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    Hiking around Moab

    Hikes in Moab and Arches National Park

    Region in Utah, United States

    The area around the small town of Moab in Utah really packs a punch when it comes to epic hiking! This otherworldly landscape is like no other, with red sandstone that glows warmly under the hot sun, strange rock formations that tower over the trails, and plunging gorges, created by the incessant flow of the Colorado River. Hiking in Moab and Arches National Park is an experience you’ll never forget.

    Moab is bordered by two of Utah’s most incredible national parks: Arches and Canyonlands, both of which boast some of the finest and most dramatic scenery in the United States. The vibrant color of the red sandstone of this region contrasts starkly with the blue sky and green desert vegetation, creating a visual spectacle that will take your breath away. With rocks carved by the elements into dazzling arches and precariously balanced pinnacles, hiking here is a rare delight.

    As the name suggests, Arches National Park is known for its fabulous stone arches. The entire park is situated over a salt bed lying in the earth’s rock, created 300 million years ago when the region was part of an inland sea. As this layer was compressed by debris collected over millions of years, the salt bed became fluid, pushing upwards to create huge domes and ridges. With the help of erosion, these domes were eventually shaped into the colossal arches that we see today across the park. This natural phenomenon is truly staggering, and hiking in this landscape is a unique experience that you’ll treasure forever.

    Moab is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, but increasingly, more and more visitors are coming to appreciate the beauty of this wild place, and to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some epic outdoor adventures! Get ahead of the trend and start planning your trip today, with our guide to hiking in Moab and Arches National Park.

    Types Of Hiking In Moab and Arches National Park

    Hiking in Moab and Arches National Park is an ideal activity for families, or for hikers who are looking for easy trails in truly awe-inspiring landscapes. Many of the hikes in Moab and Arches National Park are short, not too steep, and pass along well-maintained paths, so it’s a good option if you’re a beginner hiker. Kids will love gazing upon the strange rock formations and towering arches, and this is a fabulous spot for photos and a leisurely hiking experience.

    However, if you’re looking for something a little more strenuous, there are many challenging hikes in Moab, particularly if you decide to combine some of the shorter hikes into a full day trek. However, beware – in the hot summer months the blazing sun can make even easy trails a challenge, so you’ll need to be fit and well prepared to take on a full day hike. If you’re really adventurous, try your hand at trail running – in recent years the popularity of this activity has exploded in Moab, and you’ll find plenty of ways to push your limits and test your fitness.

    Easy Hikes In Moab and Arches National Park

    Grandstaff Trail Hike: This is a classic Moab trail suitable for hikers of all ages! The path leads through a narrow valley with high cliffs, before arriving at the Morning Glory Bridge. This natural arch spans 75m, and is a perfect spot to take some impressive photos. The trail is shaded and relatively flat for most of the way, making it one of the best easy hikes in Moab and Arches National Park.

    Family Hikes In Moab and Arches National Park

    Mill Creek Hike: This relatively easy hike follows Mill Creek through a picturesque gorge, passing a number of gushing waterfalls. It’s a wonderful spot for kids, especially older children who will love splashing in the cool waters! There are lots of possibilities to extend the hike by heading further up the valley, or you can simply relax with a picnic next to the tranquil pool that sits next to the final waterfall.

    Day Hikes In Moab and Arches National Park

    Portal Overlook Hike: This stunning, slightly challenging route is one of the best day hikes in Moab and Arches National Park. You’ll climb up a well-graded path and until you see the Le Sal Mountains come into view, a looming presence over the entire region. Come early in the season to catch a glimpse of these striking hills covered in snow.

    Challenging Hikes In Moab and Arches National Park

    Fisher Towers Hike: This popular route is one of the most popular challenging hikes in Moab and Arches National Park. The trail ascends slowly but surely to the majestic Fisher Towers, two monumental sandstone towers that make an excellent spot for climbing. You’ll have a panoramic view over this colorful region, taking in the glowing sandstone rocks, the brown Colorado River, and the steep cliffs of the valley.

    Best Hikes In Moab and Arches National Park

    Dead Horse Loop Point Hike: This fantastic hike offers a tremendous variety of scenery, passing by the ominously named Dead Horse Loop Point. This natural corral was once used as a home for the horses of local cowboys, many of which sadly died of exposure and lack of water. The views from here are unparalleled, with a panorama that extends over the colorful rocks, deep canyons, towering pinnacles, and the Colorado River.

    Park Avenue Hike: This short hike is filled with incredible sights, characteristic of the region around Moab! The path runs down a picturesque narrow canyon with views of the sheer sandstone cliffs and desert towers along the way. Make sure to come with plenty of layers, as this narrow gorge acts as a wind tunnel, and it can become very chilly!

    Devil’s Garden Hike: This beautiful route through the so-called ‘Devil’s Garden’ is a wonderful way to see some of incredible stone arches that the Moab region is famous for. In particular, don’t miss the stunning Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch, just a short detour from the main trail. The final part of the hike is dominated by the delicate Landscape Arch, a staggering natural wonder that looms large over the trail.

    Delicate Arch Hike: This popular route is one of the best hikes in Moab and Arches National Park. Take care on hot days, as the uphill sections are steep and can become a bit of a struggle. The trail climbs steeply, but the rewards are incredible: a perfect view of Delicate Arch, the largest in Arches National Park. Sit in the natural amphitheater underneath the arch, relax and enjoy the view!

    Double Arch Hike: As the name suggests, this hike takes you to not one, but two incredible arches in Moab. The trail is easy, straightforward, and not too strenuous, making it perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for an easy hike. This magnificent natural monument was used as a filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, so this hike is a must for movie buffs!

    Balanced Rock Hike: Moab and Arches National Park are famous for their arches and towering rock pinnacles, and Balanced Rock is one of the most famous natural stone monuments in the park. This looming tower stands 39m high, and is set against a dramatic, otherworldly landscape covered in strange rock formations and steep gorges. This short hike is the best way to experience Balanced Rock, and it’s a wonderful family expedition.

    When Is The Best Time To Hike In Moab and Arches National Park?

    Moab and Arches National Park is a year-round destination, and it’s possible to visit at almost any time. However, the extremes of desert weather mean that the winters can be very cold, with snow on higher ground, and the summers are extremely hot, hitting temperatures in the high 30s Celsius. As a result, we think that the best time to hike in Moab and Arches National Park is in spring and autumn. September and October are very popular times to visit the park, with perfect temperatures and a number of cultural events, including the Red Rocks Art Festival. However, the trails can be as busy as the peak summer months, so it’s not the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Comparatively, spring is less crowded, and you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, gorgeous sunsets, and plenty of family-friendly activities such as free guided day walks in Arches National Park. While many visitors overlook the winter months, due to the freezing temperatures and inclement weather, this can be a wonderful time to experience Moab, exploring the strange beauty of this region in peace and solitude.

    Other Outdoor Activities In Moab and Arches National Park

    This incredible region has emerged as a hub for adventure seekers in recent years, and in addition to hiking you’ll find plenty of other outdoor activities in Moab and Arches National Park! The strange carved rocks that make up this delicate landscape are a real draw for rock climbers, and you’ll find a wide array of routes all around Moab and within Arches National Park. In addition to this, the region has recently become a popular destination for trail running, backpacking, and camping, and it’s a wonderful place to observe the night sky in all its starry brilliance. Finally, if you’re keen to test the waters of the mighty Colorado River, you can always go rafting, canoeing or kayaking.

    How To Plan A Trip To Moab and Arches National Park

    The region around Moab and Arches National Park is a fabulous place for a hiking trip! If you’re thinking of heading here for some outdoor adventuring, don’t forget to check out our guide to planning a trip to Moab and Arches National Park. If you’re looking for ideas for awesome hikes in this region, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 hikes in Moab and Arches National Park, or look further afield and check out our list of the best hikes in Utah. We’ve got all the information you’ll need, plenty of recommendations on where to visit, stay and eat, and insider tips that will make your trip run smoothly.

    Frequently-Asked-Questions About Moab and Arches National Park

    How many days do you need in Moab?
    The area around Moab is pack full of incredible sights and places to hike, and you could easily spend weeks (or even months!) exploring all the corners of this spectacular region. However, most people visit for 3-5 days. This will allow you to hike in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and drive to some of the most popular viewpoints.

    What is the closest airport to Moab?
    The closest major airport to Moab can be found in Salt Lake City, which is 236 miles, or a four-hour drive from Moab.

    Can you visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in one day?
    Moab is located next to two incredible national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and during your trip you’ll definitely want to see them both. In the summer, when the days are longer, it’s possible to visit both parks in the same day, with a short hike in each of them. However, we’d recommend that you take a little more time to enjoy all that these two remarkable parks have to offer.

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    Best Hikes in Moab and Arches National Park

    Showing 41 to 60 of 77
      Open details for Parriott Mesa Trail

      Parriott Mesa Trail

      Hard
      4.5 km
      322 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Parriott Mesa Trail is a short, technical hike that affords hikers incredible views of Castle Valley. This hike is highly exposed near the end of the trail, and hikers should be experienced in scrambling and comfortable with exposure. The challenge is worth it, though - the views from the top are beyond stunning.

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      Open details for The Gold Knob Trail

      The Gold Knob Trail

      Moderate
      8.0 km
      537 m
      3-4h

      The Gold Knob Trail is a moderately strenuous hike up to Gold Knob peak. This hike is a good challenge for intermediate and experienced hikers; the views from the top are totally worth the aching muscles and sweaty tees. Gold Knob peak affords hikers stunning views of Castle Valley and the La Sal Range.

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      Open details for The Portal Overlook Trail

      The Portal Overlook Trail

      Hard
      9.5 km
      436 m
      3-4h

      The Portal Overlook Trail is a fantastic hiking and biking trail just outside of Moab, UT. Sections of this trail are very exposed, so if you are afraid of heights, this might not be the trail for you. This adventure is a fun challenge for experienced hikers.

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      Open details for The StairMaster via Moab Rim Trail

      The StairMaster via Moab Rim Trail

      Moderate
      3.1 km
      272 m
      1.5-2h

      The StairMaster Trail is a fun, out-and-back trail just outside of Moab, UT. This hike will make you feel the burn with a steep, consistent climb! The views from the top are worth it, though, as this hike ends at a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park, and the Moab Valley.

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      Open details for The Cove of Caves via Parade of Elephants Trail

      The Cove of Caves via Parade of Elephants Trail

      Easy
      1.8 km
      83 m
      0.5-1h

      The Cove of Caves via the Parade of Elephants Trail is a beautiful, low-traffic hike that provides lots of opportunities for exploration. This hike passes by the iconic Double Arch formation, to the Cove of Caves and Cove Arch. When hiking be sure to stay on the slickrock and avoid stepping on the cryptobiotic soil that thrives in this area.

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      Open details for Cowboy Jacuzzis via Mill Creek Rim Trail

      Cowboy Jacuzzis via Mill Creek Rim Trail

      Moderate
      6.1 km
      139 m
      1.5-2h

      The Cowboy Jacuzzi Trail is a rugged, dog-friendly hike just outside of Moab, UT. This trail is not maintained, so hikers should be comfortable with route-finding and potentially some light bushwhacking. This trail passes by panels of petroglyphs left by the Ute and/or Ananzi Peoples and ends at a popular swimming hole.

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      Open details for Jackson Hole Trail

      Jackson Hole Trail

      Hard
      20.6 km
      368 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Jackson Hole Trail is a long hike through a beautiful area just outside the city of Moab. This trail is used by day hikers, mountain-bikers, and OHV/ATV drivers. Dogs are allowed along this trail as long as they are kept on leash for the duration of their hike.

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      Open details for Jeep Arch

      Jeep Arch

      Moderate
      5.8 km
      288 m
      2-2.5h

      The Jeep Arch Trail is an adventurous little loop just outside of Moab. This trail follows a series of cairns and blazes that will lead you to a unique looking arch. This trail is dog-friendly but your four-legged friends do need to be kept on-leash.

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      Open details for Moab Canyon Pathway

      Moab Canyon Pathway

      Moderate
      14.2 km
      266 m
      3-4.5h

      The Moab Canyon Pathway Trail is a beautiful section of the Moab Canyon Pathway. This trail is used by hikers, road runners, mountain bikers, and road bikers. This is one of the best paved trails in the area and is a great way to enjoy a long walk in the desert without worrying about sketchy terrain.

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      Open details for Slickrock Practice Loop

      Slickrock Practice Loop

      Moderate
      3.5 km
      63 m
      1h

      The Slickrock Practice loop is a super fun lollipop trail just outside of Moab. This trail is used as a practice loop by mountain bikers and has lots of steep ups and downs. This trail may be short, but it will give you a serious workout!

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      Open details for Moonflower Canyon Trail

      Moonflower Canyon Trail

      Easy
      1.0 km
      37 m
      0.5h

      The Moonflower Canyon Trail is a great little hike for the whole family. This route passes by a beautifully preserved panel of petroglyphs at the trailhead and continues down a creekbed to the end of the canyon. Dogs are allowed on this trail but they must be kept on-leash.

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      Open details for Ring Arch Trail

      Ring Arch Trail

      Easy
      5.3 km
      61 m
      1-1.5h

      The Ring Arch Trail is a beautiful, adventurous hike that the whole family can enjoy. This trail sees little traffic and is a great way to get away from the crowds in Arches National Park. This trail is not well marked, so some route-finding is required.

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      Open details for Hunters Canyon Trail

      Hunters Canyon Trail

      Easy
      5.1 km
      53 m
      1-1.5h

      The Hunters Canyon Trail is a fantastic route for the whole family including the pup! This hike takes you along a cool creek through a gorgeous canyon just outside of the city. The Hunter Canyon is definitely a hidden gem that sees little traffic throughout the year, so it is a perfect place to go for some peace and quiet in a beautiful part of Moab.

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      Open details for Lower Courthouse Wash Trail

      Lower Courthouse Wash Trail

      Moderate
      2.7 km
      20 m
      0.5h

      The Lower Courthouse Wash trail is a fun adventure just off Highway 191 north of Moab, UT. This trail follows a creek and features a couple of good swimming spots that are great to cool off in on a hot summer day. There is a lot to explore in this area! If you are looking for a worthy extension to your day, a short detour near the trailhead will take you up to the famous Courthouse Wash Pictograph Panels.

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      Open details for Dinosaur Stomping Ground Trail

      Dinosaur Stomping Ground Trail

      Easy
      5.0 km
      132 m
      1-2h

      Amature, aspiring, and professional paleontologists delight! The Dinosaur Stomping grounds trail is a short hike to an incredible collection of dinosaur footprints preserved in a bed of Entrada sandstone. This hike is a fantastic family outing and a great way to introduce kids to the natural history of this area.

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      Open details for Mountain View Trail via Warner Campground

      Mountain View Trail via Warner Campground

      Moderate
      5.0 km
      393 m
      2-3h

      The Mountain View Trail is a low-traffic hike to fantastic views of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This hike, beginning at the Warner Campground, is a consistently steep climb up to Sunset Point. Dogs are allowed on this route but they must be kept on leash the whole time.

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      Open details for The Amphitheater Loop

      The Amphitheater Loop

      Moderate
      4.7 km
      129 m
      1-1.5h

      The Amphitheater Loop is a great hike through the desert landscape just northeast of Moab. This hike starts and ends at the Hittle Bottom Campground on the shores of the Colorado River. The Amphitheater Loop is dog-friendly, so you can enjoy this hike with the whole family, including your four-legged best friend.

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      Open details for Amasa Back and Cliffhanger Trail

      Amasa Back and Cliffhanger Trail

      Moderate
      13.7 km
      436 m
      3.5-5h

      The Amasa Back and Cliffhanger Trail is a challenging hiking and biking route in Dead Horse Point State Park. This trail is dog-friendly but pups must be kept on a leash for the duration of their hike. There is lots to explore in this area as the Amasa Back Trail is part of a large and intricate trail network.

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      Open details for Mount Tukuhnikivatz Trail

      Mount Tukuhnikivatz Trail

      Hard
      8.9 km
      719 m
      3.5-5h

      The Mount Tukuhnikivatz Trail is a challenging and adventurous route for experienced hikers. This trail does require a short scramble to the summit, so hikers should be prepared for this steep, loose, and exposed section. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, be sure to bring a camera to capture some incredible shots of Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and even Arches National Park way in the distance.

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      Open details for Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail

      Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail

      Easy
      2.3 km
      47 m
      0.5-1h

      The Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch trail is a great hike for the whole family. This trail offers the opportunity to see two incredible arches in just a short mile and a half. Desert wildlife such as mule deer are often seen grazing along this trail especially in the early morning.

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