Top 5 Best Hikes in Moab, Utah
If you’re looking for some of the best hikes in Moab, you’ve come to the right place. The splendor of Moab’s Great Wilderness draws thousands of nature lovers and adventure seekers to Utah every year. With its amazing hiking trails and breathtaking views, Moab is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers. The world-class terrain is something you will want to explore again and again!
Awe-Inspiring Hikes in Moab
Descriptions of the Moab outback as otherworldly are not exaggerated. The land is arrayed in amazing contorted rock formations towering over the trails, enormous gorges, and a new surreal panorama over every horizon.
Here are some of the most popular and best hiking trails in Moab:
1. Delicate Arch
Distance: 3.4 miles
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.
2. Corona Arch
Distance: 1.5 miles
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.
3. Fisher Towers Trail
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation: 1,217 feet (650 feet gain)
Challenges: Moderate, 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!
4. Maze Overlook
Distance: 5.3 miles
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: 5,184 feet (gain of 964 feet)
Challenges: Minimal. Easy hiking
From the Maze Overlook Trail in the Canyonlands National Park, hikers stand over the incredible expanse of the so-called Maze District. It’s a densely cavernous area with many highly challenging trails that test hikers’ endurance with steep grades out of deep canyons and temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees F. The Maze Overlook Trail is not the park’s easiest trail, but it is considered a good introductory experience in preparation for some of Canyonlands’ tougher hiking challenges. The exquisite Maze Overlook Trail features long, gentle switchbacks and comparatively easy walking.
5. Morning Glory aka Ephedra’s Grotto (Experts Only – read below)
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 5 hours
Challenges: 2 rappelling sections that require the assistance of a trained guide.
This excursion goes beyond your average hike, and is what we call canyoneering. This adventure remains accessible to nearly everyone with the support of a Moab canyoneering guide. Morning Glory aka Ephedra’s Grotto is a thrilling 3-mile journey that requires a local guide and is a mix of exciting rappels and a touch of scrambling.
You will begin your Moab 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. Here your guides delve into discussions about wildlife, flora, geological formations, local history, and more. 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.
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.
Questions? Call (877) 259-4046 or Email Us
