Moab, Utah, is a unique wonderland that’s an ideal destination for any outdoor adventurer. This desert town is surrounded by some of Utah’s best national parks, including Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition, Moab is known for having some of the best hiking in the country.
Between the sweeping views and incredible rock formations, the desert landscape of Moab is a scene like no other. Moab has something for you whether you’re visiting with family or looking for an epic solo adventure. The following is a collection of the best hikes around Moab for any experience level.
Table of Contents
Best Easy Hikes in Moab
Dinosaur Tracks Trail
Image Source: Visit Utah
- Location: Canyonlands National Park
- Trail Length: .2 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: ½ hour
The Dinosaur Tracks Trail is a part of the Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs. This trail is exactly what it sounds- an easy walk to some dinosaur tracks on a tilted boulder face above the Colorado River. At the site of the tracks, informational placards give the feel of an open-air museum.
The tracks on this boulder were made by the three-toed feet of an Allosaurus. It walked across the mud, and water buried the tracks with sediment. Over millions of years, the tracks were hardened until they were finally exposed by erosion.
As you leave the trailhead, find the flat angled rock face on the opposite side of the trail. From there, you’ll follow a sandstone ramp to a cliff band which will take you to the dinosaur tracks. The Dinosaur Tracks Trail is kid-friendly, and it’s the perfect outing for the whole family!
Windows Loop Trail
Image Source: Hiking Project
- Location: Arches National Park
- Trail Length: .7 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: ½ hour
The Windows Loop Trail is a mellow yet scenic trail suitable for the whole family. It’s located in Arches National Park and features several arch rock formations. So if you’re looking for a way to experience Arches National Park without all the walking, this trail is a great option!
Windows Loop is a gravel trail, so it’s wheelchair-accessible. And because there isn’t much elevation gain, it’s an excellent option for beginner hikers and families. If you want to add a short side trip, keep right just after the North Window to check out Turret Arch.
Grand View Point Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Canyonlands National Park
- Trail Length: 2 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
Grand View Point Trail is another shorter trail that packs in the views. It’s located on the Island in the Sky district in Canyonlands National Park. There are interpretive signs at the Grand View Trailhead that the National Park Service placed. One is a panoramic sign pointing out the features you can see from the top.
Many hikers choose to hike Grand View Point in the evening because it’s known to be one of the best sunset viewpoints. There are two viewpoints along the trail. Up until the first viewpoint, the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
After the first viewpoint, there’s a short climb up some stairs to the final lookout point. Some hikers report that the trail can be poorly marked at this point, so follow the cairns as you go. At the top of Grand View Point, you’ll have stunning panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park.
Best Moderate Hikes in Moab
Corona Arch Trail
Image Source: Utah.com
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Trail Length: 3 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
The Corona Arch Trail takes you above the Colorado River Canyon and leads you to three main arches. Corona Arch is one of the most prominent arches in the Moab area. So if you’re looking for a hike to enjoy the scenic arches but not be within the crowded Arches National Park, this hike is for you!
Corona Arch is also called Little Rainbow Bridge, and its opening measures 140 feet across by 105 feet high. This Navajo sandstone arch is the final destination of this trail, but it certainly doesn’t take away from Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch that you’ll see along the way.
For the most part, the Corona Arch Trail is easy to follow. However, some sections of Slickrock pavement are marked with cairns. Some slickrock areas also have metal cables to use as support. If you’re scared of heights, consider stopping at the first cable to view Corona Arch.
Start early if you’re hiking the Corona Arch Trail in the summer. There is almost no shade along the way except beneath some cliffs in the afternoon. So carry plenty of water and wear a sun hat!
Fisher Towers Trail
Image Source: All Trails
- Location: Fisher Towers Picnic Area
- Trail Length: 4.2 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Fisher Towers Trail is the perfect relaxing morning hike that rewards you with stunning views. It isn’t very technical, so it’s suitable for beginner hikers. And the best part? There’s more than just a final destination view. The entire hiking trail is full of spectacular desert and canyon views.
The Fisher Towers are one of the incredible views along the way. Wind and rain have shaped these rock formations into unique formations over many years. You’ll want to get your camera out for this one! Directly after passing Fisher Towers, you’ll follow the trail to the left to reach the final viewpoint.
Fishers Towers Trail is unique in that the whole hiking trail is ornamented with various red sandstone rock art. This is what makes this hike so enchanting!
During the warmer months, start hiking the Fisher Towers Trail early. There’s very little shade, so bring plenty of water and wear a sun hat!
Dead Horse Point Rim Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Dead Horse Point State Park
- Trail Length: 5 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Dead Horse Point State Park is a fantastic addition to your Canyonlands National Park trip. The Dead Horse Trailhead is less than an hour from the park, so that it can be a quick trip on your way back to Moab.
This Dead Horse Point Rim Trail follows the long ridge and rim of the Colorado River Canyon. You’ll be rewarded with stunning river and canyon views along the way. You can start this loop trail at many points along the route. However, it’s recommended to start at the visitors center and hike clockwise around the point. This way, you can save some of the best sweeping vista views for the grand finale!
Overall, the Dead Horse Point Rim Trail is relatively level and gains about 360 feet in elevation. As a result, the trail offers some of the most rugged and spectacular views for this moderate effort!
Best Challenging Hikes in Moab
Hidden Valley Trail
Image Source: Azutopia
- Location: Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area
- Trail Length: 6 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
The Hidden Valley Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike suitable for avid hikers. It’s located on the cliffs just south of Moab. The first section of the trail is rugged, rocky, and notoriously tricky. In the first ½ mile, you’ll gain almost 600 feet in elevation. As you climb beyond the Hidden Valley, the trail begins to level to a more gradual grade.
Hidden Valley is a broad shelf between the top of the Moab Rim and Spanish Valley. Beyond Hidden Valley, you’ll go over a low pass where you’ll be rewarded with a view of the sandstone fins of the Behind the Rocks area.
If you want to extend your hiking adventure, follow the Moab Rim four-wheel-drive trail to its starting point to meet the Colorado River eventually.
Devil’s Garden Loop Trail
Image Source: NPS
- Location: Arches National Park
- Trail Length: 8 miles
- Trail Type: Loop trail
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Devil’s Garden Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail at the northern end of Arches National Park. While it presents many challenges, the course offers unbelievable views of unique arches. One incredible featured arch Landscape Arch is one of the most extended natural spans in the world.
Many hikers hike the loop counter-clockwise, and the many side trips to different arches along the way. You can skip these side trips to make your hike easier and shorter. The main trail through Devil’s Garden is wide and well-maintained. However, some side trips involve rock scrambles, best suited for experienced hikers.
The Devil’s Garden Primitive Trail is known to be one of the best hikes in Moab. While it’s not a technical hike, you’ll want to be prepared and time your hike well to avoid the midday heat. Along the way, you’ll have great views of the Double Arch, Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch, and Partition Arch. The final arch is Private Arch, a short half-mile walk away from the others.
Moab Rim Trail
Image Source: AllTrails
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Trail Length: 8 miles
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trail
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
The Moab Rim Trail has been well-known as a gnarly jeep trail for many years, but it’s also a well-regarded hiking trail. It starts along the Colorado River, where it steadily climbs inclined Slickrock ledges uplifted by the Moab Fault.
The Moab Rim Trail follows a ledge of purple sandstone that rises along the Colorado River to form the cliffs defining the western side of the Moab Valley. On the other side of the river is the parallel Portal Trail.
The first mile is a brutal climb before it levels out as you approach the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The trail is slickrock all the way to the top. Because of this, The Moab Rim Trail is not for the faint at heart. And as you get close to the top, there are some brutal stair steps to conquer.
The Moab Rim Trail also connects to the Hidden Valley Trail at the end. Once you reach the turnaround point, an alternate route leads down Sand Hill. From here, the trail follows a wash that alternates between loose sand and slickrock. It also passes Butler Arch shortly before rejoining the main route.
What to Bring: Recommended Gear for Hiking in Moab
The key to a great hiking adventure in Moab is to come prepared with the right gear. First, you’ll want to be sure that you have comfortable hiking clothes and any layers you may need based on the weather. It’s essential to check the weather forecast before you hit the trail! Beyond what you wear, you’ll want to ensure you have all the gear you might need. The following is a thorough recommended gear packing list for hiking trips in Moab:
- A durable daypack is a must for hiking in Moab. Check out our daypack recommendations to find one that works for you!
- Sun protection. Clothing with UV protection, long sleeves, and long pants offers excellent sun protection. You should also bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen!
- A refillable water bottle is essential. Always make sure you have more than enough water for your hike!
- Warm layers are essential. Pack a shell to protect you from rain and wind and an insulating layer to keep you warm. And check the weather and temperature forecasts before you go!
- Rain layers often get overlooked. But a raincoat and rain pants are highly recommended when hiking in the spring or fall. During these months, pop-up rain showers and storms are expected.
- A first aid kit. You never know what could happen out on the trail! Be prepared for injury or illness by packing a first aid kit.
- Comfortable footwear. Sturdy, durable hiking boots with ankle support are a great go-to. For specific trails, you can also consider:
– Approach shoes for any sort of technical hikes in Moab.
– More accessible hikes can be managed with hiking sandals for men and women.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Moab, Utah?
The best time to visit Moab is early spring and late fall. However, April and May are both great months because the weather is nice and temperatures are manageable (about 80 to 90 degrees). There are also not as many people around during this time.
Where To Stay in Moab
Camping Options
Budget Hotel Options
Luxury Hotel Options
How Many Days Should I Spend Hiking in Moab, Utah?
We recommend spending at least three nights in Moab for a hiking trip. That way, you have two full days. You can spend one at Arches and the other at Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Moab has something to offer if you’re a brand new hiker or have years of experience on the trail. With incredible nearby National Parks such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon, you’ll have endless opportunities to explore your surroundings. So as you begin to plan your trip to Moab, prepare to encounter some of the most unique and stunning views yet!
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