In case you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it fallacious. This desert city is a mecca for outside journey, house to a few of the most unbelievable landscapes within the American Southwest. Whether or not you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, one of the best hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated by means of 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. That is your go-to path information for Arches Nationwide Park, Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Lifeless Horse Level, and secret native favorites that don’t make each record.
Let’s dive in.
Bounce to the Finest Hikes in Moab
Examine the Finest Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Path: Finest Brief Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers appears to be like like Mars determined to construct a skyline. This brief path winds round towering pink spires which have been carved by centuries of wind and water, and so they’re as weird as they’re lovely.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get scorching. However the payoff? Unimaginable views right through. The ultimate overlook provides you a panoramic shot of your complete formation, and it’s a photographer’s dream. There’s even a picnic space again on the trailhead for a well-earned break.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 448 toes
Trailhead: Fisher Towers Picnic Space
2. Hidden Valley Path: 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, nevertheless it must 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 referred to as “Hidden Valley” for a purpose. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Observe the best fork close to the tip to see historical petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 1469 toes (448 m)
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead
3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)
In case you solely do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the famous person of Arches Nationwide Park—and simply the most effective hikes in Moab. The three-mile path climbs slick rock and hugs the sting 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 point the solar broke over the horizon, the arch was glowing orange, and we had it virtually fully to ourselves. Price each pre-dawn grumble.
Professional tip: Carry a headlamp in the event you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 629 toes (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Home windows Loop: Simple Household Hike
That is the Moab hike you’re taking while you’re drained, hungry, or touring with children who simply must see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up a few of the greatest, most accessible arches in Arches Nationwide 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 important “relaxation day” hike or the proper first cease in the event you’re brief on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Acquire: 98 toes (30 m)
Trailhead: The Home windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Backyard Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Journey
That is the large one. In case you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Backyard is without doubt one of the finest hikes in Moab. You’ll hit a number of arches—together with Panorama Arch (longer than a soccer subject), Double O Arch, and the secluded Non-public Arch. There’s a primitive path and the primary path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically exhausting, nevertheless it calls for stamina and confidence. Some elements are unmarked and require slightly scrambling. We bought rotated as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we have been mountain goats, after which high-fived once we discovered our manner.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Issue: Tough
Elevation Acquire: ~500 toes
Trailhead: Devils Backyard Trailhead
6. Grand View Level Path: High Sundown Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Level lives as much as the identify. This path, situated within the Island within the Sky district of Canyonlands Nationwide Park, is brief, simple, and ridiculously scenic. You’ll stroll alongside the sting of a cliffside mesa with panoramic views that stretch all the way in which to the La Sal Mountains and past.
We introduced snacks, parked ourselves on the last overlook, and watched your complete desert flooring flip gold. In case you’re selecting one simple hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Acquire: 160 toes (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead
For a fair higher view of this space, you may wish to leap on this tremendous well-liked Helicopter flight which supplies you an important take a look at this panorama from the sky.
7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike by way of Grandstaff Canyon
If you wish to combine issues up, that is the hike. Morning Glory Bridge sits hidden in Grandstaff Canyon, a lush slice of inexperienced in the midst of pink rock nation. The path winds by means of willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Carry water footwear—you’ll thank us later.)
On the finish, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot pure bridge. We stayed there for almost an hour, simply watching the sunshine shift and echoing our voices by means of the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: ~300 toes
Trailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Lifeless Horse Level Rim Loop: Canyon Views With out Crowds
Think about standing on a cliff 2,000 toes above the Colorado River with nobody else round. That’s Lifeless Horse Level. Whereas the overlook pulls within the crowds, the Rim Loop Path 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 within the river beneath made it one in every of our favourite hikes in Moab for images. Simply don’t neglect your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 908 toes (277 m)
Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Space (Lifeless Horse Level State Park)
9. Double Arch Path: Best Hike in Arches Nationwide Park
Double Arch is likely to be the simplest hike in Arches Nationwide Park—nevertheless it’s removed from boring. This brief path leads you to an enormous twin arch that’s as tall as a four-story constructing and ideal for scrambling beneath.
We did this one at excessive midday (not advisable!) and nonetheless cherished it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two large stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. In case you’re brief on time or touring with children, that is the proper “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Acquire: 95 toes (29 m)
Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Space
10. Mesa Arch Dawn Path in Canyonlands
In case you’re chasing that good Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path results in one of the vital well-known dawn views in Utah. Because the solar rises, it shines by means of the arch, lighting up the pink canyon beneath prefer it’s been set on fireplace.
We arrived at Canyonlands Nationwide Park at the hours of darkness with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers ready for the present. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even in the event you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is well worth the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Acquire: 88 toes (27 m)
Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot (Island within the Sky, Canyonlands)
11. Mill Creek Path: Swim and Hike Simply Minutes from Moab
Want a break from pink rock and dry warmth? Mill Creek is your oasis. This simple path follows a shallow creek previous small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots simply minutes from downtown Moab. Sure—actual water within 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 in the event you’re touring in summer time and wish a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Simple
Elevation Acquire: 66 toes (20 m)
Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Path: The Most Complicated 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 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 advisable), and nonetheless discovered ourselves doing the previous “wait, have we been right here already?” routine. However between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, this is without doubt one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Observe: You want a allow or to guide a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Reasonable (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Acquire: ~300 toes
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Incessantly Requested Questions About Mountaineering in Moab
So, now you’ve bought some mountaineering path inspiration, what else ought to you realize? We’ve ready some vital solutions to widespread questions on Moab hikes.
Mountaineering in Moab is adventurous, dry, and filled with dramatic pink rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s the most effective mountaineering locations within the U.S. Be ready for excessive climate, restricted shade, and occasional flash floods—particularly in slot canyons.
Necessities 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 footwear for creek trails. Flashlights or headlamps are additionally helpful for dawn and sundown hikes.
Double Arch Path is the simplest hike in Moab. It’s simply 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 toes of elevation achieve and results in one of many park’s most spectacular arches. Home windows Loop is one other beginner-friendly possibility with nice views and easy accessibility.
Spring (March to Might) and fall (September to November) are one of the best instances to hike in Moab. These seasons supply cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path circumstances in comparison with the acute warmth of summer time or snow in winter.
Keep close to Arches or Canyonlands for early path entry. Price range choices embrace campgrounds and RV websites. Purple Cliffs Lodge is a superb mid-range resort with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab presents a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and easy accessibility to city.
And in the event you’ve bought various days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is full of jaw-dropping parks simply ready to blow your mountaineering boots off—Zion Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Goblin Valley… and possibly a couple of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the street, and pleased mountaineering.
