The Best Moab Arch Hikes Outside of Arches National Park are no more than a 20 minute drive from the park, plus allows dogs, and most are great for kids. These arches listed below are some of the best in the area. Why stick to just Delicate Arch when you can see something unique and off the beaten path? Check out these out to hike to something different in Moab, Utah!
Lost Creek Falls is located in Provo Canyon, Utah, and is a perfect Spring hike to check out this fun waterfall. It's great for dogs off leash to explore and cool off in the creek, plus great for kids of all ages. The "trail" starts out by following an old, narrow dirt road, and eventually you are left to hike steeply along Lost Creek.
Corona Arch is one of Moab's most popular trails and one of the most impressive arches in Southern Utah. From Moab, Corona Arch is closer than that of any arch in Arches National Park, and dogs are allowed (whereas in Arches NP dogs aren't allowed to hike any trails).
The Fisher Towers Trail is located 16 miles North East of Moab, Utah, and offers a 4 mile (RT) hike that winds through these fin-like structures. The Fisher Towers are composed of Moenkopi and Cutler sandstone, and have eroded into many shapes and sizes. These towers are one of the most outstanding scenic features of Utah's Colorado Riverway, as the rock pinnacles soar above a maze of red and pink hued canyon, and overlook the Colorado River, Onion Creek, and the famous rock "Priest & Nuns" to the south.
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.
Hiking Upper Muley Twist is located in Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP), and this route covers extremely varied terrain - from deep and narrow, to high and exposed, all within a relatively short distance. It begins in a canyon paralleling the spine of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mile long ridge that juts out from the upper crust of the landscape. This long "monocline" is one of the longest in the world! The bizarre landscape is made of brilliantly colored rocks, including at least 7 visible arches, natural bridges, slot canyons, fins, domes, and more. Hiking Upper Muley Twist gives you the grand tour of this area, so it's a must-do!
The Great Chamber at Cutler Point is a large open dome with a tall sand hill - perfect for photography. This is less of a hike and more of a scenic viewing area, as long as you can drive all the way! The roads are extremely sandy - high clearance and 4x4 is a MUST.
Alstrom Point is a vast, open overlook at the edge of Lake Powell, and offers amazing views of Gunsight Bay, Navajo Mountain, and tall red buttes. It's considered one of the best views in Southern Utah, and requires an SUV or larger to reach the end of the road at the overlook.
Wiregrass Canyon is one of many drainages that flow into Lake Powell, and offers a fun moderate hike. If you had a full day, you could reach the shore of Lake Powell, but most people only hike to the arch and back in just a few hours. Wiregrass Canyon Arch isn't the only attraction - tall, white canyon walls with two sections of light scrambling make this enjoyable for the whole family. The first 1/2 mile winds through a dry wash, before entering the canyon, where the fun begins.
Hiking Catstair Canyon is a fun, quick, and easy hike for the whole family. It's only 0.5 miles RT, and leads to two sections of stacked cars right underneath HWY 89! These cars were originally placed here as a way to "help support and build" the highway on top back in the day while trying to be resourceful with unused cars. However, it wasn't quite as supportive as locals had hoped, especially once modern day construction entered the picture. Today, it's a perfect stop along the highway in between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ to stretch your legs for a quick walk with a unique sight to see.