Best Hikes in the World’s Top Desert Town: Moab, UT

Explore the desert trails surrounding one of the world's top adventure towns.

Greg Heil

Images

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Delicate Arch

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of rock formations to view along the way.

by Scott Anderson

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Sun setting on Delicate Arch

by Scott Anderson

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A nice benchcut trail along the way.

by Scott Anderson

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The trail through the bottom of Grandstaff Canyon.

by Greg Heil

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Looking down Grandstaff Canyon

by Greg Heil

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View from a ledge, looking into Grandstaff Canyon.

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Grandstaff is the walk out for a canyoneering route.

by Greg Heil

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Portal is a ridiculously-scenic trail!

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Bow Tie Arch

by Scott Anderson

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Bow Tie and Corona Arches, seen from a distance.

by Scott Anderson

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Approaching Bow Tie Arch

by Scott Anderson

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Both arches seen in their full glory.

by Scott Anderson

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A chain handrail to help you up some of the steeper slickrock sections.

by Scott Anderson

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Corona Arch.

by Scott Anderson

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This rock formation looks like a giant nose.

by Scott Anderson

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Sun beaming over the canyon's edge.

by Scott Anderson

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Walking along the slickrock.

by Scott Anderson

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Fall foliage adds color to the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Expansive views beyond the mesa.

by Scott Anderson

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Looking down into Shafer Canyon

by Scott Anderson

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The Tombstones, huge walls of Kane Creek Canyon

by Rob Hannawacker

Licence Free

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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View of Canyonlands National Park

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Looking down on the White Rim.

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Double arches in the Fiery Furnace

by National Park Service

Licence Free

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

Description

Drawing tourists from around the globe, the isolated desert town of Moab, Utah is one of the top adventure destinations in the world! Almost any adventurer can find an activity that will lure them into booking travel to Moab. Whether it’s mountain biking, rock climbing, 4x4 driving, dirt biking, whitewater rafting, canyoneering, or hiking, Moab has an adventure just for you!

Moab’s arches are easily its most iconic hiking attraction. While you definitely have to hike to the famous Delicate Arch, be sure to check out some of the lesser-known arches that are sometimes even more impressive.

Adding to Moab’s appeal as a hiking destination is the plethora of camping options spread throughout the region. While of course you could stay at one of the hotels or hostels in town, the BLM and private campgrounds along the rivers and high on desert plateaus offer some of the most scenic and enjoyable camping in the world.

In this guidebook, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best hiking trails in and around Moab. Ranging from short and easy to lengthy and technically-advanced, these hikes access hidden valleys, sweeping vistas, and of course, rock arches of all shapes and sizes.

Adventures

Fisher Towers

Hike around the base of some of Moab's most impressive rock spires.

Corona Arch

A short hike to a massive freestanding arch.

Portal Trail

Experience death-defying heights and jaw-dropping views from the exposed Portal Trail.

Mesa Arch

A short, easy hike to a stunning natural arch!

Grand View Point

Enjoy a never-ending array of stunning views along this exposed hike.

Tower Arch

Hike to one of the most remote arches in Arches National Park.

Fiery Furnace

This off-trail hiking area provides one of Moab's most challenging—and rewarding—hiking experiences.

Mill Creek Canyon

An adventurous hike through a canyon with a waterfall, swimming holes, and ancient petroglyphs.