Location: Moab
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The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Moab, Utah (UT)
Moab attracts all types of outdoor adventurers. Mountain biking is huge here—experts claim it has some of the best trails in the world—as are rock-climbing and hiking. And the setting, with its gorgeous red rocks, can't be beat.
Restaurants in Moab
1. Arches National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,354 reviews
Reviewed By WC-Travelers-75
We had a great day in Arches driving our 23 ft. RV. We got to the entrance before opening and the double line each was about 50 to 75 vehicles ahead of us. Hint: If in an RV, Get to the Devils Garden Parking Area immediately and claim an RV space. Our experience was that all the spaces went to cars and trucks that double parked in the RV spaces. We tried to park there twice during the day - late morning and mid-afternoon and were shut out both times. If you are staying at Devils Garden campground, this is not an issue for you. Nonetheless, we had a fabulous day touring the viewpoints and hiking.We did all the hikes in the Windows section, the Delicate Arch Trail (difficult) , both Delicate Arch viewpoint, Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch. We also hiked the Broken Arch/ Tapestry Arch loop in a clock-wise direction leaving from the Sand Dune Arch Parking Area. We went partway to the Tapestry Arch but stopped because it became difficult. It definitely was more than moderate scrambling for us. The section from the hike from the Campground to the Sand Dune Parking Area had some sections with more than moderate scrambling. In a day, we saw a large section of the NP. Only the Pine Tree and Tunnel Arches escaped us.
2. Grandstaff Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 620 reviews
Reviewed By janetG306
FYI this has been renamed as the Grandstaff trail. It's about 5 miles round trip through a very scenic canyon ending at the amazing Morning Glory Arch which I though was as good as anything in nearby Arches NP. The trail gains some elevation but it is not difficult, but be warned that you have to rock hop across a stream 10 times and a few of these crossings are tricky. My husband slipped and got a wet boot which was not good in 20 degree temperature. In winter conditions the trail has packed snow and is icy in spots so spikes are definitely advisable.
3. Balanced Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 676 reviews
Reviewed By TaniyaNat - Phoenix, United States
My husband was able to capture this balanced rock in the backdrop of the milky way and it made a great theme! Will visit again!
4. Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By LaurieJanean - Logan, United States
We walked the Mill Canyon Dinosaur trail as a follow-up to a day (5 hours) at Moab Giants [Dinosaur Park]. Interesting for all ages, the 4 year old twins and their 5 year old brother were as fascinated as the adults in the group. It's free, takes little time, and convenient to other Moab attractions. Well worth 30 minutes to an hour. Easy to see.
5. Hidden Valley Trail
6. Moab Brand Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Lesvrech
This area has a number of mountain bike trails of different standards. We went on the easy loops which took us through some amazing scenery with views across to Arches. Some of these were single track and across bare rock. A most enjoyable day spent there
7. Hunter Canyon Trail
8. Longbow Arch Hiking
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By SmileyRoaming - Rochester, United States
We happened upon this quite by accident and found the combination we think can’t be beat! Off 279, North of Moab, after the petroglyphs along the way and after Williams Bottom Camping Area, is Poison Spider Mesa (I think Utah has gone out of its way in naming things). The road is to the right and climbs a short distance to the parking area. Even though it’s called Poison Spider Mesa, I feel it should be called Space Spider Mesa due to the the otherworldly feel to the place and all the holes in the Rocks as you hike along (from which Space Spiders emerge in the dark of night). But that may only be due to liking SciFi movies too much. At any rate, behind the sign at the end of the parking is the start of the easy trail to the Dinosaur footprints and the petroglyphs. Before reaching the footprints the trail you want splits off to the left and climbs uphill for a short distance. This is the most difficult part of the hike. I suggest taking the time to view the awesome and amazing Dino tracks and petroglyphs since they are only a short distance from the split. After the uphill, it’s hiking through the alien landscape of sand and stone with typical desert scrub all around. A little bit after flattening out, the trail overlooks the off-road where you can watch trucks and other ATVs driving over difficult terrain. When we went in January the road was empty. Continue along the trail until it turns/bears right and ascends through a gap between the rock fins. Hiking up, the Arch is on the left. Once slightly past the Arch you double back and can walk around and under the Arch while gazing back over the way you came admiring the horizon. The freestanding Arch is not see-through due to its former stone fin being behind it. Walk back the same way you came in, being careful at the last downhill part before meeting the original trail to the parking lot. Rumor has it that if you continue past the Arch to the top you get a spectacular view. I don’t know if this can be done, or if it’s true, because we heard the rumor after our hike. As alway, bring lots of water and appropriate gear and supplies. There was no cell phone service. If Space Spiders ever do emerge, you won’t be able to phone anyone.
