Hiking around Moab in Utah takes you through striking desert landscapes of red rock arches, towering sandstone cliffs, and wide open canyon country. Trails wind across slickrock and through dramatic formations in the National Parks, where deep canyons and sculpted rock towers stretch toward the horizon. Along the way you pass natural arches, narrow sandstone fins, and sweeping viewpoints above the Colorado River. With its bold red landscapes, immense skies, and powerful desert scenery, hiking around Moab feels adventurous, raw, and unforgettable.

Your adventure begins as you arrive in the United States, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Moab (Canyonfields) Airport. It’s well connected to Europe and the US, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. There are daily flights from Denver and Phoenix to Moab and also a shuttle bus if you prefer to arrive in Salt Lake City. If you arrive early there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore any of the cities. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.
For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Moab, surrounded by mountains and national parks. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the US’ most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map : 10 km 4-5 h ~550 m ●●●○○ — Moderate
One of Utah’s most striking desert walks, the Fisher Towers Trail winds through a maze of towering red rock spires and sculpted cliffs near Moab. The trail showcases the dramatic sandstone formations of the Colorado Plateau, where wind and time have carved the landscape into surreal shapes.
Starting from the Fisher Towers trailhead off Highway 128, the route follows a well-marked path beneath the massive monoliths, weaving in and out of gullies and viewpoints. The trail gradually climbs to a high ridge with sweeping views of Castle Valley and the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
The turnaround point is a viewpoint near the Titan, the tallest of the Fisher Towers, standing more than 900 feet high. The return follows the same route, with shifting light bringing new color and texture to the rock. It’s a classic desert hike—short, scenic, and unforgettable for its otherworldly landscapes and endless horizons.

Click for Route Map : 12 km 4–5 h ~500 m ●●●●○ — Challenging
The Gold Knob Hike is a hidden gem in the Moab area, offering sweeping views of red-rock mesas, canyons, and the snow-covered La Sal Mountains. It’s less crowded than the nearby national park trails yet delivers the same classic desert drama — slickrock domes, sculpted sandstone, and endless horizons glowing in shades of gold and rust.
The trail begins off Kane Creek Road, about 15 kilometers southwest of Moab, following a sandy wash before rising onto slabs of smooth Navajo sandstone. Cairns mark the route as it winds upward across open slickrock, with ever-expanding views of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness and the Colorado River corridor. The steady climb leads to Gold Knob, a rounded summit that lives up to its name when it catches the afternoon sun.
From the top, the panorama stretches across the La Sals to the east and the Maze-like canyons to the west — one of the most underrated viewpoints near Moab. The descent follows the same path, with shifting light revealing new textures in the rock along the way. The trail combines solitude, subtle beauty, and classic desert adventure, making it a perfect alternative to the busier hikes inside Arches or Canyonlands.

Click for Route Map : 5 km 2–3 h ~150 m ●●○○○ — Easy / Moderate
The Corona Arch Trail is one of Moab’s most iconic short hikes, leading to a massive sandstone arch tucked into a red rock canyon above the Colorado River. It’s a perfect outing for anyone wanting classic Utah scenery without the crowds of the national parks.
The trail begins just west of Moab, following a slickrock and sandy path through desert terrain dotted with juniper and cacti. The route includes a few fun scrambles, with cables and ladders to help on steeper sections. Along the way, you’ll pass the smaller Bowtie Arch before reaching Corona Arch itself — an enormous span curving gracefully against the bright desert sky.
The arch feels both grand and peaceful, its shadow sweeping across the sandstone floor as the light shifts through the day. The return follows the same trail, offering new perspectives of the cliffs and river below. It’s a short but unforgettable hike that captures the spirit of Moab’s red rock landscape.
Click for Route Map : 4 km 2–3 h ~200 m ●●○○○ — Easy / Moderate
The Longbow Arch Trail is a lesser-known gem near Moab, combining ancient rock art, slickrock walking, dinosaur tracks and a graceful natural arch tucked high above the Colorado River. It’s a great choice for a half-day adventure with a mix of scenery and history.
The trail starts at the Poison Spider Mesa trailhead, just off Potash Road, and climbs gradually up a slickrock ridge marked by cairns. Early in the hike, you’ll pass a panel of well-preserved petroglyphs, featuring bighorn sheep and other desert carvings. Beyond that, the route becomes more rugged, with a short scramble and metal cable assisting on steeper rock sections.
At the top, Longbow Arch comes into view — a slender, elegant span set against the backdrop of red cliffs and blue desert sky. The view stretches across the canyon country, with layers of sandstone glowing in the sun. The return follows the same route, offering great photo stops along the slickrock.
It’s an accessible, rewarding hike close to town, perfect for anyone who wants a taste of adventure and solitude without straying far from Moab.

A free day in Moab is the perfect chance to slow down and experience the desert beyond the trails. Start with a scenic drive along Highway 128, which follows the Colorado River through towering red rock canyons, or head into Arches National Park for a relaxed sightseeing morning — most viewpoints are easily reached from the car. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a 4WD tour through Canyonlands’ Shafer Trail or the famous Hell’s Revenge slickrock, where expert guides handle the driving while you take in the views. For something more tranquil, join a Colorado River float trip or a scenic flight over the canyons for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. In town, browse Moab’s local art galleries, outdoor gear shops, and cafés, or visit the Moab Museum to learn about the region’s Indigenous and geological history. As the day cools, catch the sunset from Dead Horse Point State Park or relax with dinner on a patio downtown, watching the cliffs glow in the evening light.

Click for Route Map : 12 km 4–5 h ~150 m ●●○○○ — Moderate
One of Moab’s most unique and refreshing hikes, the Mary Jane Canyon Trail follows a clear stream through a deep red sandstone gorge to a pair of beautiful slot canyons and a hidden waterfall.
The trail starts at the end of a dirt road off Highway 128 and immediately enters the cool shade of the canyon, where you’ll wade in and out of the shallow creek as it winds between tall, sculpted cliffs. The walls rise higher as you go, glowing orange and crimson in the sunlight filtering from above.
After about 5 km, the canyon narrows dramatically before ending at a delicate double arch formed by a waterfall cascading through the rock. It’s a peaceful, photogenic spot to rest before retracing your steps downstream.
Expect to get your feet wet — the water is rarely more than ankle deep — and to spend much of the hike surrounded by silence, echoing water, and glowing canyon light. It’s a perfect half-day escape into one of Moab’s most enchanting hidden corners.

Click for Route Map : 14 km 5-6 h ~600 m ●●●○○ — Moderate
Tucked just outside Moab, the Hidden Valley Trail offers a quiet escape into red rock country, with wide desert views, ancient petroglyphs, and a peaceful high valley surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
The hike begins at the Hidden Valley trailhead off Angel Rock Road and climbs steeply for the first kilometer on rocky switchbacks. Once on the mesa top, the trail levels out and opens into the namesake Hidden Valley — a broad, grassy basin ringed by towering red walls. The sense of seclusion here is remarkable, with few signs of the busy desert below.
Toward the far end of the valley, a short detour leads to a ridge with sweeping views of Moab, the La Sal Mountains, and the canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Some hikers also continue to explore nearby panels of ancient petroglyphs etched into the sandstone.
The return takes you right back to the accommodation. With its mix of solitude, scenery, and cultural history, the Hidden Valley Trail captures the quieter side of Moab’s desert landscape.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Utah, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you to Moab Airport.
If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.
As you leave Moab behind, you’ll take with you memories of red canyons, desert lights, and unforgettable adventures in one of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!
What's Included?
- Accommodation (Twin Room)
- Airport Transfers
- Expert Guided Hikes
- Transport to and from Hikes
- Hiking Friends
Important Info
Accommodation – Apache Motel, Moab
Meeting Point – Arrivals Hall at Canyonlands Field Airport, Moab
Transfer Details – Individual transfers can be any time on the first and last day.
Max Group Size – 12
Difficulty – On all our Trailmates trips you should have a good level of fitness. You don’t need to be an expert hiker but walks can be long with elevation. When possible we try to offer alternative options for those who want an easier day.
Dates & prices
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Early Bird DiscountSaturdayJune 5, 2027SaturdayJune 12, 2027£1,695£1,52510% OffAvailable
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Early Bird DiscountSaturdayAugust 28, 2027SaturdaySeptember 4, 2027£1,695£1,52510% OffAvailable
EXCELLENT Based on 79 reviews Posted on Google TH WWTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Well-designed and varied itinerary. We joined the first Sardinia tour with Garry, who accompanied the group throughout—clear attention to detail and strong collaboration with the local guide, Sergioooooooooooo. (Must pronounce his name in this way) The guide was knowledgeable and attentive, offering detailed insights during hikes while making sure everyone was comfortable. Accommodation was consistently good, and the traditional mountain shepherd dinner was a standout. I joined with a high school friend who flew across the Atlantic—worth it. The group bonded quickly despite different backgrounds. A strong choice if you want a hiking-focused trip with like-minded people.Posted on Google Chiao ChangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I joined a hiking trip with Trailmates Adventures for Sadinia trip and had a great experience. The trip was well-organized, and the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the hike. The scenery was beautiful, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. I’d definitely join another trip with them in the future and highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures.Posted on Google Erika HoszuTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such an amazing experience on this Sardinia trip with Trailmates Adventures. Everything was so well organized, from the activities to the overall vibe of the group—it really made the whole holiday feel effortless and enjoyable. Garry was a fantastic host throughout the trip. He created a really welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it easy for everyone to connect and feel included. You can tell he genuinely cares about giving people a great experience, and it shows in all the little details. Sardinia itself was absolutely beautiful, and the mix of adventure, social time, and exploring made it the perfect balance. I came back not only with great memories but also having met some wonderful people. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun, well-organized group holiday—and I’d happily join another one in the future!Posted on Google Bel BerryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely loved my first trip to Morocco through Trailmates Adventures. I’ve looked into other solo traveller group tours before but none ever ticked all the boxes until now. The entire trip felt like a hiking holiday with like minded friends - fun and interesting. Some friendships will last a long time, and some just shared moments. Great itinerary, well planned out, and adaptable depending on fitness levels. Communication was really good and straightforward, from both the organisers and the trustworthy local guides. Overall it was an incredible experience that exceeded expectations, and I am looking forward to booking my next trip. If you feel hesitant of travelling/hiking solo then Trailmates is for you!Posted on Google Anastasiia VlasovaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our trip to Madeira was amazing. Trailmates Group organized a wonderful hike. This was our first group tour and our first hike ever, and now we'll definitely be going on more with this company. Firstly, the price was reasonable and the quality matched our expectations. Secondly, the tour was the perfect difficulty level and suitable for travelers of all fitness levels. The idea of traveling just for the hike was the most important thing for us, as we wanted to fully enjoy the hiking and nature. I'd also like to point out that Harry was always available, which gave us a sense of security. A huge thank you to our guide, Paolo – he's very friendly, has a clear itinerary, and does his job 100%. The other members of our group are wonderful, engaging people. We're so glad we met them, and they'll remain etched in our memories. Thank you, Trailmates, for Madeira, and we'll see you soon!Posted on Google Agnieszka JaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Trailmates Adventures enough! From my very first inquiry, Garry was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly quick to respond to all my questions. It was truly a trip of a lifetime, and will definitely be booking my next holiday with themPosted on Google Orlagh WalkerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ive just had the most amazing week with Trail mates adventures.Its my first time doing a solo trip and it was so smooth from start to finish. Garry was just amazing and answered all my questions promptly and with care. The hikes were first class and our hike leader Paolo was a gem. I loved the group and my roommate was so lovely. What an amazing experience. I will definitely go again with this company.Posted on Google SV3 LeerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My trip to Marokko was great. I liked the hikes in the Atlas Mountains and my fellow travellers in the group were great, too. I highly recommend it. :)Posted on Google Natasja HoexTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Atlas hike Marokko Ik heb een hele leuke week in de Atlas in Marokko gehad met trailmates. Ik vond de hikes heel divers. Het hotel was fijn en de groep was echt super. Het is tof dat je in een internationale groep reist. Dat maakt de gesprekken extra interessant vind ik. Wat ik ook echt een plus vind, is dat je vertrekt vanuit dezelfde plek. Dus mocht je een keer niet mee willen/ kunnen dan is dat geen probleem. Plus je komt in een soort “thuis” terug. Ik ga zeker nog eens met deze organisatie op pad :-)Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
