The 5 Best Hikes Near Moab to do with Kids!

This is one of the best short hikes around. It’s a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that crossed the stream a few times, culminating in a few small waterfalls and an area to wade or swim- it’s perfect for a hot day.

*This is a popular hike so it can get busy, especially in the afternoon. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, take a quick stop at the waterfall, double back on the trail, and go above the waterfall. The canyon winds its way back even farther and there are some cool “caves” /forming arches that will be shaded. There are some great spots for lunch at the mouth of some of these arches. Its also a fun place for kids to play in the stream and look for crawdads or small guppies.

Perfect for a sunset hike, this relatively short hike is a fun one for younger kids. The trail mainly consists of flat slick rock with a short steep section complete with a little ladder climb. If you and the kids are feeling good, Bowtie Arch connects to the Corona Arch trailhead and isn’t terribly farther. (I have done the link-up of both and it doesn’t take too much more time.)

*This is my favorite hike right at sunset. Make sure to take snacks to share while watching the sun go down. Bring headlamps for a fun family-friendly adventure!

Oh man, where to start. If you are looking for a little longer hike, stream crossings, lizards, crawdads, cactus, beautiful canyon walls, and a spectacular view of Morning Glory Natural Bridge, this is the hike for you and your family. Deemed a “moderate” hike, this trail has a mix of everything, from slick rock to sand. The trail winds its way back along the canyon, crossing the stream 8-10 times until you reach the base of the Natural Bridge and a natural spring. (I drink out of it basically every time I am up there and haven’t gotten sick, but drink at your own risk 😊) Once you get to Morning Glory Natural Bridge you might be lucky enough to see some groups repelling between the bridge. The Moab Adventure Center runs a canyoneering tour through that area that I get to guide so be sure to say hi and if you’re feeling stoked, sign up for the tour! You won’t regret it. (Kids age 10 and up can go as well!) It’s a great way to see Grand Staff canyon from a whole new perspective.

*There’s a lot of poison ivy along the trail, especially as you get close to the stream. Never fear, just keep those hands away from the bushes and you will be totally fine! Familiarize yourself with what poison ivy looks like. As a general rule of thumb, just don’t touch anything with three-leaf clusters. Waxy leaves also mean there’s a good chance the plant isn’t friendly.

Both the morning and late afternoon are great for this trail, as the shade covers different parts of the canyon at different times. My favorite time to hike is either early in the morning (around 8 am to avoid most of the hot sun and crowds on the way out) or later in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Wear Chacos/Tevas or some form of water sandal and you won’t be disappointed when you get to play in the refreshing water. The trail is also dog friendly, just pack out the poop or the canyoneering guides will hunt you down!

Load up on water and snacks, spray on that sunscreen, and enjoy a taste of the variety that Moab has to offer!

Nestled in Arches National Park, this is a must-do hike for families. Devil’s Garden is an 8-mile loop trail that connects to some very pretty areas and views but can be extremely technical and would be a very tough hike, especially with young kids. (Unless you want to carry them the whole way) If the whole loop sounds too intense, check out an easy segment of the trail that leads to Landscape Arch. Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America, spanning just over 300 feet long. The Arch looks like it could fall any moment and is an amazing feat of natural engineering 😊 If the hike to the Landscape arch isn’t enough to tire the kids out, there are two other off-shoot trails to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch between the trailhead and Landscape Arch that can be used to extend the mileage and beauty of the trip.

*Arches National Park has implemented a timed entry system to get into the park that can be purchased for two dollars online. It is an attempt to regulate traffic into the park, make it a more enjoyable experience for visitors and help keep the park in good condition for years to come! Make sure to check out the government website for the most up-to-date information before you head out to Arches! The staff at the Moab Adventure Center is also a great resource for anything!

Our last hike on the list is a classic, a hike that runs through fin-like structures and underneath some incredible towers of red sandstone. This hike was awesome for my family as it was entertaining for the older kids in my family but still doable and exciting for the youngest. There are a few scramble parts, including a cool decent on a ladder which keeps things interesting and fun. Fisher Towers are steeped in rock climbing history, and you might be lucky enough to spot some climbers on one of the many towers.

*This hike is very exposed to the sun so it would be best early in the morning or late in the evening. Due to the nature of some of the scrambles, it isn’t exactly dog friendly, but are some alternate routes for dogs if needed. Make sure to pack a lot of water as it can get hot quickly! I normally carry 3 liters on all of the hikes I do, the Moab sun is not to be tested.

We’ve come to the end of 5 of the best hikes for families that I know of! Moab has so much to offer with its diverse culture and landscape. The hikes are world-class and show off the natural beauty of the red sandstone wonderland that pops up in the middle of the Utah Desert. As a climbing and canyoneering guide, I get to meet people from all over the world and they all say the same thing about Moab. There’s nowhere like it on the planet. These five hikes are in no way all-encompassing when it comes to the hikes you can do but it’s a great start to designing the “perfect” family trip. You can’t control temper tantrums or bathroom breaks, but you customize the hikes to fit the needs of a growing family. If your kids are anything like me, they will remember the towering blood-red cliffs and playing in the cool stream much longer than the arguments and fights with siblings in the backseat. So, once you’ve successfully made it to Moab, take a deep breath, look around you, and be hypnotized by the beauty of the rocks.