List of Moab Summer Hikes
Hiking in Moab is a great way to experience the beauty of this stunning desert oasis. There are amazing Moab summer hikes to explore the hiking trails in two National Parks, one State Park, and on BLM land.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan your summer trip: hiking trails, weather, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Moab hiking is one of the best ways to see and photograph this scenic area filled with sandstone arches, pinnacles, petroglyphs and even dinosaur prints!
This list of Moab summer hikes details the distance, time, elevation gain, and important information about what it’s like to hike each trail.
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for hiking in the summer! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
A Photo Tour of Moab, Utah
Take a visual tour through the Moab, Utah area to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Tips for Summer Hiking in Moab
There are a few things to note when visiting Moab in the summer. Hiking in the summer means HOT temperatures, sometimes exceeding 100 degrees F! And late summer monsoons can cause flash floods.
It’s important to stay hydrated, use sun protection, and get the latest weather information before hitting the trails in Moab in the summer!
Moab Summer Weather
Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!
- Moab in June: Highs 93 | Lows 60 degrees F
- Moab in July: Highs 100 | Lows 67 degrees F
- Moab in August: Highs 97 | Lows 66 degrees F
Tips for Summer Hiking in Moab
One of the best Moab activities is hiking. It’s important to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for summer hikes!
Summer Clothing for Hiking
- UV Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, UV protective wicking clothing is recommended for summer hiking.
- Sunhat: Sun protection is a must!
- Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Sturdy hiking shoes: Hiking shoes or boots should be sturdy with good tread and traction.
Summer Hiking Gear
- Water: Carry and drink at least two liters of water. Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Moab, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
List of Moab Summer Hikes
Here’s a list of Moab summer hiking trails to suit any level of hiker. We recommend taking along your photography gear for hiking to capture the arches, rock features, and landscape you’ll find in the area!
Corona Arch Summer Hike
- Hike length: 3 miles round trip
- Time required: 2 hours
- Hike difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location: from Moab, take US-191 North for 4 miles. Turn left onto UT-279 South. Follow UT-279 for 10 miles. Parking and the trailhead are located on the north-side (right-side) of the highway.
The most popular Moab hike is the Corona Arch Trail. It offers stunning views along the way and the reward at the end is the 140-feet wide and 150-feet high Corona Arch. Combine the hike to include seeing Bowtie Arch while you’re here!
Corona Arch Trail is considered moderate due to a few areas where you’ll need to use cables to get up and down the slickrock slopes.
Leashed pets are allowed on the trail.
Be sure to give yourself time to see all the sites along the Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway after the hike! We really like this drive in the late afternoon when the red rocks along the river glow in the reflection of the water!
Fisher Towers Summer Hike
- Hike length: 5.2 miles round trip
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
- Hike difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Location: Head north out of Moab a couple of miles to State Highway 128 (just before the Colorado River). Follow highway 128 about 21 miles to a signed turn off on the right. Follow the good dirt road 2.2 miles to it’s end at a small campground and parking lot.
The Fisher Towers Hike begins in the parking lot and descends a small set of steps to a ridge of Slickrock. This strenuous trail continues down into the ravine, where it narrows as it follows the cairns on the ridge.
As soon as the trail leaves the ravine, it climbs quickly and begins to wind directly beneath the Fisher Towers. The trail starts by traveling around the base of the largest tower in the park, The Titan. It then ascends upward to a ridge that provides an excellent view of Fisher Valley, the Colorado River, and the desert towers of Castle Valley.
Fisher Towers is a terrific sunset Moab photography spot!!
Grandstaff Canyon Summer Hike
- Hike length: 2 miles to Morning Glory Arch
- Time required: 4 hours round trip
- Hike difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location: The Grandstaff Canyon Trail is located three miles east of the junction with U.S. 191, Utah Scenic Byway 128.
The Grandstaff Canyon Hike is named after William Grandstaff, an African-American prospector in the 19th century. This trail is one of Moab’s most famous trails that offers a fun and exciting day adventure.
From the parking area next to Hwy 128, follow the trail up the left side of the stream. Keep going upstream for about 1.5 miles. At the fork in the road, follow the trail to the right, cross the stream, and walk up the steep slope.
Morning Glory Bridge is located at the end of the trail about 0.5 miles up the canyon from the stream.
Juniper Trail Summer Hike
- Hike length: 1.9 miles round trip
- Time required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Hike difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Location: located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area (fee to enter). Drive 6.3 miles from the entrance station and you’ll see a parking area.
The Juniper Hiking Trail is a well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail. It offers panoramic views of the Grandstaff, Mill Creek Canyons, Moab Rim, Porcupine Rim, La Sal Mountain range, and Colorado River channel.
Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Summer Hikes at Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a stunning destination for summer hikers. With its red-rock canyons and towering sandstone formations, you’ll find amazing Arches National Park summer hikes to explore this scenic park!
- Park Avenue
- Balanced Rock
- The Windows and Turret Arch
- Double Arch
- Delicate Arch
- Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch
- Skyline Arch
- Landscape Arch
Summer Hikes at Canyonlands National Park
Hiking is a terrific way to explore the stunning beauty of Canyonlands. Due to the remote location of Canyonlands, always be prepared with water, food and proper clothing so you can be self-reliant. Remember there is no gas, food or lodging at Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky or Needles Canyonlands.
Here’s a list of the best Canyonlands National Park summer hikes at Island in the Sky that range from easy to challenging.
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Point
- White Rim Overlook
- Murphy Point
- Upheaval Dome
- Whale Rock
- Aztec Butte
Check out the summer Canyonlands Needles hikes:
- Roadside Ruin
- Pothole Point
- Cave Spring
- Chesler Park Loop
- Druid Arch
- Confluence Overlook
Dead Horse Point Summer Hikes
This Utah State Park is located near the entrance to Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky.
The Dead Horse Point State Park hiking trails run along the top of the mesa and connect to each other. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Here’s a list of summer hikes at Dead Horse Point:
- Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail
- Visitor Center Nature Trail
- The Colorado River Overlook
- East Rim Trail System
- West Rim Trail System
More Summer Hikes in the US
- Summer Hiking Trails in the US
- Summer Hikes at US National Parks
- 60+ Best Hiking Trails in the US – get the free list by clicking the graphic below!