Hiking In Moab
Hiking Options For All Abilities
Best Hike In Moab For A Hot Day
Hunter Canyon Trail
Just 20 minutes south of Moab off Kane Creek Road, cottonwood groves and sandstone walls line a shaded creek. The trail runs leisurely along and over its free-flowing stream for 3.4 miles. Half a mile in, the stroll meets Hunter Arch balancing 74 feet high. Minimal elevation gain and cascading pools make this the perfect place to stick it to Utah’s for a couple of hours.
- Distance: 3.4 miles out and back
- Approximate hiking time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy; 250-foot elevation gain
- Trail surface: Single-track dirt trail
- Other trail users: Horses
- Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed
Best Hike In Moab For Young Children
Longbow Arch Trail
This 2.4 mile hike rolls out petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and slickrock handlebars to a unique arch. Rising 200 feet above the Colorado River, it’s an easy climb that takes maybe an hour and a half to complete. Some straightforward rock climbing comes along the way that kindergarteners and up will enjoy. Park at the Poison Spider Trail Head just 15 minutes south of Moab.
- Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
- Approximate hiking time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy; 200-foot elevation gain
- Trail surface: Single-track dirt trail
- Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed
Best Hike In Moab To See Petroglyphs
Mill Creek Trail
This in-and-out trail lets hikers decide whether to hike 6 miles or just a couple along multiple waterfalls and pools. Wear water shoes and keep your eyes out for plenty of petroglyphs (carved) and pictographs (painted) on alcoves, walls, and boulders. The North Fork Mill Creek Trailhead is less than a 10-minute drive from Moab.
- Distance: 6.0 miles out and back
- Approximate hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate; 672-foot elevation gain
- Trail surface: Single-track dirt trail
- Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed
Best Hike In Moab For A View
Jeep Arch Trail
Pull into the Jeep Arch Parking Area 20 minutes from Moab, and strut through the tunnel beneath the railroad tracks to begin a 3.6-mile wander. The scenery along this gradual, 900-foot ascent culminates through a hole in a sandstone wall. In what sincerely looks like Dukes of Hazzard shenanigans, the arch reveals an astonishing view of the Colorado River and the surrounding monoliths.
- Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
- Approximate hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate; 944-foot elevation gain
- Trail surface: Single-track dirt trail
- Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed
Best Hike In Moab Off-The-Beaten-Path
Dragonfly (Culvert) Canyon
There is no trail in Dragonfly Canyon, and is found in the same area of the Jeep Arch Parking Area 20 minutes outside of Moab. Go through the tunnel beneath the railroad tracks and begin the wander. Exploring here leads to pools in the slickrock, cottonwood groves, and slot canyons. This place is meant to be climbed down, through and above in no particular order. Slot Canyon gear and knowledge is recommended. There are areas where reppels can be done.
- Distance: Varies
- Approximate hiking time: Varies
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Trail surface: Slickrock & climbing trails
- Canine compatibility: Not recommended
Best Hike In Moab If You Only Have 1 Hour
Moonflower Canyon Trail
Ten minutes from Moab, the trailhead starts at Moonflower Canyon Camping Area. The half-mile stroll is in-and-out and ends at a pond against a shady canyon wall. Do watch out for poison ivy as the path runs along a creek with plenty of trees and foliage. Before or after this tranquil walk, check out the rock art panel in the campground.
- Distance: 0.6 Miles
- Approximate hiking time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easiest
- Trail surface: Sand and stone surface trail
- Canine compatibility: Dogs allowed