If you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and not planning to hike, you’re doing it wrong. This desert town is a mecca for outdoor adventure, home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, the best hikes in Moab deliver it all.
We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated through them. And now we’re sharing the 12 best Moab hikes, from beginner-friendly trails to backcountry routes that’ll blow your hiking boots off. This is your go-to trail guide for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point, and secret local favorites that don’t make every list.
Let’s dive in.
Jump to the Best Hikes in Moab
Compare the Best Moab Hikes
1. Fisher Towers Trail: Best Short Scenic Hike in Moab
Fisher Towers looks like Mars decided to build a skyline. This short trail winds around towering red spires that have been carved by centuries of wind and water, and they’re as bizarre as they are beautiful.
We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it gets hot. But the payoff? Incredible views all the way through. The final overlook gives you a panoramic shot of the entire formation, and it’s a photographer’s dream. There’s even a picnic area back at the trailhead for a well-earned break.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 448 feetTrailhead: Fisher Towers Picnic Area
2. Hidden Valley Trail: Moab’s Most Underrated Viewpoint
This one’s for the hikers who like earning their solitude. Hidden Valley isn’t on most Moab bucket lists, but it should be. You’ll start with a steep, no-nonsense climb that’ll get your heart pounding, and then suddenly… it opens up into a wide, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.
It’s called “Hidden Valley” for a reason. We saw deer, heard nothing but the wind, and had the whole place to ourselves. Follow the right fork near the end to see ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock.
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1469 feet (448 m)Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead
3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)
If you only do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the superstar of Arches National Park—and easily one of the best hikes in Moab. The 3-mile trail climbs slick rock and hugs the edge of a rock face before revealing the 52-foot freestanding arch in all its glory.
We hit the trail at 6 AM, half-asleep but determined to beat the crowds. By the time the sun broke over the horizon, the arch was glowing orange, and we had it almost entirely to ourselves. Worth every pre-dawn grumble.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp if you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 629 feet (192 m)Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead
4. Windows Loop: Easy Family Hike
This is the Moab hike you take when you’re tired, hungry, or traveling with kids who just need to see an arch already. It’s a quick loop that serves up some of the biggest, most accessible arches in Arches National Park, no sweat required.
We hit it just before sunset, and the whole area lit up like it was on fire. The gravel path is smooth, and you can get great views without much effort. It’s a great “rest day” hike or the perfect first stop if you’re short on time.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 98 feet (30 m)Trailhead: The Windows Loop Trailhead
5. Devils Garden Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Adventure
This is the big one. If you’re up for a full-day adventure with jaw-dropping scenery and fewer crowds, Devils Garden is one of the best hikes in Moab. You’ll hit multiple arches—including Landscape Arch (longer than a football field), Double O Arch, and the secluded Private Arch. There is a primitive trail and the main trail, so the choice is yours.
The trail isn’t technically hard, but it demands stamina and confidence. Some parts are unmarked and require a little scrambling. We got turned around once, stood on a ledge wondering if we were mountain goats, and then high-fived when we found our way.
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)Difficulty: DifficultElevation Gain: ~500 feetTrailhead: Devils Garden Trailhead
6. Grand View Point Trail: Top Sunset Hike in Canyonlands
Grand View Point lives up to the name. This trail, located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is short, easy, and ridiculously scenic. You’ll walk along the edge of a cliffside mesa with panoramic views that stretch all the way to the La Sal Mountains and beyond.
We brought snacks, parked ourselves at the final overlook, and watched the entire desert floor turn gold. If you’re choosing one easy hike for an unforgettable sunset, this is it.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km round trip)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 160 feet (49 m)Trailhead: Grand View Point Trailhead
For an even better view of this area, you might want to jump on this super popular Helicopter flight which gives you a great look at this landscape from the sky.
7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike via Grandstaff Canyon
If you want to mix things up, this is the hike. Morning Glory Bridge sits hidden in Grandstaff Canyon, a lush slice of green in the middle of red rock country. The trail winds through willows and cottonwoods, and you’ll hop across a stream more than once. (Bring water shoes—you’ll thank us later.)
At the end, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot natural bridge. We stayed there for nearly an hour, just watching the light shift and echoing our voices through the canyon.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: ~300 feetTrailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot
8. Dead Horse Point Rim Loop: Canyon Views Without Crowds
Imagine standing on a cliff 2,000 feet above the Colorado River with no one else around. That’s Dead Horse Point. While the overlook pulls in the crowds, the Rim Loop Trail stays surprisingly quiet, despite offering nonstop views that rival the Grand Canyon.
We looped this trail in just over two hours and barely passed another soul. The dramatic drop-offs and sweeping bends in the river below made it one of our favorite hikes in Moab for photography. Just don’t forget your water, shade is scarce.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 908 feet (277 m)Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Area (Dead Horse Point State Park)
9. Double Arch Trail: Easiest Hike in Arches National Park
Double Arch might be the easiest hike in Arches National Park—but it’s far from boring. This short trail leads you to a massive twin arch that’s as tall as a four-story building and perfect for scrambling under.
We did this one at high noon (not recommended!) and still loved it. There’s something humbling about standing beneath two giant stone arcs that have stood there for millennia. If you’re short on time or traveling with kids, this is the perfect “wow” hike.
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 95 feet (29 m)Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Area
10. Mesa Arch Sunrise Trail in Canyonlands
If you’re chasing that perfect Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This short, well-marked trail leads to one of the most famous sunrise views in Utah. As the sun rises, it shines through the arch, lighting up the red canyon below like it’s been set on fire.
We arrived at Canyonlands National Park in the dark with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers waiting for the show. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even if you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is worth the effort.
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)Difficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 88 feet (27 m)Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot (Island in the Sky, Canyonlands)
11. Mill Creek Trail: Swim and Hike Just Minutes from Moab
Need a break from red rock and dry heat? Mill Creek is your oasis. This easy trail follows a shallow creek past small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots just minutes from downtown Moab. Yes—real water in the desert.
We did this one in flip-flops and bathing suits, and it felt like we’d stumbled into a local secret. It’s a short hike but super rewarding, especially if you’re traveling in summer and need a quick cooldown.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: EasyElevation Gain: 66 feet (20 m)Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)
12. Fiery Furnace Trail: The Most Confusing Hike in Moab
This one’s not really a trail, it’s a labyrinth. Fiery Furnace is a sandstone maze of tight slot canyons, tunnels, and arches that will test your navigation skills. It’s short in distance, but don’t let that fool you. You will get lost, and that’s half the fun.
We joined a ranger-guided hike (highly recommended), and still found ourselves doing the old “wait, have we been here already?” routine. But between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, this is one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.
Note: You need a permit or to book a ranger-led tour to hike here legally.
Distance: 2 milesDifficulty: Moderate (Navigation-heavy)Elevation Gain: ~300 feetTrailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Moab
So, now you’ve got some hiking trail inspiration, what else should you know? We’ve prepared some important answers to common questions about Moab hikes.
Hiking in Moab is adventurous, dry, and full of dramatic red rock scenery. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s one of the best hiking destinations in the U.S. Be prepared for extreme weather, limited shade, and occasional flash floods—especially in slot canyons.
Essentials for hiking in Moab include a hydration pack or water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), layered clothing, insect repellent, first aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, and water shoes for creek trails. Flashlights or headlamps are also useful for sunrise and sunset hikes.
Double Arch Trail is the easiest hike in Moab. It’s just 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 feet of elevation gain and leads to one of the park’s most impressive arches. Windows Loop is another beginner-friendly option with great views and easy access.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to hike in Moab. These seasons offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer trail conditions compared to the extreme heat of summer or snow in winter.
Stay near Arches or Canyonlands for early trail access. Budget options include campgrounds and RV sites. Red Cliffs Lodge is a great mid-range hotel with tours and great views, while Hoodoo Moab offers a luxury stay with a pool, spa, and easy access to town.
And if you’ve got more than a few days to spare, don’t stop at Moab. Utah is packed with jaw-dropping parks just waiting to blow your hiking boots off—Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley… and probably a few hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled across yet. So lace up, hit the road, and happy hiking.
