The best hikes in Moab are as diverse as this small town itself. From national park trails clocking in at just half a mile to multi-day backcountry treks, there’s a trail for everyone. This guide details the best Moab hikes, plus essential tips like when to go, what to bring, and more.
Moab, Utah, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. From mountain biking and off-roading to hiking, camping, and much, much more, you’ll find it in this small but impressive town that’s equal parts desert and mountain.
Being that the iconic red slickrock is some of the world’s most famous terrain and two of Utah’s “Mighty 5” are here, it’s common for visitors to research the best hikes in Moab. Of course, “best” is subjective and the area is huge—info on Moab hiking trails can quickly get overwhelming.
From the best hikes in Arches National Park and the best sunset trails to the best non-national park hikes and the shortest, easiest options, there’s a ton of hiking in Moab.
Fortunately, we’ve done much of the ‘legwork’ for you with these amazing hikes in Moab. The trails included are quintessentially Moab, letting you see for yourself why millions of people visit this town of just over 5,000 each year.
None of these hikes are particularly difficult, but nonetheless, we’d be remiss if we didn’t urge you to be safe, wear proper hiking gear, and practice Leave No Trace. Happy trails!
BEST TIME TO HIKE IN MOAB
Without question, the best times of year to go hiking in Moab are spring and fall (late March through mid-May and late September through mid-November).
During both timeframes, you’ll enjoy cool, mostly pleasant weather with minimal rain and a constantly-changing, colorful landscape. Springtime brings lots of wildflowers and verdant green new growth, while fall ushers in changing leaves that perfectly complement the terrain.
The only downside of visiting during these ‘best’ times is that everyone else has the same idea. Expect traffic and crowds, especially on the best hikes in Moab.
Many people enjoy hiking here in the winter, when a layer of snow dusts Red Rock Country. It is indeed magical, and crowds are at their lowest all year, but winter weather in the desert can be unpredictable. Come prepared for extreme, rapidly-changing conditions.
Summer is the worst time for Moab hikes. Temperatures soar into the triple digits, and there’s little shade or water for relief. On the other hand, there are fewer visitors and this is a fantastic time to go whitewater rafting.
If you visit in the summer, avoid the middle of the day and instead get a very early start or go later in the afternoon.
USING ALLTRAILS ON MOAB HIKES
Cell service all around Moab is notoriously bad. The area is vast and wide open with hundreds of trails, many of them hard to see in the slickrock. It’s really easy to get turned around, even on easy hikes in Moab.
That’s exactly why we always download trail maps ahead of time on AllTrails.
AllTrails+ even lets you try it for a week before committing, so there’s really no reason not to. At the very least, sign up for the free account and level up your hiking game.
THE BEST HIKES IN MOAB
From short and sweet to half-day adventures, the best hikes in Moab are perfectly suited to all experience levels.
BEST HIKES IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches (more than anywhere else in the world!) and countless other spectacular rock formations, hiking in Arches is an absolute must when visiting Moab.
The park is easily accessible, as the main entrance is just five miles from downtown Moab — although on holidays and peak times, you’d never know that. During an early November trip, it took us over an hour to drive eight miles from the park to our Airbnb.
The best hikes in Arches are well worth the effort, but bring snacks and have a good playlist ready…just in case.
DOUBLE ARCH TRAIL
- Distance: 0.6 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 95 feet
If you’re looking for a great hike that’s easy and family-friendly, Double Arch Trail is one of the best hikes in Arches.
Hikers get a lot of bang for their buck with Double Arch. The easy-to-follow, flat trail goes from a parking lot directly to the unusual red rock formation in a short distance—just .4 miles.
Double Arch itself is two side-by-side arches that share an outer ‘leg.’ Double Arch South is the tallest arch in Arches National Park at 144 feet, and the other arch is the second-tallest. The opening of Double Arch South is also the third-largest in the park.
The out-and-back trail is quite short, but you can (carefully!) climb up and under the arches to add some length and make it more challenging. Word to the wise: getting down is generally harder than climbing up!
Insider tip: the Double Arch trailhead is just across from a connector trail leading to The Windows (another easy hike described below). Park in one spot and walk between the two to save time.
WINDOWS PRIMITIVE LOOP
- Distance: 1.2-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 150 feet
- Detailed trail notes
If you’re after a short but scenic walk with not one but three arches, the Windows Primitive Loop Trail is perfect. This trail has two ‘main’ arches, North Window and South Window, as well as a unique standalone arch, Turret Arch.
You can see both the North and South Windows after just a short walk from the parking lot, so it comes as no surprise this is one of the most popular hikes in Arches.
However, not many people venture onto the primitive trail that winds through the striking red landscape and loops behind the arches.
As you head toward The Windows, a quick detour from the path leads to Turret Arch, which looks a bit like a castle with a turret (hence the name!). You can walk straight up to the arch and even stand underneath it for a closer look.
The Windows are just a short walk from here, and like Turret Arch, you can climb under North Window and look out across Arches’ dusty desert landscape. I don’t recommend climbing under South Window, even if you see others doing it, as it’s very steep with sharp dropoffs on either side.
The primitive trail is not as well-marked as the main path, so keep an eye on the markers to stay on track.
Recommended by Charlie of She Roams The Globe
PARK AVENUE
- Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 300 feet
- Detailed trail notes
We did this Arches National Park hike on an early morning in October and were some of the first people in the park. It was a beautiful experience to have the trail to ourselves as the sun came up and painted the red rocks around us.
I suggest doing this hike early in the morning, since it’s one of the first trails visitors come to in the park. Plus, experiencing the rocks light up around us made it even more magical.
The best time to do this hike would be during off-season to avoid crowds as there’s limited parking (and to stay out of the deadly summer heat!). It is MUCH more pleasant on a cool(ish) fall morning than in the sweltering desert heat of summer.
While there isn’t much elevation gain on Park Avenue, most of it comes at the end as you climb the stairs back to your car. It’s not a hard hike, but the stairs may be challenging for some. Regardless, this hike is often overlooked but should be on everyone’s list of the best hikes in Moab!
TOWER ARCH
- Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Detailed trail notes
One of the most underrated arches inside Arches National Park is Tower Arch in the Klondike Bluffs. The primitive route it follows transports you straight to Mars with unique rock formations and diverse scenery the entire way.
While the hike itself is a treat for any nature lover, the true prize is at the end when you arrive at the arch. It formed in an alcove type rock formation that you can climb into and gaze over views of the most primitive corners of Arches National Park.
Because it’s more offbeat than most hikes in Arches, you’ll likely have the viewpoint all to yourself, making it all the more special.
The trail doesn’t have proper signage since it’s primitive, so follow the cairns and bring an offline map to follow the correct route.
It’s fully exposed with minimal shade until you get to the arch, so it’s best hiked in the early morning or late afternoon. Ample water is also crucial, as there are no water sources available.
If there’s rain in the forecast, do not attempt this trail. The road to the trailhead can flood and become impassable. With all these best hikes in Moab, though, there are plenty of ways to reroute your plans.
DELICATE ARCH TRAIL
- Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 629 feet
- Detailed trail notes
The name “Delicate” is misleading, as this 52-foot tall arch is massive, particularly when standing beneath it. Its grandeur is why it’s on Utah’s license plate!
Aside from famous Delicate Arch itself, this spectacular trail packs a serious punch. No surprise that it’s widely considered one of the best hikes in Moab.
Despite a fairly short 1.5-mile distance, this Moab trail gains 600 feet in elevation, most of it one section. The good news: the almost-entirely-uphill hike in means it’s all downhill on the way out!
Unlike many popular formations in Arches, Delicate Arch isn’t visible from the road. Instead, it’s tucked away in Moab’s rugged backcountry. You won’t see the iconic arch for the vast majority of the hike, which traverses a mixture of slickrock and dirt trail.
Prepare with sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water, and pay special attention to time. If at all possible, time your hike to catch sunset at Delicate Arch. It’s far and away one of the best hikes in Moab to see it, and perhaps even the world. Seriously—it’s an International Dark Sky Park.
DEVIL’S GARDEN TRAIL
- Distance: 7.9-mile loop
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation gain: 1,085 feet
- Detailed trail notes
Devil’s Garden is widely considered one of the best hikes in Arches National Park, and it’s no wonder why! This hike definitely offers a good bang for your buck, hitting a whopping seven arches and one sandstone column in just eight miles.
Hiking the entire trail is more on the challenging side, given there are sections that require scrambling, walking along narrow sandstone fins, and route-finding using cairns.
However, another cool aspect of the Devil’s Garden Trail is that it’s the perfect choose-your-own-adventure, easily adaptable for any skill level.
For example, one of the most popular routes along the trail is to hike just from the trailhead to Landscape Arch and back. This allows you to admire the longest natural stone arch on the entire planet in under two miles.
It’s also simple to add on other arches to your route if you’re up for a bit more of an adventure—for example, you can hike the western portion of the trail as an out-and-back in 4.5 miles and hit two of the most impressive arches in the park: Landscape and Double O.
BEST HIKES IN CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Although Canyonlands is well-known, many people don’t realize just how big it is. The park, which is about 45 minutes from downtown Moab, is comprised of three districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
Generally speaking, the best hikes in Canyonlands are in The Needles and Island in the Sky.
There are also some incredible hikes in The Maze, but the area is so remote that you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach it. Because of its remoteness and exceptionally rugged terrain, Moab hiking trails in The Maze are best for veteran backpackers.
Potable water is available at the Needles Visitor Center year-round. The center closes in the winter (mid-December through mid-February), but water is still available outside.
MESA ARCH (ISLAND IN THE SKY)
- Distance: 0.7-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 80 feet
- Detailed trail notes
We’re avid hikers and can’t think of many other hikes with such a good payoff after such a short trek. Mesa Arch is exactly halfway along an easy, well-maintained half-mile loop, which is partially why it’s one of the best short hikes in Canyonlands.
The short hike is deceptive, as the panoramic view from Mesa Arch is knock-your-socks-off stunning.
Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Moab (in the entire Southwest, maybe?). You face east as you look out from Mesa Arch, so it’s also a highly sought-after spot to watch the sunrise.
We could only get to Canyonlands in the evening during our November Moab trip, so we saw the sunset, which was still spectacular. Sunset is certainly a bit less crowded, too.
LOST CANYON (THE NEEDLES)
- Distance: 8.5-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 800 feet
- Detailed trail notes
Technically, Lost Canyon Loop is comprised of the Squaw Canyon, Peekaboo, and Lost Canyon trails. Well-placed cairns mark the trail, although in some areas they’re small.
Hikers experience a wide variety of terrain including slickrock, sandstone ledges, gravel washes, and multiple canyon overlooks. The majestic La Sals are also visible in the distance for much of the hike.
Note that while Lost Canyon is rated as ‘moderate,’ the canyon and ledge portions of the trail are a bit precarious, with steep dropoffs. Slickrock is also named as such for a reason and can be tricky to navigate even in dry conditions.
If you’re a somewhat experienced hiker and you’re willing to make the two-hour trek from town, this is one of the best hikes in Moab.
DRUID ARCH (THE NEEDLES)
- Distance: 9.7 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
- Detailed trail notes
The Druid Arch Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Moab, taking you to the base of a 150-foot arch with two openings. You’ll pass striated rock formations straight out of Dr. Seuss, and enjoy epic views of the La Sal Mountains.
On this moderate hike, you’ll pass through the Elephant Hill canyon, hitting some interesting features along the way including a slot-like cleft between two rock walls and ladders.
While hiking along the canyon floor may not sound interesting, you’ll definitely never be bored—there are colorful rock formations (the “Needles” this area of the park was named after) seemingly everywhere you look.
Most of the trail is moderate, but the last stretch up to Druid Arch involves a strenuous climb. It’s a bit more challenging, requiring you to scramble up an extremely steep boulder field.
The climb is absolutely worth it, though—at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of one of the tallest (and most unique!) arches in Moab.
It’s important to understand that this hike is in Canyonlands’ remote Needles District, about 2.5 hours from downtown Moab. It’s a good idea to get a very early start on this hike, to avoid the hottest part of the day (and ensure you snag a spot in the tiny parking lot!).
Accordingly, given its distance from the city, it may be a good idea to find a camping spot close to the trailhead, so you can hit the trail bright and early.
The Druid Arch hike shares a trailhead (Elephant Hill) with Chesler Park Loop, another one of Canyonlands’ moderate hikes. If you can score a campsite nearby, these two amazing trails make for one epic weekend of hiking!
CHESLER PARK LOOP (THE NEEDLES)
- Distance: 10.2-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
- Detailed trail notes
A hike into Canyonlands National Park via the Chesler Park Loop ranks as one of the best canyon adventures near Moab. The drive from town to the trailhead at Elephant Hill is about 1.5 hours. Start this hike early, as there is little shade to protect you from the sun.
The view of the Needles sandstone formations is a highlight; arguably the feature that makes this one of the best hikes in Moab. There’s no question how this area of Canyonlands got its name!
Read next: 31 Best East Coast Hikes for Your 2024 Bucket List
You will hike over slick rock and through canyons and sandy washes arrive at the spacious, open grasslands of Chesler Park. The rusty orange and cream-colored layers in the sandcastle-like spires will amaze you, and Chesler Park’s immensity will astound you after hiking through tight canyons.
The Joint Trail, a narrow slot canyon, is the best part of the hike. Follow the sandy trail through ‘the joints’ while marveling at the towering walls on either side. There are two places to scramble up the rocks along the Joint Trail.
This hike is rated difficult for a reason. Only the first part of the Chesler Park Trail is steep and really tough, but you’ll be exposed to the sun almost the entire route (savor the bit of coolness in the slots!). Bring copious amounts of water for this strenuous Canyonlands hike, even in cooler weather.
Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Prefer to backpack Chesler Park Loop overnight? Reserve a backcountry camping permit for sites CP1-CP5, between Chesler Park Viewpoint and The Joint. You can reserve up to four months in advance, but because there are only five sites, they’re difficult to get.
BEST NON-NATIONAL PARK HIKES IN MOAB
You could easily spend all your time exploring the best hikes in Arches and Canyonlands alone. Believe me, we know—we’re bona fide national park geeks. However, you’ll find even more awe-inspiring scenery and miles of trails if you venture outside park boundaries.
As a bonus, the best hikes in Moab that are a bit more out of the way (i.e., outside the national parks) are typically way less crowded.
EAST & WEST RIM LOOP, DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
- Distance: 1.1-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 370 feet
- Detailed trail notes
When visiting the Moab area, Dead Horse Point is a can’t-miss. This is where you’ll find one of the most iconic views in Utah—a view you may have already seen in movies and on TV.
Plus, Dead Horse Point features a short 1-mile trail, offering one spectacular view after another. It’s certainly one of the best hikes in Moab, and it’s just a bonus that it’s short and sweet.
Dead Horse Point is 33 miles from Moab, located within its own eponymously-named state park. The entrance is just five miles from the north entrance to Canyonlands National Park, and in fact, many of the best views are out over Canyonlands
Sitting high on a peninsula-shaped mesa, Dead Horse Point is surrounded on both sides by a wide expanse of canyon carved by the Colorado River, 2,000 feet below! At the very end of this peninsula, where the famed view is found, the river makes a sharp gooseneck turn directly underneath.
This short rim trail allows you to explore the circumference of Dead Horse Point. It’s a loop that crosses from the west to the east side of the peninsula at its narrowest spot, “The Neck” (where it’s only 30 yards across!).
The entirety of the hike offers ever-changing views across this classic Western vista. It’s also easy (and permitted) to walk off the main trail, right up to the edge…if you dare. While AllTrails rates this Moab hike as ‘moderate,’ I think it’s an easy version of moderate.
Because it’s a loop, you can start this hike at either the Point’s main viewing area or the ‘crossover’ point. You’ll find parking spaces at both spots.
I’d recommend you start at the crossover, hike along the East Rim first, and then approach the iconic viewpoint by foot for your first look.
Then, after stopping to admire the ‘official’ view, continue along the West Rim. Personally, I think the views of the gooseneck and of Canyonlands beyond are even better!
Recommended by Steven at The Thorough Tripper
PINTO ARCH
- Distance: 1.9 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Detailed trail notes
The moderate Pinto Arch Trail is a bit off the beaten path in Moab. It starts at the same trailhead as Corona Arch, off Potash Road outside Arches National Park. There is no entry fee, it’s dog friendly, and the trailhead parking area has plenty of spaces (see why it’s one of the best Moab hikes?!).
Start out following the Corona Arch trail up the stairs and over the railroad tracks. Turn left when you reach the sign for Pinto Arch.
Most of the trail is fairly level, with some steep sections and small scrambles mixed in. There is almost no shade, like many other Moab hiking trails, so it’s best to avoid the summer months and hiking in the middle of the day.
The trail ends at fairly unique Pinto Arch, which features a bowl overhead and a large amphitheater. The arch also offers a shady spot to take a break and enjoy spectacular views of the Colorado River.
Looking for a longer hike? A detour turns this into a 3-mile lollipop loop that visits THREE arches. On the way back from Pinto Arch, take a left at the Corona Arch Trail to see Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch.
CORONA ARCH
- Distance: 2.5 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 450 feet
- Detailed trail notes
Corona Arch Trail is one of the best hikes in Moab because hikers have the opportunity to see three separate arches.
The star of the show is Corona Arch, also known as Little Rainbow Bridge. It’s one of Moab’s most impressive and largest arches, yet crowds are minimal (really, non-existent) since it’s outside the parks.
The trail is well-marked and relatively easy. Unique among hiking trails in Moab, there are even cable handrails in a couple of the slickrock sections. Along the way, you’ll pass right by Bowtie Arch and can also take a quick detour to Pinto Arch.
1.5 miles from the trailhead, you’ll see Corona Arch in all of its massive glory. The arch opening measures 105 feet high by 140 feet wide. To put that into perspective, airplanes have flown through the arch! This isn’t legal, but the arch isn’t federally protected like those in Arches and Canyonlands.
Technically Corona Arch is one of the best hikes near Moab, because it’s just west of town along Potash Road, on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. Also commonly called the Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway, this road is wildly popular for off-roading.
KEN’S LAKE AND FAUX FALLS LOOP
- Distance: 3.4-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Detailed trail notes
The Ken’s Lake and Faux Falls Loop Trail, south of downtown Moab, is an easy way to get away from the crowds in Moab.
The Faux Falls were made to address the shortage of water in the Moab area. Water was diverted from Mill Creek to create Ken’s Lake via the falls. Though they’re manmade, the falls are beautiful and it’s hard to tell that they aren’t natural unless you are above them.
In the winter, there may be minimal or no water in the falls. Entry is free and dogs are allowed.
Park next to Ken’s Lake in the main parking lot. The trail winds its way through the Ken’s Lake Campground before heading up towards the waterfall.
It’s helpful to download an offline map before starting this hike, since parts of the trail can be a bit hard to follow. Hiking to the lower falls is easy, while hiking to the upper falls involves a bit of scrambling (the upper falls loop is optional).
After returning to the lower falls, continue on the trail to complete the loop around the lake. Bring swimsuits and fishing gear if you’d like to swim or fish after your hike. Depending on the season, the lower falls may have an area for wading as well.
FISHER TOWERS
- Distance: 4.2 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
- Detailed trail notes
In a part of the country where otherworldly desert landscapes are the norm, Fisher Towers manages to stand out.
Here, on one of the best hikes near Moab, instead of dramatic arches you’ll see sheer cliffs and massive sandstone slabs topped with corkscrew-shaped spires. They quite literally ‘tower’ over the winding trail.
The trailhead starts at a small parking lot with a pit toilet. Bikes aren’t allowed on Fisher Towers, unlike many (most) hiking trails in Moab. The trail is insanely popular for rock climbing, though.
Fisher Towers Trail is maze-like, although it’s well-marked. The varied terrain includes slick rock, canyons, rocky paths, and ledges, and the variance somehow makes the hike seem slightly easier.
This one is truly moderate, but it has zero shade. If you’re not a desert dweller, the sun really does shine hotter here. I live in southern Arizona and it still blows my mind that 65 degrees can feel hot when the sun is beating directly down on you. Bring a sun hat and tons of water.
I hope this guide to the best hikes in Moab Utah is helpful in planning your own trip. Be sure to save it on Pinterest for later!