8 Best Hikes in Moab, Utah
National Parks, Trip Ideas & Guides, Winter Road Trips
By Allison Fitts & Lillian Robinson
A land of National Parks, desert landscapes, and Westworld scenery for days, Moab, Utah, is perhaps one of the best places to hike in the United States. The little town of 5,000 is a prime launching pad to Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Not to mention it is only a half day’s drive from Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Page, Arizona – home to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. And, it’s only a 4-hour drive from our camper van rental Salt Lake City location and a 5.5-hour drive from our camper van rental in Denver.
We are avid Moab visitors and try to get out there at least once a year. Below we have highlighted some of our personal favorite hikes in the area, plus a few that we are still dying to try! There is plenty on this list to enjoy, whether you are in Southeastern Utah for one day or one month.
1. Delicate Arch Trail
Location: Arches National Park
Distance: 2.9 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: quintessential Moab hike, the best view of Delicate Arch, great to do in late afternoon/sunset, downhill all the way back
*Bonus: You can reserve a campsite inside Arches National Park, making your campervan/hiking adventure that much better!
2. Mesa Arch Trail
Location: Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky District
Distance: 0.6 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy
Quick Hits: beautiful views of the canyon, good sunrise hike, easy to drive up and park
3. Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail
Location: Dead Horse Point State Park
Distance: 5 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: so many views – many from HBO’s Westworld
4. Fisher Towers Trail
Location: near Castle Valley, UT
Distance: 3.9 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: close to the lovely little Castle Valley, rock formations that aren’t arches
5. Druid Arch Trail
Location: Canyonlands National Park – The Needles District
Distance: 10.4 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: longer full day hike, full immersion in the non-Canyon part of Canyonlands National Park
6. Cave Spring Trail
Location: Canyonlands National Park – The Needles District
Distance: 0.6 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: getting to climb ladders(!), lots of small historical artifacts and sites along the way
7. Windows Loop & Turret Arch Trail
Location: Arches National Park
Distance: 1.2 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy
Quick Hits: good for kids, view of the whole park, drive right up and park
8. Fiery Furnace & Surprise Arch
Location: Arches National Park
Distance: 2.5 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Quick Hits: guided tours offered, super unique landscape
Getting There
Moab, UT is about 4 hours from Escape Camper Vans Salt Lake City camper van rental site, 5 hours and 30 minutes from the camper van rental in Denver, 7 hours and 15 minutes from the Phoenix camper van rental location, and 6 hours and 30 minutes from the camper van rental site in Las Vegas. We recommend booking your campervan ahead of the busy season or traveling in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Get your Moab camper van rental today!