Best Hikes in Moab, Utah: 12 Trails That Actually Live Up to the Hype

1. Fisher Towers Path: Finest Brief Scenic Hike in Moab

Fisher Towers seems like Mars determined to construct a skyline. This brief path winds round towering pink spires which were 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 right through. The ultimate overlook provides you a panoramic shot of the 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)
Problem: Reasonable
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, nevertheless it needs to be. You’ll begin with a steep, no-nonsense climb that’ll get your coronary heart pounding, after which out of the blue… 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 suitable fork close to the tip to see historic petroglyphs etched into the rock.

Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Problem: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 1469 toes (448 m)
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead

3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)

Should you solely do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the famous person of Arches National Park—and simply among the best 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. Price each pre-dawn grumble.

Professional tip: Deliver 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)
Problem: Reasonable
Elevation Acquire: 629 toes (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead

4. Home windows Loop: Straightforward Household Hike

That is the Moab hike you’re taking while you’re drained, hungry, or touring with youngsters who simply must see an arch already. It’s a fast loop that serves up a number of the greatest, 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 hearth. The gravel path is easy, and you may get nice views with out a lot effort. It’s an ideal “relaxation day” hike or the right first cease when you’re brief on time.

Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Acquire: 98 toes (30 m)
Trailhead: The Home windows Loop Trailhead

5. Devils Backyard Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Journey

That is the massive one. Should you’re up for a full-day journey with jaw-dropping surroundings and fewer crowds, Devils Backyard is among the greatest 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 arduous, nevertheless it calls for stamina and confidence. Some components are unmarked and require a bit of scrambling. We received circled as soon as, stood on a ledge questioning if we have been mountain goats, after which high-fived after we discovered our approach.

Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Problem: Troublesome
Elevation Acquire: ~500 toes
Trailhead: Devils Backyard Trailhead

6. Grand View Level Path: High Sundown Hike in Canyonlands

Grand View Level lives as much as the title. This path, situated within the Island within the Sky district of Canyonlands Nationwide Park, is brief, simple, 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 the complete desert flooring flip gold. Should you’re selecting one simple hike for an unforgettable sundown, that is it.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km spherical journey)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Acquire: 160 toes (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Level Trailhead

For an excellent higher view of this space, you would possibly wish to bounce on this super popular Helicopter flight which supplies you an ideal have 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 pink rock nation. The path winds by means of willows and cottonwoods, and also you’ll hop throughout a stream greater than as soon as. (Deliver 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 means of the canyon.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Problem: Reasonable
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 considered one of our favourite hikes in Moab for images. Simply don’t overlook your water, shade is scarce.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Problem: Reasonable
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 simplest hike in Arches Nationwide Park—nevertheless it’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 beneath.

We did this one at excessive midday (not beneficial!) and nonetheless cherished it. There’s one thing humbling about standing beneath two large stone arcs which have stood there for millennia. Should you’re brief on time or touring with youngsters, that is the right “wow” hike.

Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Elevation Acquire: 95 toes (29 m)
Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Space

10. Mesa Arch Dawn Path in Canyonlands

Should you’re chasing that excellent Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This brief, well-marked path results in one of the crucial well-known dawn views in Utah. Because the solar rises, it shines by means of the arch, lighting up the pink canyon beneath prefer it’s been set on hearth.

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 when you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is well worth the effort.

Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Problem: Straightforward
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 pink rock and dry warmth? Mill Creek is your oasis. This simple 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 an area secret. It’s a brief hike however tremendous rewarding, particularly when you’re touring in summer season and wish a fast cooldown.

Distance: 2 miles
Problem: Straightforward
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 may take a look at 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 beneficial), 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.

Word: You want a allow or to ebook a ranger-led tour to hike right here legally.

Distance: 2 miles
Problem: Reasonable (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Acquire: ~300 toes
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)

Regularly Requested Questions About Climbing in Moab

So, now you’ve received some mountain climbing path inspiration, what else ought to you recognize? We’ve ready some vital solutions to frequent questions on Moab hikes.

And when you’ve received quite a lot of days to spare, don’t cease at Moab. Utah is filled with 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 just a few hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled throughout but. So lace up, hit the highway, and blissful mountain climbing.