Looking Glass Rock & Arch is off HWY 191, about 25 miles south of Moab, UT yet hardly anyone makes the stop to check out this cool spot. This isn't really a "hike" but more of a "walk", since you basically drive right up to it, then walk about 200 yards up to the arch. Yet what this small walk offers is one of the best arches and viewpoints in the area. There are so many cool arches outside of Arches National Park, yet nobody cares to explore them. Best part? Dogs are allowed!
Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab's hidden gems - the "trail" is a creek the entire way, which leads to a 30 ft waterfall. This is a great trail to do when Moab is too hot, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. The canyon walls get higher as you hike further into the canyon, and eventually will reach upwards of 100 ft! There are several side canyons that allow for exploring tighter slot canyons. I first hiked this trail in March 2015, and really loved it. I just had to get back to show my friends what it was like! You can check out my original article on KSL here.
Jug Handle Arch probably ranks pretty low on the "Arches list" if there is such a thing. However, what this arch lacks in grandeur makes up for itself for a worthy stop to check out the petroglyphs along the south facing cliff wall. Don't expect much from Jug Handle Arch, but if you happen to be on HWY 191 following the Colorado River or hiked either Jeep Arch or Corona Arch it makes for a good extra, quick stop since it's only 3.5 miles past the trail heads.
Hunter Canyon is located in Kane Creek, in the area called Behind the Rocks in Moab. Hunter Canyon is home to Hunter Arch and a few petroglyphs (if you can find them), and is a great hike for the whole family - dogs and kids, included. This winding canyon is beautiful - tall sandstone cliff walls, pools of water, a flowing stream in spring (it dries out in Summer), shade here and there to cool off, and red rock towers. Hunter Canyon stretches for miles on end, but most people turn around at the 2 mile mark, where the canyon intersects with a fork with another canyon.
Grandeur Peak (8,299 ft and pronounced like "grand-er") is the one of the high points in Millcreek Canyon, and offers fantastic views of the SLC Valley and into Parley's Canyon. Most people hike from to the summit from Millcreek at the Church Fork Trailhead, since it's considered the "easiest" way to the summit. From Church Fork the trail is 6 miles RT with 2,900 ft. Want a challenge and a better workout? Hike the West Ridge to Grandeur Peak! Taking this route gains 3,300 ft in 4.4 miles RT. This route is not for the beginner hiker due to the steepness.
Moab, Utah is an outdoor mecca, and gateway to several National Parks and Monuments, including Arches & Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Many people think that because these parks aren't dog friendly, that Moab isn't dog friendly. Listen up hikers - Moab is one of THE friendliest dog towns in Utah. All you have to do is hike outside the national parks, and you're pup will be in hiking heaven. There are over 20 hikes that are dog friendly and off leash - I've picked out the 7 Best Dog friendly trails in Moab for you and your pack!