This blog was updated in March 2026 with the latest trail details and recommendations. Always check with local park agencies for current trail conditions and hazards.
Moab, Utah is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the American Southwest. Known for its towering red rock formations, natural arches, and expansive desert views, it offers everything from short scenic walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
As a local Moab guide service, we’ve spent years exploring these trails firsthand. If you’re planning a trip, this guide to the best hikes in Moab will help you find the perfect trail for your adventure.
Best Hikes in Moab Utah (Quick Glance)
Why Moab Is One of the Best Hiking Destinations in Utah
Hiking in Moab offers an unmatched mix of accessibility and dramatic scenery. Within a short drive, you can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and vast BLM lands filled with hidden gems.
Whether you’re looking for a quick sunrise hike or a full-day adventure, Moab hiking trails deliver unforgettable experiences for every skill level.
Here are some of the most popular and best hiking trails in Moab:
Delicate Arch Trail
Distance + Difficulty: 3.4 miles round trip | Moderate
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation: 486 feet
Challenges: Steep grade in parts, virtually no shade
The Delicate Arch Trail is the most popular sight in Arches National Park. The trail leads up to a natural amphitheater, which surrounds the world-famous Delicate Arch. The rather steep ascension of the trail is a little more challenging during Moab’s triple digit summer months, making it a more challenging hike for casual sight-seeing travelers. But for those up to the challenge, the extraordinary view of Delicate Arch will make it clear why it is one of the best-hiking destinations in the United States.
Tips Before You Go
- Start early to avoid crowds and heat
- Bring plenty of water
- Best at sunrise or sunset
Corona Arch Trail
Distance + Difficulty: 3 miles round trip | Easy to Moderate
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 440 feet
Challenges: For intermediate level hikers
Corona Arch, formally known as Little Rainbow Bridge, is a sandstone arch near Moab that features an opening of 140 feet x 105 feet! Getting there requires a moderate level hike that requires hikers to climb ladders and use safety cables to complete portions of the trail. Because this trail is just outside the Arches National Park borders, it is free to hike and less trafficked than other trails inside the park. Leashed dogs are allowed to use this trail, but be sure to bring plenty of water and start the day early if you will be hiking in the peak summer months. Along the hike to Corona Arch, you will pass incredible views of Bowtie Arch and Goldbar Arch.
Tips Before You Go
- Expect ladders and cables along the route
- Great family-friendly option
- Visit early to avoid heat
Fisher Towers Trail
Distance + Difficulty: 5.2 miles round trip
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation: 1,217 feet (650 feet gain)
Challenges: Gradual uphill grade
The strikingly beautiful trail leading to the incomparable Fisher Towers brings hikers through a world of fins, megalithic sandstone walls, and spires. The trail gradually ascends alongside the sheer towers, ultimately reaching the ridge and its panoramic view. The walk is steadily upward but not very steep. The trail strings along with the bases of the successive towers through their adjoining valleys and canyons. The main event of the hike is the hypnotic view of the Titan soaring a staggering 900 feet into the sky, overpowering all the other natural structures. It overlooks the enormous valley below and the Colorado River drifting past. If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, Fisher Towers rafting trips explore the same area but from the excitement of a raft!
Tips Before You Go
- Bring extra water, very little shade
- Best in spring or fall
- Combine with a scenic drive along the Colorado River
Maze Overlook Trail
Distance + Difficulty: Varies from 8-12 miles round trip | Moderate to Strenuous
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: 5,184 feet (gain of 964 feet)
Challenges: 4WD High Clearance Vehicle Recommended, Class 4 Rock Scrambling
Maze Overlook delivers one of the most remote and awe-inspiring views in Canyonlands National Park. Perched above the Maze District, this overlook reveals a vast labyrinth of canyons, fins, and mesas that feel completely untouched.
Unlike many hikes near Moab, this experience is less about the trail itself and more about the destination. The sweeping panorama at the end offers a true sense of isolation and scale that’s hard to find anywhere else in the region.
Tips Before You Go
- There are minimal trail markers, so navigation skills are important
- Bring extra water, food, and emergency supplies
- Best suited for experienced adventurers looking for solitude over crowds
Medieval Chamber (Experts Only)
Distance+ Difficulty: 4 miles | Easy to Moderate Rappelling
Time: 5 hours
Challenges: 2 rappelling sections that require the assistance of a trained guide.
This excursion goes far beyond a traditional hike and enters the world of canyoneering. The route leads to the spectacular Morning Glory Arch and includes technical rappels, route finding, and scrambling. While this is an advanced-style adventure, it’s approachable for beginners when guided by experienced Moab canyoneering professionals.
You will begin your Medieval Chamber canyoneering tour with a brisk traverse across fossilized sand dunes where you’ll reach the first of two rappelling points (90 feet / 27 meters). It’s a breathtaking descent into a timeless, water-sculpted sandstone chamber nestled at the core of the Colorado Plateau. Exiting this mesmerizing chamber through a narrow slot, you’ll navigate a brief stretch of scrambling before arriving at your second awe-inspiring free-hanging rappel (120 feet / 36 meters). This descent is an intimate encounter with the majestic 243-foot-long Morning Glory Arch, mere steps away from the rappel site.
To conclude this epic adventure, you’ll experience a downhill trek alongside a refreshing, spring-fed stream leading to the Colorado River. Along the way, your guide shares insights into local geology, desert ecology, and the history of the Colorado Plateau. Although this is a more technical adventure than an average hike in Moab, its a great option for those looking for a guided trip in a less-traveled area.
More Things to Do in Moab Beyond Hiking
Moab is more than just hiking. If you’re looking to experience the area from a different perspective, consider:
- Moab rafting trips on the Colorado River
- Guided canyoneering adventures
- Rock climbing with experienced local guides
Exploring beyond the trails gives you a deeper connection to the landscape and a more complete Moab experience.
At Red River Adventures, we are your premier Moab rock climbing guides and offer Utah’s best canyoneering tours and guided rock climbing adventures. We also pride ourselves in offering the highest-rated Moab rafting trips. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a thrilling adventure, we can make sure you get the most out of your Moab vacation.
FAQs About Hiking in Moab Utah
Is Moab good for beginner hikers?
- Yes, Moab offers many beginner-friendly trails with incredible views, including Corona Arch.
What is the most popular hike in Moab?
- Delicate Arch is the most famous and most visited hike in Moab.
When is the best time to hike in Moab?
- Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer hikes should start early to avoid extreme heat.
Do you need permits to hike in Moab?
- Most hikes do not require permits, but national park entry fees apply in Arches and Canyonlands.
What should I bring hiking in Moab Utah?
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and snacks. The desert climate can be extreme, especially in summer, so preparation is key.
Are dogs allowed on hikes in Moab?
- Dogs are allowed on many trails outside of national parks, but are restricted in Arches and Canyonlands. Always check local regulations before heading out.