In case you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it flawed. This desert city is a mecca for out of doors journey, dwelling to among 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 way 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, Useless Horse Level, and secret native favorites that don’t make each record.
Let’s dive in.
Leap to the Finest Hikes in Moab
Examine the Finest Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Path: Finest Quick Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers appears to be like 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 lovely.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get sizzling. However the payoff? Unimaginable views all over. 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 Achieve: 448 ft
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, but it surely 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 known as “Hidden Valley” for a motive. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Observe the precise fork close to the top to see historic petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 1469 ft (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 celebrity of Arches National Park—and simply top-of-the-line 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. Value each pre-dawn grumble.
Professional tip: Convey a headlamp when 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 Achieve: 629 ft (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 youngsters who simply have to see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up among 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 fireplace. The gravel path is easy, and you will get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s a fantastic “relaxation day” hike or the proper first cease when you’re brief on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Achieve: 98 ft (30 m)
Trailhead: The Home windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Backyard Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Journey
That is the massive one. In case you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Backyard is among 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 Personal Arch. There’s a primitive path and the principle path, so the selection is yours.
The path isn’t technically exhausting, but it surely calls for stamina and confidence. Some elements are unmarked and require just a little scrambling. We obtained 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 Achieve: ~500 ft
Trailhead: Devils Backyard Trailhead
6. Grand View Level Path: Prime 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, straightforward, 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 straightforward hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Achieve: 160 ft (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead
For an excellent higher view of this space, you may need to leap on this super popular Helicopter flight which supplies you a fantastic take a look at this panorama from the sky.
7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike through 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 purple rock nation. The path winds by way of willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Convey water sneakers—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 way of the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: ~300 ft
Trailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Useless Horse Level Rim Loop: Canyon Views With out Crowds
Think about standing on a cliff 2,000 ft above the Colorado River with nobody else round. That’s Useless 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 among our favourite hikes in Moab for images. Simply don’t overlook your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Reasonable
Elevation Achieve: 908 ft (277 m)
Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Space (Useless Horse Level State Park)
9. Double Arch Path: Best Hike in Arches Nationwide Park
Double Arch could be the simplest hike in Arches Nationwide Park—but it surely’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 below.
We did this one at excessive midday (not really useful!) and nonetheless cherished it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two big stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. In case you’re brief on time or touring with youngsters, that is the proper “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Achieve: 95 ft (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 way of the arch, lighting up the purple canyon beneath prefer it’s been set on fireplace.
We arrived at Canyonlands Nationwide Park at nighttime with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers ready for the present. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even when you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is definitely worth the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Issue: Simple
Elevation Achieve: 88 ft (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 straightforward path follows a shallow creek previous small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots just 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 when you’re touring in summer time and wish a fast cooldown.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Simple
Elevation Achieve: 66 ft (20 m)
Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Path: The Most Complicated 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 may 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 really useful), 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.
Observe: You want a allow or to ebook a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Reasonable (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Achieve: ~300 ft
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Continuously Requested Questions About Mountain climbing in Moab
So, now you’ve obtained some mountaineering path inspiration, what else ought to you realize? We’ve ready some necessary solutions to widespread questions on Moab hikes.
Mountain climbing in Moab is adventurous, dry, and filled with dramatic purple rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s top-of-the-line 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 embody 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 Path is the simplest hike in Moab. It’s simply 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 ft 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 Might) and fall (September to November) are one of the best occasions 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. Funds choices embody campgrounds and RV websites. Pink Cliffs Lodge is a superb mid-range resort with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab gives a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and quick access to city.
And when you’ve obtained 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 Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Goblin Valley… and doubtless a number of hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the street, and completely happy mountaineering.