hikes in Moab and Arches National Park

Some of the best hiking in Utah is in Arches National Park, as well as around the nearby town of Moab. With the spectacular topography of the red rock desert, and contrast with the amazing colours of the Colorado River and the greenery sprinkled across the desert, hiking in and around Arches National Park is an unforgettable, incredibly scenic experience.

Our list of the best hikes around Arches National Park take in some of the classic hikes in the area, as well as some hikes that get you away from the crowds. The hiking around Moab and in Arches National Park is best for beginners and intermediate hikers, with great views for relatively little effort.

So if you're planning your trip to Arches National Park, and want to find the best hikes nearby, checkout our list of the best hikes around Moab and in Arches National Park below.

THE TOP 10 HIKES IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK AND AROUND MOAB, UTAH

1. Dead Horse Point Loop (5.2mi, 472ft, 2-2.5h): Straight from the trailhead, this scenically dense hike puts you in the heart of the action. Expect fantastic views down to the winding Colorado River and across the expansive valley to the La Sal Mountains throughout the entire route. This is one of the best hikes in all of Utah.
2. Portal Overlook (5.1mi, 1283ft, 2.5-3h): An incredible hike with stunning views and way less traffic that most of the popular trails around Moab. Though it involves more climbing than typical for the region, it is well graded and definitely worth the effort. Get away from the crowds in Arches National Park on this great hike.
3. Mill Creek (2.3mi, 338ft, 1.5-2h): Mere minutes from downtown Moab, this mostly flat hike leads up Mill Creek into a gorgeous, secluded canyon. A stunning waterfall and swimming area is found at the trail’s terminus – a real treat on hot summer days!
4. Fisher Towers (4.8mi, 1217ft, 2-2.5h): This popular hike outside Arches National Park brings hikers through monumental sandstone towers popular with many climbers, otherwise known as the majestic Fisher Towers. The trail slowly climbs beside the towers until if finally gains a ridge, granting panoramic views of all the towers as well as the expansive valley and the Colorado River.
5. Granstaff Trail (5.3mi, 581ft, 2.5-3h): This quintessential Moab hike leads up a tight cliff lined valley to the Morning Glory Bridge, a stunning natural arc spanning 243ft! This mostly level hike has few climbs and plenty of shade, making it great for families in the heat of summer.
6. Park Avenue (1.9mi, 328ft, 0.75-1.5h): This quick hike runs down a gorgeous narrow canyon in Arches National Park, meeting up with the highway at its beginning and end. Wonderful views of desert towers and sheer sandstone cliffs fill the scenery.
7. Devil’s Garden (2.6mi, 325ft, 1-1.5h): A “just the hits” hike that takes you through the best of Arches National Park. This great hike is densely packed with towers, arches, and shark fins jutting out of the earth. This wide, mostly flat trail is well suited to the whole family, so luckily everyone can enjoy the extraordinary sights of Arches National Park.
8. Delicate Arch (3.4mi, 741ft, 1.5-2h): The most popular trail in Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch hike leads up steep, slick rock sections to the amphitheater surrounding the namesake arch. Typically underestimated by enthusiastic tourists, this hike can get really hot in the summer, making the already steep elevation gain even harder.
9. Double Arch (0.7mi, 95ft, 0.5h): A classic short hike in Arches National Park, this hike get you directly underneath two – count ’em two –arches! For minimal effort, you are rewarded with a fantastic perspective and one of the closest interactions with an arch in the park.
10. Balanced Rock (0.6mi, 36ft, 0.5h): A quick from the parking lot brings you around the world famous Balanced Rock tower. Visible from miles away (even visible from our Portal Overlook hike), this amazing rock formation is a highlight for visitors to Arches National Park.