The Best Hiking Trails in and Around Moab
With its awe-inspiring arches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and massive red rock canyons, Moab is a hikers’ paradise. From easy strolls to camera-ready overlooks, to strenuous climbs among towering walls of rock, this one-of-a-kind destination has something for everyone.
Check out a few can’t-miss hikes in and around ULUM Moab – in Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and throughout the Moab Valley – and discover the best of the American Southwest.
Note: Keep in mind that this is the high desert, where shade is limited and weather conditions can change quickly. Be prepared for desert hiking conditions with extra water, sunscreen, and a sun hat, and consider hiking in the early-morning or late-afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Can't Miss Hikes in Moab
Looking Glass Arch (easy)
Looking Glass Arch can be seen from almost any vantage point at ULUM Moab, Utah’s newest luxury outdoor resort. Rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor, this majestic sandstone dome features a massive amphitheatre and huge window carved out by ferocious winds over millions of years. With its sheer cliffs and outstanding views, Looking Glass Arch is one of the most iconic arches in the area.
It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the ULUM Moab resort to the base of Looking Glass Arch. Once there, you can scramble up the spine of the arch relatively easily or simply stand under the awe-inspiring rock formation and enjoy the beautiful views. For an added adrenaline rush, try rock climbing and rappelling on the side of the arch. Guests of ULUM Moab can reach out to the resort’s Adventure Concierge to arrange an excursion, complete with all necessary gear and an expert guide.
Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail (easy to moderate)
This 2.6-mile, out-and-back trail (located 15 miles outside Moab on BLM land), is known as one of the best short hikes in the Moab area. On your way to the arches, you’ll cross open slick rock (with help from steps, bolted-down ladders, and cables built into the rock) and gain almost 500 feet of elevation. You’ll arrive at Bowtie Arch, a unique pothole arch that is like a natural planetarium, then continue to Corona Arch, where you’ll enjoy stunning views in all directions.
Delicate Arch (moderate)
Located in Arches National Park, which boasts over 2,000 stone arches within its boundaries, Delicate Arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. This iconic arch is a symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. The out-and-back trail to Delicate Arch is 3.2 miles roundtrip and climbs 480 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass Wolfe Ranch cabin and a wall of Ute Indian petroglyphs.
Grandstaff Trail (moderately challenging)
This popular, 5.7-mile, out-and-back trail (located six miles outside Moab, on BLM land) is a beautiful little oasis in the desert. Along the trail, which has an elevation gain of 836 feet, you’ll pass a clear stream that runs year-round and cottonwoods resting in the shade of the surrounding canyon. The highlight: breathtaking Morning Glory Natural Bridge, a giant natural rock bridge with a 243-foot span.
Druid Arch Trail (challenging)
This 10.8-mile round-trip trail, featuring towering spires and multi-hued sandstone walls, offers one of the most spectacular views in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It follows the first part of the Chesler Park trail before heading up Elephant Canyon to Druid Arch, an iconic 150-foot-tall, sandstone arch named for its resemblance to Stonehenge in England, which is believed to be a Druid temple. Most of the hike is a gradual ascent up Elephant Canyon’s dry wash, though the final 0.25 miles is steep with some minor scrambling and scaling a ladder.
ULUM MOAB: LUXURY AND COMFORT IN NATURE
ULUM Moab—located approximately 20 miles south of Moab—is the perfect place to stay after a day on the trail. Tucked into an expansive, secluded desert setting, just steps from iconic Looking Glass Arch, ULUM Moab features upscale accommodations, a full-service restaurant, dipping pools, a yoga deck, and world-class exploration just beyond each safari-inspired canvas tent.
After a day of hiking, relax sore muscles and enjoy breathtaking views from the resort’s refreshing dipping pools. As the sun begins to lower in the sky behind Looking Glass Arch, sip a cocktail on the terraced patio then savor delicious cuisine (ranging from fresh salads, to short-rib tacos, to bison burgers) at ULUM’s full-service restaurant. After dinner, enjoy live acoustic music and s’mores by the fire pits as you watch the setting sun paint the sky in shades of pink and orange. And when it’s time to go to sleep, let the stars lead the way to your private Suite Tent, featuring a king-size bed, en suite bathroom with rainwater shower, wood-burning stove, and private patio. After a day full of adventure and wonder in nature, you’re sure to have a wonderful night’s rest.
