighting up the crimson canyon under prefer it’s been set on hearth.
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 if you happen to’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is value the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 88 ft (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 crimson 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 if you happen to’re touring in summer season and wish a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 66 ft (20 m)Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Trail: The Most Confusing Hike in Moab
This one’s not likely a path, it’s a labyrinth. Fiery Furnace is a sandstone maze of tight slot canyons, tunnels, and arches that can check your navigation expertise. 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 advisable), and nonetheless discovered ourselves doing the previous “wait, have we been here already?” routine. But between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, that is certainly one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Note: You want a allow or to e-book a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: Moderate (Navigation-heavy)Elevation Gain: ~300 ftTrailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Moab
So, now you’ve received some mountaineering path inspiration, what else ought to you understand? We’ve ready some vital solutions to widespread questions on Moab hikes.
Hiking in Moab is adventurous, dry, and filled with dramatic crimson rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s certainly one of the greatest 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 help equipment, sturdy mountaineering boots, and water sneakers 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 ft of elevation achieve and leads to certainly one of 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 greatest instances to hike in Moab. These seasons supply cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path circumstances in contrast to the excessive warmth of summer season 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 superb mid-range lodge with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab gives a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and easy accessibility to city.
And if you happen to’ve received quite a lot of days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is full of 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 possibly a couple of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the street, and glad mountaineering.