The best walks and hikes around Moab

Yes, Moab has some excellent options for hiking with dogs, though they are generally not permitted on trails within Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. A highly regarded local favorite is the Grandstaff Canyon National Recreation Trail, which follows a creek into a beautiful canyon. Another great choice is the Corona Arch trail, which leads to a massive arch, but be aware it has sections with cables and a small ladder that might be challenging for some dogs.

Moab offers several family-friendly hikes. For an adventure involving water, the Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead is a popular choice, offering an easy walk with shallow water crossings leading to a swimming hole. For a mix of history and scenery, the Moab Canyon Pathway to Matrimony Springs and the Courthouse Petroglyph Panel is a short, accessible trail. If your family is interested in prehistory, consider the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail.

While Moab is a desert environment, some trails do feature water. The Mill Creek Waterfall loop from Recycle Center is a moderate hike that follows a creek and may involve walking through water to reach a small waterfall and swimming area. The Grandstaff Trail also follows a perennial stream, offering a cooler hiking experience during warmer months.

The best times to hike in Moab are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the daytime temperatures are pleasant for hiking. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making strenuous activity dangerous. Winter is cooler and less crowded, but trails can have snow or ice, especially at higher elevations.

For any hike in Moab, it's crucial to be prepared for the desert environment. Essentials include:

Water: Carry more than you think you'll need, at least one gallon (4 liters) per person, per day.

Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are vital.

Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are necessary for the slickrock and uneven terrain.

Navigation: A map or a downloaded digital map, as cell service is unreliable on many trails.

Snacks: Salty snacks help with electrolyte replacement.

For those seeking a challenge, the Hidden Valley Trail offers a strenuous initial climb up a series of rocky switchbacks. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a beautiful, secluded valley and fantastic views. Another strenuous option is the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park, particularly the primitive loop section, which involves rock scrambling and route-finding.

The hiking routes around Moab are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the unique red rock landscapes, the sheer variety of trails, and the stunning views from canyon rims and natural arches.

Yes, there are several enjoyable loop hikes. The Mural Wildlife – Moab Food Truck Park loop from Moab is an easy urban walk that showcases local art. For a more natural setting, the Mesa Arch Trail in Canyonlands National Park is a short, easy loop famous for its sunrise views. The Dead Horse Point Rim Loop in Dead Horse Point State Park also offers continuous, spectacular views on a relatively flat trail.

The Fisher Towers trail is generally considered a moderate hike. The path winds among towering, mud-and-sandstone spires, offering a unique and dramatic landscape. While it involves some elevation gain and uneven terrain, it does not typically require technical scrambling, making it accessible to most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Moab has many excellent trails for beginners. The Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park is a relatively flat, one-mile (one-way) walk between massive sandstone monoliths. Another great option is the Moab Food Truck Park – Mural "The Delicate Arch" loop from Moab, which is an easy and flat walk within the town itself.

You can see ancient rock art on several trails. The Courthouse Wash Rock Art panel is easily accessible near the start of the Moab Canyon Pathway. For a more immersive hike, the trail into Grandstaff Canyon also features petroglyphs on the canyon walls for those who keep a sharp eye out.

There are over 10 designated hiking trails in the immediate Moab area featured in this guide, with dozens more throughout the surrounding national parks and public lands. The trails range from easy, family-friendly walks of under two miles to more strenuous moderate routes over seven miles long.