In case you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and never planning to hike, you’re doing it unsuitable. This desert city is a mecca for outside journey, residence to among the most unimaginable landscapes within the American Southwest. Whether or not you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, the most effective hikes in Moab ship all of it.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated by them. And now we’re sharing the 12 finest 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.
Leap to the Greatest Hikes in Moab
Examine the Greatest Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Path: Greatest Brief 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 stunning.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it will get scorching. However the payoff? Unbelievable views throughout. The ultimate overlook offers you a panoramic shot of all the 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: Average
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, but it surely ought to 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 known as “Hidden Valley” for a cause. We noticed deer, heard nothing however the wind, and had the entire place to ourselves. Observe the fitting fork close to the tip to see historic petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Issue: Average
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 probably the greatest 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 fully to ourselves. Value each pre-dawn grumble.
Professional tip: Carry a headlamp should you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Issue: Average
Elevation Acquire: 629 toes (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Home windows Loop: Simple Household Hike
That is the Moab hike you are taking if you’re drained, hungry, or touring with children 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 clean, and you will get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s an amazing “relaxation day” hike or the right first cease should 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 area), 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, but it surely calls for stamina and confidence. Some elements are unmarked and require slightly 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 means.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Issue: Troublesome
Elevation Acquire: ~500 toes
Trailhead: Devils Backyard Trailhead
6. Grand View Level Path: Prime Sundown Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Level lives as much as the title. This path, positioned 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 best way to the La Sal Mountains and past.
We introduced snacks, parked ourselves on the remaining overlook, and watched all the desert ground 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 Acquire: 160 toes (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead
For a fair higher view of this space, you may wish to bounce on this tremendous fashionable Helicopter flight which provides you an amazing 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. (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 the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Average
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 all our favourite hikes in Moab for pictures. Simply don’t overlook your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Issue: Average
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 perhaps the best 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 excellent for scrambling beneath.
We did this one at excessive midday (not really helpful!) 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 children, that is the right “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 excellent Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path results in probably the most 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 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 should you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is definitely 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 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 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 should you’re touring in summer time and want 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 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 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 without doubt one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Be aware: You want a allow or to e-book a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.
Distance: 2 miles
Issue: Average (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Acquire: ~300 toes
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Incessantly Requested Questions About Mountain climbing in Moab
So, now you’ve obtained some mountain climbing path inspiration, what else ought to you recognize? We’ve ready some vital solutions to frequent questions on Moab hikes.
Mountain climbing in Moab is adventurous, dry, and stuffed with dramatic purple rock surroundings. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s probably the greatest 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 package, 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 best 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 choice with nice views and quick access.
Spring (March to Could) and fall (September to November) are the most effective instances to hike in Moab. These seasons supply cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer path circumstances in comparison with the intense warmth of summer time or snow in winter.
Keep close to Arches or Canyonlands for early path entry. Finances choices embrace campgrounds and RV websites. Purple Cliffs Lodge is a superb mid-range lodge with excursions and nice views, whereas Hoodoo Moab provides a luxurious stick with a pool, spa, and quick access to city.
And should you’ve obtained quite a lot of days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is full of 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 street, and completely satisfied mountain climbing.