7 Best Hikes Near Moab: From Easy to Challenging

Known for its incredible views and iconic desert landscapes, Moab is chock-full of amazing hikes of all kinds. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor recreator or new to exploring wild places on foot, you are sure to find something in Moab to enjoy!

When exploring in the Moab area, it’s important to use sun protection, as well as carry plenty of water and snacks with you! It can be very hot and dry in the area, and it is always better to come over-prepared than under. The desert biome is very sensitive to human disturbance, so be sure to practice the leave no trace principles and stay on designated hiking trails.

The spring and fall months are a great time to visit Moab. The temperatures aren’t as extreme, and you can experience very pleasant hiking weather. It’s also usually not as crowded this time of year, so it’s an ideal time for those who enjoy more peace and solitude. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the best hikes near Moab, with options for hikers of all ability levels.

Mill Creek

Clocking in at 1.8 miles and only 65 feet of elevation gain, Mill Creek is doable for the whole family! It is just southeast of town and easy to access. The trail winds along a beautiful canyon and crosses paths with multiple waterfalls and swimming areas. Because of all of the water crossings, it may be a good idea to opt for sandals instead of hiking boots as your shoe of choice. On hot summer days, this area sees a lot of foot traffic because it is a great place to cliff jump or simply cool off in the water.

Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch is one of the great hikes in Arches National Park. Located just outside of Moab, you will need to pay an entrance fee or have a park pass to access the trailhead. The hike starts out at the Devils Garden trailhead and is only 1.9 miles roundtrip. Landscape Arch is one of the world’s longest natural arches and measures 306 feet in length! If you have never seen this beautiful natural feature before, it is well worth the effort.

Dinosaur Tracks Trail

If you have young kids or dinosaur enthusiasts in your party, this short and easy hike is a must-do! The 0.2 mile out-and-back trail takes you to a large, tilted boulder face that is patterned with real, preserved dinosaur tracks. It’s a short 15-minute drive from town, and it gives you an intriguing glance into Moab’s natural history.

Hidden Valley Trail

This 4-mile round-trip hike is located just a few miles south of Moab among stunning rocky cliffs. The first ½ mile of the hike is tough with steep and rocky terrain, but once you get past the initial section, the trail flattens out and becomes easier. You will find yourself in a hidden valley high above Moab and the Spanish Valley. Because this hike is not in a national park, on-leash dogs are allowed, too. This hike is a great option because of its incredible scenery and the interesting petroglyphs along the route!

Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail

Dead Horse Point State Park is located within the vast desert landscape, and it boasts canyons, high desert woodland, and many miles of interesting hiking trails near Moab. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Moab, but it is worth a trip! Located high up on the rim of the Colorado River Canyon, this 5-mile hike follows a loop that offers spectacular views of the canyon below. Dead Horse Point State Park is a great place to visit, especially if you are looking to get away from the denser crowds in the national parks.

Once you’ve hiked Dead Horse Point from the ground, you can take to the skies to see the park from the air! The Redtail Air scenic tour by airplane flies over Dead Horse Point, Fisher Towers, Canyonlands and more! Learn more about the Canyonlands and Fisher Towers tour, and start planning your adventure by ground and air.

Syncline Loop

Located in the Island in the Sky district is Syncline Loop, which is one of our favorite hikes in Canyonlands National Park. Syncline Loop is a great option if you are a more experienced hiker. At 8.6 miles and 1,630 feet of elevation gain roundtrip, this is a more strenuous trek with somewhat difficult scrambling sections. That being said, this trail is not as heavily trafficked as others in the park, so it is a wonderful option if you are seeking some solitude. The scenery along the route is great, and you are likely to spot some wildlife in the area!

Druid Arch Trail

Rounding out our list of the best hikes near Moab is Druid Arch. It’s an out-and-back trail located in the Needles district of Canyonlands and is one of the more difficult hikes in the entire park. It is 10.4 miles roundtrip, and it encompasses over 1,600 feet of elevation gain. It requires some rock scrambling and hiking in sand—all while enduring high temperatures (if opting to do it in the summertime), so be sure to prepare for the conditions. While it is a difficult trail, the scenery is unbeatable. The rock formations are other-worldly, and the arch itself is one of a kind!

Experience Moab

While there are plenty of excellent hiking trails near Moab, it can be very rewarding to get other perspectives of the landscape, too! Taking a scenic flight tour with Redtail Air will allow you to see a variety of features from a bird’s-eye view. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as the Canyonlands and Arches Tour, can deeply enrich your hiking experiences to come. Our pilots are happy to answer any questions you have about the area and give you great personalized hiking suggestions throughout your flight trip.