Moab and Arches Hikes

The Moab and Arches National Parks are unique national treasures. With the spectacular topography of the red rock desert, and contrast of the Colorado River and Greenery, hiking in this regional is an unforgettable, incredibly scenic experience.

Moab and Arches is a wonderful region and there are many great hikes in the area. Here are the 10 Best:

#1 Dead Horse Point Loop (8.3km, 144m, 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.

#2 Portal Overlook (8.2km, 391m, 2.5-3h): An incredible hike with stunning views and way less traffic that most of the popular trails in the area. Though it involves more climbing than typical for the region, it is well graded and definitely worth the effort.

#3 Mill Creek (3.7km, 103m, 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 (7.8km, 371m, 2-2.5h): This popular trail 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 (8.1km, 177m, 2.5-3h): This quintessential Moab trail leads up a tight cliff lined valley to the Morning Glory Bridge, a stunning natural arc spanning 74m! This mostly level hike has few climbs and plenty of shade, making it great for families in the heat of summer.

#6 Park Avenue (3.0km, 100m, 0.75-1.5h): This quick hike runs down a gorgeous narrow canyon, 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 (4.2km, 99m, 1-1.5h): A “just the hits” hikes that takes you through land 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 (5.4km, 226m, 1.5-2h): The most popular trail in the park, the Delicate Arch hike leads up a 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 (1.1km, 29m, 0.5h): A classic short hike that puts 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 (1.0km, 11m, 0.5h): This quick jaunt 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 an obvious roadside attraction.