Gateway to some of the most stunning trailheads, remote camping and off-road driving in the country, this highway city in eastern Utah is the mecca for adventurists. All within a few hours, the best hikes in Moab will take you around canyon rims, through slot canyons and across other-worldly terrain.
Moab is known for being descended upon by tourists during the busy season. It caters perfectly to the hiker, the runner, the cyclist, and all nature enthusiasts, so it’s no surprise that this small town gets stretched to its limits sometimes. However, if you can manage to travel during the slower and colder months you’ll find that you can experience the town and many of these amazing national parks and hikes by yourself.
Nestled next to the meandering Colorado River, Moab sits just off Highway 191 in eastern Utah. Lodging can hit capacity most of the year, and food reservations or nightlight can get crowded quick. But don’t let the crowds scare you.
Not only do you have direct access to multiple national parks, but there is an abundance of off-road driving trails, camping and scenic landscapes to fill up any itinerary. Weather can present challenging but magical experiences in this portion of the country, but most everything is accessible for a standard car, making Moab one of the best home bases for endless adventure.
Only one day in Moab? While there are 100 jaw-dropping hikes within a few hours drive, our top suggestion is Chesler Park Loop in Canyonlands National Park. This 10 mile journey has it all - slot canyons, towering hoodoos, and other-worldly geologic formations. It's one of the best hikes in the entire country.
The Hikes in Moab
Canyonlands National Park
Often overlooked, Canyonlands National Park offers a vast landscape of expansive canyons, carving rivers, hoodoos and panoramic viewpoints. It’s
The best overall hiking in Canyonlands National Park
There are two incredible 10 mile hikes in Canyonlands National Park. The first and most popular is Chesler Park Loop Trail, one of the best overall trails in the country due to its 10+ miles of other-worldly terrain and changing landscapes. You’ll scramble up massive boulders, weave in and out of hoodoos and squeeze through slim canyon walls. Check it out in the winter time for more solitude and cooler temperatures.
Check out our video slideshow on hiking Chesler Park Loop Trail.
The other 10 mile hike in Canyonlands National Park is Druid Arch Trail. Go in the slower seasons and you’re likely to have the massive Druid Arch to yourself.
Key Things to Know
Coming from Moab, you’ll take Highway 211 for a while, cutting into the interior of Utah. There are not many towns to stop or shop along the way, so we highly suggest a stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument. It’s one of the largest and most dazzling displays of petroglyphs in the country, and well worth the quick 5 minute detour.
If you have the energy post-hike, or if you’re down to head this direction again while staying in Moab, do some off-road driving near Monticello and get yourself all the way to the Needles Overlook Observation Deck at the end of a long and windy dirt road.
Arches National Park
Monumental and epic, Arches National Park is truly one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world. A place where it’s easy to envision dinosaurs roaming. This park is always busy, and for good reason.
The best way to see Arches National Park in a day
Let’s be clear, one could spend weeks in Arches and still not see everything amazing. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to exploring this area. But we understand that sometimes people have limited time, or want to see the major highlights. Alas, here’s our suggested one day itinerary for a day in Arches National Park.
Early morning, wake up before sunrise to hike the Delicate Arch Trail. It’s a relatively easy 3.4 mile hike, with Delicate Arch of course being 1.7 miles in. You want to start early to 1) beat the crowds, this is the busiest trail in the park and 2) beat the heat that comes later in the day. You’ll almost never have this trail to yourself, but its still so iconic we recommend knocking it out right away if you have limited time.
Next, snack up and drive to the interior of the park while you prepare for 7.8 miles on the Devils Garden Loop Trail. If you don’t want the crowds of Delicate Arch, this hike packs a punch. Wear some solid hiking boots and then enjoy the variety of arches. The main attraction of this hike is Landscape Arch, which is just a 1.9 mile round trip if you’re short on time.
Last, make your way back towards the exit of the park and break off towards Double Arch. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to explore Double Arch.
Key Things to Know
Arches is in Moab, so you have many fun food options to pick from. Moab Brewery is always packed and a good time after a long hike. At night, check out Blu Pig for live music and a solid bar food.
Capitol Reef National Park
Just 2.5 hours away is Capital Reef National Park, home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Often overlooked by Arches and some of Utah’s most popular destinations, this park features spectacular views and diverse terrain. One some of the best hikes in the park, you won’t cross paths with many people.
One of the best 360 degree views in the country
Hike a moderately challenging 4.5 miles to the end of the Navajo Knobs trailhead, and climb atop the protruding rocks. With staggering canyon walls and mountainous landscapes in all directions, Navajo Knobs provides one of the best 360 views in the country. The majority of this hike follows the ridgeline and weaves in and out of the curving canyon. You get a great view of Castle Rock from above as well.
Key Things to Know
There’s not a lot of developed land around Capitol Reef National Park – which makes it a great place to get away from major crowds – so be smart and pack plenty of water & snacks for yourselves.
Dead Horse State Park
For some of the best canyon views, Dead Horse State Park near Moab is worth the extra day trip. It has its own entry fee, but is still another fun family friendly alternative to Arches or other popular spots near Moab.
Canyon vista views like nowhere else in the country
The Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail offers a variety of spectacular canyon views and the meandering Colorado River below. This is a great hike to take the dogs on since the state park is dog-friendly. The only crowded sections are towards the southernmost point where visitors can drive up and park to take in the panoramic views.
Key Things to Know
If you’re into night photography or stargazing, Dead Horse State Park is one of the best possible places to be. There are a variety of sources to let you know the best times for visibility. The drive out there passes through a number of cow grazing lands. Be cautious as you’re likely to encounter the herd on your way in or out.
As you leave Dead Horse State Park, take a right off Highway 313 towards Gemini Bridges. You’ll need a decent 4×4 with clearance, and be careful for inclement weather, but this trail road is equally as fun to drive as it is to awe at the natural surroundings.
Little Wild Horse Canyon and Goblin Valley State Park
If you want to drive hours away into the land of no cell service, then plan a day trip this direction. There is a lot of BLM land surrounding the area, which makes it a popular yet warranted getaway for camping trailers and off-road vehicles.
One of the best day trips from Moab
Only an hour and a half from Moab, this 8 mile loop hike (including Bell Canyon) does not disappoint. Hiking the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail will have you climbing and swerving your way through beautiful landscapes.
Once you’re finished, make your way into the actual state park and stretch your legs walking around Goblin Valley.
Key Things to Know
If you bring your pups here (it is dog friendly), note that there are a couple large drops on the hike, and Goblin Valley has the lair hikes that require some careful footing and scrambling down sharp rocks.
Other things to do around Moab
Moab is a small town that has spawned industry to cater to the busy tourist seasons. You’ll be able to find everything you need, but don’t set your expectations too high. After all, when you’re exhausted from a day of off-roading or hiking, all you need to do is kick your feet up with a burger and a drink.
The Moab Brewery is a lively place, and if you’re lucky enough to sneak in without a wait, you can try a variety of local drinks.
BluPig BBQ is not as lively as Moab Brewery, but it does have live music to supplement the tasty bar food and upbeat atmosphere.
There are plenty of other great options in town. Be aware that traffic gets busy, and with only one route (Highway 191) cutting through this town, you can often times find yourself crawling along and stopping for multiple traffic lights while pedestrians beat you to the other side of town.
One of the other main benefits of Moab is the infinite amount of off-road trails, less crowded hikes and scenic viewpoints. We recommend exploring an entire day without a planned itinerary and see what you stumble upon.
