If you’re visiting southern Utah to see Arches and Canyonlands national parks, it may be worth the effort to explore one of the hiking trails near Moab. Many of the trails offer views of the Moab Valley, Colorado River and natural rock arches while climbing through slickrock canyons and sandstone. Strap on your hiking boots, grab your water and enjoy one of the hiking trails in Moab.
Portal Overlook Trail
For panoramic views of the Moab Valley and La Sal Mountains, the Portal Overlook Trail is your best bet. Four miles round-trip, the Portal Overlook trail includes several switchbacks and an uphill hike to the top. Begin at Jaycee Park and follow the Colorado river up to the river portal. If you’re looking to beat the heat, most of the trail is in the shade during the late afternoons in the summer. The hike takes about three hours.
Fisher Tower’s Trail
The Fisher Tower’s trail allows views of the Fisher Towers and Onion Creek, as well as distant views of the Colorado River and Castle Valley. To get to the trailhead, take the Utah Scenic Byway 128, and at 21 east of the Utah 128/US 191 junction, turn right and go 2.2 miles on the dirt road to the parking lot. Approximately 4.4 miles round-trip, Fisher Tower’s trail begins at the parking lot and winds through a ravine and around one of the sandstone Fisher Towers. Allow about four hours for the hike and be aware that it can get extremely hot during the summer.
Corona Arch Trail
The Corona Arch trail will take you to the Corona and Bow Tie arches. Along the way, the trial includes views of the Colorado River and through a slickrock canyon. The trailhead is located 10 miles west of the Utah 270/US 191 junction, from a parking lot on the north side of the highway. Corona Arch trail is three miles round-trip and takes about two hours.
Moab Rim Trail
The Moab Rim trail provides excellent views of the Moab Valley, Colorado River and the giant sandstone fins of the Behind the Rocks area. The trailhead is located off Kane Creek Boulevard, about 2.6 miles off its intersection with U.S. Highway 191. Moab Rim trail is about six miles round-trip and winds past the slickrock ramps of Kayenta sandstone and the large domes of Navajo sandstone.
Hidden Valley Trail
For excellent views of Moab Valley and Behind the Rocks, the Hidden Valley trail is best. Four miles round-trip, the Hidden Valley trail connects with the southern end of the Moab Rim trail. The trailhead begins in a parking area just off Rimrock Road. The Hidden Valley trail includes a set of steep switchbacks as it ascends to Hidden Valley, a shelf in between Moab Rim and Spanish Valley. Allow three hours to complete the hike.
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