If it is your first time in Moab, I highly suggest checking out Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park, but if it is your second, third or tenth time and you haven’t explore just Moab, you really should. The top hikes in the area are primarily in Arches, but I would argue that Moab, has some hikes that rival the area’s top destinations. The best part of hiking in Moab and staying outside the National Parks and State Park nearby, is it is dog friendly! The second, they are all free.

The Best Hiking in Moab, Utah

Hiking these trails is best in Spring and Fall. Summers in Moab can be extremely hot and these trails are fully exposed since you are in the desert. Here are the best hikes that we have found in Moab, Utah, outside of the area’s parks. These are all dog friendly, which means let’s keep it that way. Pick up after your dog. You have a dog, you know you need dog bags, so grab them and if needed, use them to carry it out. Or better yet, put a pack on your dog and then they can carry it out.

Corona Arch

Miles: 2.5 ♦ Elevation Change: 547 ♦ Trail Type: Out & Back ♦ Trail: easy to Moderately Challenging 

This is one has been a favorite of mine for years. While, it is not long, nor is there a lot of elevation gain, you do have ladders, rock scrambling and hiking on boulders. It is a short adventure to one of the best arches in the area. Please do not carve into the rock, as some have done. It is not there for you to carve whatever it is you want thinking that it does absolutely anything for your life. No one cares about your initials or who you love that day. Respect the area.

This arch is truly incredible. There are places to sit and relax or have a picnic. People watching is always fun and exploring around the arch is fascinating.

Mary Jane Canyon via Professor

Miles: 8 ♦ Elevation Gain: 600′ ♦ Trail Type: Out and Back ♦ Trail Level: Easy with a few rock scrambles and through water

This is probably the best hike for dogs. Mostly through the wash and in water. There is always a drinking spot for them and a little respite from the heat. You will get wet, so don’t try to avoid it. Enjoy it and have fun!

Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Story Bridge

Miles: 4.5 ♦ Elevation Gain: 300′ ♦ Trail Type: Out and Back ♦ Trail Level: Easy

A fun hike through the desert to a beautiful natural bridge.

Fisher Towers

Miles: 4.6 ♦ Elevation Gain: 1,100′ ♦ Trail Type: Out and Back♦ Trail Level: Easy to Moderate

This hike has you roaming around some of the most beautiful towering red walls. There is a ladder during this hike that you will need to be able to take and if it is wet, it gets slippery. This hike isn’t to anything specific. What it is meant to do is show off the amazing landscapes of this area and it surely does it. You can also camp at the small campground at the trailhead.

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