A Local’s Introduction to Hiking in Moab

Moab is more than a dot on the map of the American Southwest—it’s the heartbeat of red rock country. People come here for the landscapes they’ve seen in postcards and movies, but they stay for something harder to define: the way the light spills over sandstone at sunrise, the stillness of a canyon after a summer rain, and the feeling that adventure is always just around the bend.

Living here, I’ve learned that Moab is a hiker’s dream because every trail tells a different story. One day you might be standing under the famous curve of Delicate Arch as the La Sal Mountains glow in the distance. The next, you’re weaving through a quiet slot canyon where the walls are close enough to touch with both hands. Some trails take you high onto mesas with sweeping views of the Colorado River, while others lead you deep into desert valleys where the only sounds are your footsteps and the call of a raven overhead.

We have hikes for every kind of adventurer. If you’re looking for an easy stroll, there are short trails to arches, petroglyph panels, and overlooks that you can fit between coffee in town and dinner by the river. For those wanting something in the middle, our moderate hikes let you see the best of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point without pushing into full-day endurance territory. And if you’re ready to earn your views, Moab’s long, challenging routes will take you to places most visitors never see—where the reward is solitude and the kind of scenery that etches itself into memory.

I’ve created three sample itineraries—One Day in Moab, One Weekend in Moab, and A Full Week in Moab—so you can get the most out of your time here. Each one includes easy, intermediate, and hard options, giving you the flexibility to match your hiking plans to your schedule, energy, and sense of adventure. They mix the “must-sees” with the lesser-known trails that locals love, and they’re timed so you can catch the magic of sunrise, soak up golden hour, and avoid the busiest times on the most popular paths.

No matter which path you choose, you’ll leave Moab with more than just great photos—you’ll leave with the kind of memories that keep calling you back.

Sample Hiking Itineraries for Moab

One Day, Weekend, and Full Week Options — Easy, Intermediate, and Hard

One Day in Moab – Iconic Sights Close to Town

Best for: Visitors short on time who want the “greatest hits” of Moab.
Season Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat, especially in Arches National Park.

Easy Option – Scenic Highlights Without Strenuous Climbing

• Morning: Balanced Rock Loop (0.3 mi) + Windows Section (1 mi).
  Local Tip: The morning light at Windows Section makes the rock glow—park at the lower lot for the quickest access.

• Midday: Sand Dune Arch (0.3 mi).
  Local Tip: The sand here stays cool and soft, making it a great midday escape.

• Afternoon: Double Arch (0.5 mi).
  Local Tip: Look for climbers on the arch’s right-hand wall—locals often practice here.

• Evening: Park Avenue Viewpoint for sunset.
  Local Tip: Stay 15 minutes after the sun dips—colors intensify as the light fades.

Intermediate Option – The Classic Arches Experience

• Morning: Delicate Arch Trail (3 mi).
  Local Tip: Bring a small thermos of coffee and arrive before sunrise—it’s magical.

• Midday: Landscape Arch (1.6 mi) from Devils Garden trailhead.
  Local Tip: Go just a bit farther to see Navajo and Partition Arches—most visitors turn back early.

• Afternoon: Sand Dune Arch quick stop.

• Evening: Balanced Rock for golden hour.

Hard Option – Big Mileage in One Day

• Early Morning: Fiery Furnace (2 mi, permit or guided).
  Local Tip: Don’t poop in the furnace..

• Midday: Devils Garden Full Loop (7.9 mi).
  Local Tip: Most crowds thin after Double O Arch—if you continue, you’ll often have the trail to yourself.

• Evening: Double Arch for sunset shots.

One Weekend in Moab – Park Icons + Hidden Gems

Best for: Two to three days with a balance of famous spots and off-the-beaten-path trails.
Season Tip: One day in Arches, one in Canyonlands, with sunset at Dead Horse Point.

Easy Option

Day 1: Windows Section, Potash Road petroglyphs, sunset at Dead Horse Point.
Local Tip: The petroglyph panel along Potash Road is visible from your car—look for a pullout with a small interpretive sign.*

Day 2: Mesa Arch sunrise, Grand View Point Trail (2 mi), downtown dinner.
Local Tip: Mesa Arch is busiest right at sunrise—arrive 30 minutes early to get a front-row spot.*

Intermediate Option

Day 1: Delicate Arch sunrise, Landscape + Navajo Arch, sunset at Dead Horse Point.
Local Tip: The drive between Arches and Dead Horse is one of the prettiest in the area—plan extra time for roadside stops.*

Day 2: Grand View Point Trail, Murphy Point Trail (3.6 mi).
Local Tip: Murphy Point is a prime picnic spot—pack lunch.*

Hard Option

Day 1: Devils Garden Full Loop, sunset at Dead Horse Point.
Day 2: Syncline Loop Trail (8.3 mi, strenuous).
Local Tip: Syncline can be hot—start before sunrise and bring more water than you think you need.*

Full Week in Moab – In-Depth Exploration

Best for: Immersive hiking trip with time for sunrises, sunsets, and hidden trails.
Season Tip: Build in rest days or light days between long hikes.

Easy Option

• Balanced Rock, Windows, Double Arch.

• Dead Horse Point rim trails.

• Corona Arch (3 mi).

• Fisher Towers (2.2 mi).

• Mesa Arch + Island in the Sky overlooks.

• La Sal Mountain Loop scenic drive.

• Moab Museum + shopping.

  Local Tip: The La Sal Loop is spectacular in late September when aspens turn gold.

Intermediate Option

• Delicate Arch sunrise.

• Devils Garden (4–6 mi).

• Dead Horse Point rim trails.

• Corona Arch + Bowtie Arch.

• Fisher Towers.

• Murphy Point + White Rim overlooks.

• Hidden Valley Trail.
  

  Local Tip: Hidden Valley is a local favorite for solitude—best at sunrise for cool temps.

Hard Option

• Devils Garden Full Loop.

• Fiery Furnace + Park Avenue.

• Syncline Loop.

• Fisher Towers to Titan viewpoint.

• Negro Bill Canyon to Morning Glory Arch.

• Portal Overlook.

• Full-day technical canyoneering or backcountry hike.
  

  Local Tip: For Portal Overlook, bring a headlamp—sunset here is unreal, but you’ll hike back in the dark.