In the event you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it fallacious. This desert city is a mecca for out of doors 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, the perfect hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated by them. And now we’re sharing the 12 greatest Moab hikes, from beginner-friendly trails to backcountry routes that’ll blow your mountain climbing 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.
Soar to the Greatest Hikes in Moab
Examine the Greatest Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Path: Greatest Quick Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers seems like Mars determined to construct a skyline. This brief path winds round towering purple spires which were 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. However the payoff? Unbelievable views during. The ultimate overlook offers 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)
Problem: Average
Elevation Achieve: 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 all of the sudden… it opens up into a large, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.
It’s referred to as “Hidden Valley” for a cause. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Observe the appropriate fork close to the tip to see historic petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Problem: Average
Elevation Achieve: 1469 toes (448 m)
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead
3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)
In the event you solely do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the celebrity of Arches Nationwide Park—and simply among the finest 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 nearly totally to ourselves. Value each pre-dawn grumble.
Professional tip: Convey 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)
Problem: Average
Elevation Achieve: 629 toes (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Home windows Loop: Straightforward Household Hike
That is the Moab hike you are taking whenever you’re drained, hungry, or touring with youngsters who simply must see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up a few of the largest, 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 hearth. The gravel path is easy, and you may get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s an ideal “relaxation day” hike or the right first cease if you happen to’re brief on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 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 the event you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Backyard is among the greatest hikes in Moab. You’ll hit a number of arches—together with Panorama Arch (longer than a soccer discipline), Double O Arch, and the secluded Personal Arch. There’s a primitive path and the primary path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically laborious, nevertheless it calls for stamina and confidence. Some components are unmarked and require a bit of scrambling. We bought circled as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we had been mountain goats, after which high-fived after we discovered our approach.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Problem: Tough
Elevation Achieve: ~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 remaining overlook, and watched your complete desert flooring flip gold. In the event you’re selecting one simple hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 160 toes (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead
For a good higher view of this space, you may wish to leap on this tremendous widespread Helicopter flight which supplies you an ideal 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 course of purple rock nation. The path winds by willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Convey 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 the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Problem: Average
Elevation Achieve: ~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 pictures. Simply don’t neglect your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Problem: Average
Elevation Achieve: 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 excellent for scrambling beneath.
We did this one at excessive midday (not really helpful!) and nonetheless liked it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two large stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. In the event you’re brief on time or touring with youngsters, that is the right “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 95 toes (29 m)
Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Space
10. Mesa Arch Dawn Path in Canyonlands
In the event you’re chasing that excellent Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path results in one of the crucial well-known dawn views in Utah. Because the solar rises, it shines by the arch, lighting up the purple canyon beneath prefer it’s been set on hearth.
We arrived at Canyonlands Nationwide Park in the dead of night 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 well worth the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 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 purple 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 if you happen to’re touring in summer time and wish a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 miles
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Achieve: 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 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 really helpful), and nonetheless discovered ourselves doing the outdated “wait, have we been right here already?” routine. However between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, this is among the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Notice: You want a allow or to ebook a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 miles
Problem: Average (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Achieve: ~300 toes
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Often Requested Questions About Climbing in Moab
So, now you’ve bought some mountain climbing path inspiration, what else ought to you understand? We’ve ready some essential solutions to widespread questions on Moab hikes.
Climbing in Moab is adventurous, dry, and filled with dramatic purple rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s among the finest mountain climbing locations within the U.S. Be ready for excessive climate, restricted shade, and occasional flash floods—particularly in slot canyons.
Necessities for mountain climbing in Moab embrace a hydration pack or water bottle, solar safety (hat, sunscreen, sun shades), layered clothes, insect repellent, first assist equipment, sturdy mountain climbing 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 quick access.
Spring (March to Could) and fall (September to November) are the perfect instances to hike in Moab. These seasons supply cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path situations in comparison with the intense 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. Pink Cliffs Lodge is a good mid-range lodge with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab affords a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and quick access to city.
And if you happen to’ve bought various days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is filled with jaw-dropping parks simply ready to blow your mountain climbing boots off—Zion Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Goblin Valley… and possibly a number of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the highway, and completely satisfied mountain climbing.
