Six Must-See Beautiful Moab Arches Outside the National Parks

Moab is often referred to as the gateway to Arches National Park, but it also home to Canyonlands National Park, state parks and countless non park trails. Don’t get me wrong, these parks are stunning and worth the visit! I’ve been to them all multiple times, but there is so much beauty to discover outside the parks. If you’re on the hunt for epic Moab arches but don’t have a permit to the parks or just want something different, keep reading.

If you’re going to Moab, you don’t want to skip out on all that it has to offer. For some, it may be difficult to get into Arches National Park with the permit system in place. These arches are worth a visit either way, but they make for a perfect adventure if you can’t get a permit into the park. Below I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking to these Moab arches!

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Things to Know About Desert Hiking to These Moab Arches

• Desert hiking is extremely unforgiving. Between extreme temperatures, exposed thunderstorms and flash flooding, hiking near Moab needs to be done with an understanding of the dangers. Always check the weather forecast before you go. Try to plan your trip when temperatures are cooler like fall through spring. If you’re hiking on a day with heat above 80°, be sure to start as early as you can and consider avoiding being out during the heat of the day. A temperature of 80° will feel much warmer in the desert.

• Never carve on rocks or cause damage to the arches. Practice Leave No Trace Principles by leaving the trail better than you found them. It is illegal and highly finable to mark on rocks. Do not stack rocks as many trails use these rock stacks as trail markers. If you stack rocks, you can make it more difficult for hikers to find the correct trails. Help keep these trails and Moab arches beautiful for generations to come.

• Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike. Stick to the designated trails and don’t go off trail unless you’re able to stick to durable hard surfaces like rocks. If you have to go to the bathroom, always go away from water sources, dig a proper cat hole or pack out all waste.

• Most people visiting Moab are hoping to visit Arches National Park. Thanks to this park’s small footprint combined with the growing popularity, there is now a permit system in place to visit the park. Permits are required between April 1st and October 31st, which are the busiest months. Many people don’t realize this until it’s too late or are just unable to snag a permit, which is where this list comes in extra handy! There are so many amazing arches near Moab that don’t require entering the national parks.

• Always research the roads you are driving on before venturing out. Many roads around Moab are strictly 4×4 only. Many will even state “experienced drivers” on roads that are deemed extra difficult to maneuver. If you do not have a 4×4 and still want to explore some of these roads, there are a lot of companies within Moab that rent out jeeps or vehicles designed for off roading. There are even more Moab arches to explore not on this list, I simply did not have a 4×4 to venture to some of them.

• Be mindful of your fellow hikers. Everyone is wanting to see the arches and snap photos without having people taking them over. If you take photos, share the space and take turns. If you wish to sit and enjoy the views, do so by sitting off to the side so you aren’t in the way of people’s photos.

Were is Moab Located?

Moab is located in eastern Utah, less than an hour drive from the Colorado border. It is just a quick 30 minute drive south of Interstate 70, which runs almost center through eastern Utah. There is a small airport in town, but Salt Lake City is the largest airport, just under four hours west. Moab also sits just south of two amazing national parks: Arches and Canyonlands.

Best Time of Year to Visit These Moab Arches

The best time to visit Moab is during shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more favorable for hiking. Summer months, like most tourist destinations, is its busiest season, but also the hottest time of year. Temperatures are often in the 90-100° range, making it too hot for most hikes. If you do visit in the summer months, be sure to start early and pack plenty of water. Heat stroke can happen quickly in the desert. One thing to note about summer is that is it also monsoon season in Moab. This means an increased change of thunderstorms and large rainstorms as well as flash flooding. Always be aware of the weather forecast and dangers it poses.

Shoulder seasons are spring and fall. Late spring and early fall will also have hot temperatures, but they will be cooling off as the seasons go. Monsoon season is ending for fall, but do be aware that flash flooding can happen anytime. Always check local and nearby weather before hiking.

Winter is another beautiful time of year to visit Moab! This is the least visited season, but if you’re lucky you may get some snow, which contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red rocks of Moab.

Six Epic Moab Arches Trail Information

Moab is full of amazing arches, with a majority of them being inside Arches National Park. The trails below are some of the most amazing Moab arches not within the nearby parks. Anyone visiting Moab should add these six arches to their list!

Jeep Arch

Out of all the arches on this list, Jeep Arch is the most primitive trail. There is no parking lot, simply off road parking just past Corona Arch. The trail starts by going through a large wash tunnel that runs under the train tracks. The tunnel is at least 8 feet tall so it’s much larger than it looks from the road. Because this tunnel is designed for flash flooding, always check the weather before doing this hike. After getting through the tunnel the trail leaves the wash to the left and there is no dangers for flash flooding.

Once you leave the wash the trail is uphill until you reach Jeep Arch. From the wash to the train tracks is an overgrown, narrow section of trail. From the trail tracks the trail continues up to the right and becomes an easy to follow, wide open trail. There is green paint marking the trail throughout this entire section, so just follow the paint. The trail follows the rocks above the wash below.

When you reach the fork in the trail, you can go either direction. Both ways will require route finding and scrambling up the rocks before you can reach Jeep Arch. Although it is a loop from the slot, you can always choose to do it as an out and back as well. I took the trail to the left, not knowing any difference in which way to go and would personally do it that way again. The scramble up this direction is very steep and hard to follow without a downloaded map.

Because of the steep nature I would not want to have to go down this way. If you plan to do the loop, take the left side first so you only have to go up the steep section and not down it. If you wish to avoid this section all together and choose to do it as an out and back, take the junction to the right.

If you take the trail to the left, once you reach the top of the scramble, the trail turns into sand. There were mutliple trails through this area so it can be difficult to know which one to take. I simply followed my downloaded map and was soon able to find a more distinct trail farther up again. When you reach Jeep Arch, the only way to continue as a loop is to climb up to the arch and walk through it. The views from above were beautiful of the surrounding areas.

From Jeep Arch, the trail is a relatively steep drop down and once again the trail is not easy to follow at first. The trail becomes obvious as you hike down and back towards the road, but can be easy to get off of at times. Once you return to the junction, the trail is an easy return back to your car thanks the paint and flat nature of the trail.

Important things to note:

• This trail does require some scrambling and route finding. It is well marked until the end and from there it can be a bit confusing if you do not have a downloaded map. This trail is best done with a digital offline map downloaded to your phone.

• There is no parking lot for this trail. You will want to park on the side of the road, just after the parking lot for Corona Arch. There are no signs of markings for it, so use your downloaded map to make sure you park in the correct area.

Corona Arch

Corona Arch is without a doubt the most popular arch on this list. It has a large parking lot with vaulted toilets. The trail starts out with a steep climb up to the train tracks. The trail crosses the tracks, so be mindful of trains coming and always looks and listen before crossing. The trail continues to climb up to the junction for Pinto Arch. There is green paint marking the trail, making it easy to follow.

You can choose to do the loop to Pinto Arch, which is just over an added mile. I had planned to do it but we were shorter on time doing the hike at sunset (we didn’t start earlier because of the heat) and we realized you could see it from the trail too. If you’re able to add it on, it is worth it, but if you’re worried about time, distance or heat, you can see it from a distance.

The trail will go over a section of smooth rock that’s at a slant. Stay on the upper side as you go around the corner. Once you get around the corner you will be able to see Bowtie and Corona Arch. This is where the trail can be challenging for some. If you have a fear of heights, have difficulty with ladders or chains, this may be a spot to stop and see the arches from a distance. The first challenge will be a section of steep rock with a chain to help hikers climb up. Once you reach the top of the chains the trail moves on to the second obstacle, a short ladder. The ladder has 5 rungs before finishing the climb on the slanted rock.

From here it’s a relatively easy trek to both arches. If you want to, you can walk through Corona Arch and see it from a different perspective. I personally enjoyed the view on the back side the best.

Important things to note:

• This trail requires hikers to climb up a steep section of rock with a chain rope, shortly followed by a ladder. If bringing children, anyone with difficulty hiking or fear of heights, be extremely cautious. It may not be the best trail for them.

Morning Glory Bridge Arch

Hiking the Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Arch is a quintessential Moab hike that should be on everyone’s list. The trail is family friendly and minimal elevation gain. The trail crisscrosses over the stream multiple times and takes hikers over soft sand, so be prepared to possibly get wet. If the water is low enough, you can possibly keep your feet dry (I did), but pack as if you can’t.

The first half of this hike is flat as it crosses over the creek bed. It takes a sharp left and then the elevation begins. After the trail goes up in elevation there will be two crossings that are relatively flat. The second one can seem like hikers continue up the creek bed because the trail isn’t necessarily as clear to see, but there is a slight scramble up tree roots just on the other side of the creek. The trail quickly becomes easy to follow again past this area.

When you reach the high point, which sits at the top of a large section of rocks, you will be rewarded with views of the canyon as well as Morning Glory Arch ahead. From here it is just a short walk further. The arch sits in a large alcove, which provides nice shade from the desert heat. There is also a small seasonal waterfall and possibly water pool underneath the arch. My son could have stayed playing here all day! It is a very peaceful and relaxing area to cool off, enjoy a snack and marvel at the beauty of this place. When your ready to head back, simply return the same way you came.

Important things to note:

• This trail has Poison Ivy throughout the canyon. I never noticed any on the trail, but we accidentally got off trail by maybe 20 feet and quickly saw some. Be cautious of your steps and keep children and dogs close by. There is a small photo of it at the trailhead, but it’s best to do some research of what to look out for on your own ahead of time. You can even save a screenshot of it on your phone prior to hiking.

• There are multiple creek crossing on this trail and you should be prepared to possibly get your feet wet. I packed Chacos but never needed them as the water levels were low enough I kept my feet dry. It may be easier to just commit to being wet from the start. Depending on the water levels it may be impossible to stay dry, so go prepared.

• This is a popular place for rappelling, so know you may encounter people rappelling down from the top of the arch. Personally, I loved sitting and watching a group come down, but unfortunately there was a couple very upset by this when I was there. They felt extremely entitled to the space and that everyone else there was ruining their time. So please be patient and remember this is a shared area. If someone is rappelling, sit and enjoy the peace of the area while you snack and wait for them to finish, or choose to leave before they are done.

• The Grandstaff Trail is known for flash flooding and even experienced extensive damage in 2024. Know the dangers of flash flooding and always check the weather prior to going. If there is a chance of rain of flooding, do not go! Due to the damage, know that the trail may have some areas that need maintenance still and could continually need it due to regular flooding. The trail was easy to follow and well maintained overall when I went a few months after the damaging flood, but there were obvious signs it has happened throughout.

Longbow Arch

Longbow Arch is the smallest and most difficult arch to see on this list, but the trail to it is a fun and beautiful hike. The trail starts by giving you the option to hike up to Longbow Arch or start by doing a short loop past the petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. I would highly recommend doing this added loop because it adds no more than .1 miles and is just above the other trail options. It can be a bit confusing to follow but either use a downloaded map or pay close attention to where a worn trail is.

You’ll come across a large rock with dinosaur rocks first and when you reach the base of the rock wall there will be a long stretch of petroglyphs. Never mark or damage these historic artifacts. From here continue on the trail to the junction that takes you to Longbow Arch.

Shortly after the junction it will look like you are walking into a dead end. If you walk up the steep rock you will notice metal rungs sticking out of the rocks to the left. The trail continues at the top of these rungs, so you will need to climb up them. Once you reach the top the trail goes from rock to sand and back multiple times. Eventually the trail will become nothing but soft sand that is slow to walk through. The trail is marked with green paint and rock cairns.

The trail will turn into a narrow slot with thicker vegetation. Continue farther up the slot canyon to get closer to Longbow Arch. You can scramble farther up to the arch to get a closer look or stay farther down. I was short on time doing it at sunset, so I only went a little ways.

Important things to note:

• This trail passes by dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs in the rocks. Do not touch or disturb anything you find on the trail.

• There is a short section of the trail where you will need to climb to metal rungs like a ladder to continue. This may not be the best for children, hikers with difficulties or anyone who doesn’t like heights. It’s just after the petroglyphs so you can turn around quickly if you’re uncomfortable.

• The trail goes through a lot of soft sand. This can make it difficult or slow to hike. Plan to have extra time for this hike as the sand will most likely be slower than walking on rock.

Wilson Arch

Wilson Arch is a roadside arch just off US Highway 91, south of Moab. It is located on the east side of the road. The trail is an instant climb from the pavement with a mix of dirt and rock. You can climb straight up to Wilson Arch, but due to it’s steepness it is best to find one of the trails up. There is an easy-to-follow trail on the left side. It is a mix of dirt and rocks. The backside of Wilson Arch is a steep drop off as well, so be extra cautious at the top and stay back.

The hike back down is probably slightly harder than the hike up, at least in my opinion. Take your time, especially on slick rock or loose dirt. Despite it being so steep the climb up and down is so quick with it being only .2 miles round trip.

Important things to note:

• Sadly Wilson Arch has seen a lot of vandalism and damage. It’s easy access and proximity to a main highway may be the cause of so much damage. NEVER carve or mark on rocks. It is illegal and unsightly.

• Because this arch is literally located off the side of the highway, you may have to cross the highway to reach it depending on where you work. Always be extremely cautious of vehicles and look both ways before crossing. There is no crosswalk so vehicles will not stop for pedestrians here but there is ample space on both sides to pull off and park.

• The short hike up to Wilson Arch is rather steep with loose or slick rock. Be careful of your steps if you wish to hike up to the arch. Some areas of solid rock are so steep they turn slick, making it easier to find the dirt trail to the left.

Looking Glass Arch

Looking Glass Arch is an easy yet beautiful arch to add to your list. It is located off a gravel BLM road, but drivable for any car. The only area that is difficult to drive is right at the end as you park, so just pull over wherever you can do so safely. If you look up this arch if often says it is a loop trail, but you do not need to hike the loop to see the trail. I did not. I just walked right from where we parked up to the arch.

The arch itself is located above a steep rock face. You can careful walk up to the arch and see the cave/second arch behind it. Just take you time and watch your footing if you do. If you wish to do the short loop hike around to the back arch, there is a BLM fence with a gate in it by the parking area. Simply open the gate and walk through to follow the trail.

Important things to note:

• If you want to hike into the arch and around the backside, it will require some steep scrambling and walking along the edge of the arch. There are some very skinny ridges you can use but it’s definitely not for everyone.

• If you look up Looking Glass Arch on AllTrails it will show it as a .5 mile loop hike. In order to do the loop trail, you will have to go through the gate at the end of the parking lot area. You do not need ot hike the loop to see Looking Glass Arch.

• This is the only arch on the list with a dirt road to the parking lot. Looking Glass Arch is located on BLM land along Looking Glass Road, a forest service road. The last section to the parking lot has some decent dips, but a low clearance can can simply park before reaching any difficult areas. I was in a small SUV and made it just fine.

What to Bring Hiking to These Moab Arches

Below is gear you should carry with you to these Moab arches to ensure your safety and comfort on the trail. Never underestimate the desert and always be over prepared in the harsh environment.

The 10 Essentials

No matter the length of difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these items in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is a more difficult hike and if there were an emergency and you had to get help on trail, you will want to have these items on hand. In addition, you can always help a fellow hiker in need.

Sun Protection

This hike is extremely exposed the entire way, so bring and use proper sun protection. I always pack sunscreen to reapply throughout the hike as needed. Bring a hat  to help keep the sun off your face and neck. Wearing a sun shirt to help protect skin from harmful UV rays will help prevent sunburns and heat stroke. Even on a cloudy day you can get a sunburn so always be prepared.

Water and Electrolytes

This trail does not have any water sources along the route and dehydration in the desert is deadly. It’s so important to stay hydrated hiking, no matter the time of the year. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. I also bring electrolyte snacks on every hike I go on. I like using my bladder to make sure I’m consuming enough water since it’s easier to drink from. A large water bottle is a great option if you don’t like bladders. Even though there is only one trail with resupply options, I always carry my water filter with me. 

Technology

If you have the means, it’s so important to carry a satellite communications device with you into the backcountry. This will allow you to get ahold of emergency services should you need it but also communicate with friends or family off trail. Having a paper or downloaded map you can use to find the trail will help you if you accidentally get off trail or follow the wrong one. I always predownload my AllTrails maps when I’m still in cell service.

I also use a Garmin watch to track mileage and elevation on the trail so I can properly determine where I am on the hike. This hike is well out of cell service and the conditions on this trail can be extremely dangerous. Using the items above is important to staying safe in an emergency.

Hiking Shoes

Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail, even if it is hot outside. There are also poisonous reptiles in the Utah desert, so wearing closed toed shoe on trail will protect your feet should you accidentally come across one. This trail can be wet and rocks will be slick so shoes with good traction will be best.

Toilet Kit

Be prepared with a bathroom kit, which you should have on any hike. I always bring my reusable pee cloth when I’m hiking to reduce waste and keep my pack lighter by not needing to carry things like toilet paper and extra bags to throw it away. Another must have is a lightweight trowel to dig a cat hole. If you do bring toilet paper or any other disposable product, remember to always pack it out and dispose of it properly off trail. Never leave toilet product on trail and always bury your poop in a cat hole. Other items I keep in my toiletry kit: Extra compostable bags and hand sanitizer.

Backpack

Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water and supplies, especially in an unforgiving environment like the desert. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency everyone should be individually prepared. I like to use one between 25-28L so I have plenty of room for food and layers. I have the Gregory Jade 28 and the REI Trail 25. I also like to carry this seat cushion with me so sit on when needed. It’s great for the hard, dusty desert.

Moab Arches Hike Reminders

• Always check the weather prior to venturing on any of these hikes. Weather can shift quickly, and multiple trails have a risk of flash flooding. Know the dangers of flash flooding and how to properly check the forecast before venturing into the desert.

• There is no cell service at most of these trails. Have your maps downloaded, a paper map or a GPS device to help you navigate if you need it. Always go out prepared for an emergency and know help will be difficult to get without a GPS device.

• Know your limits and be okay with turning around, especially if you are hiking in summer months when it’s hot. If you’re showing signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration, get back to your car asap if you can safely and cool off. 

• Water, water, water! It‘a so important to have an appropriate amount if water. You should consume a liter for every 2 hours of hiking. A small water bottle or a shared water supply will not be enough. If you have one, bring a water filter to resupply on the trails that have a water source.

• Know what reptiles you may encounter in the desert. There are multiple species of poisonous reptiles including rattlesnakes and scorpions. Know what to look out for, never put your hands and feet someplace you cannot see and know what to do if you get stung.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to Moab and these epic arches! Moab is truly a special place and outdoor lover’s paradise. You’re in for a fun adventure! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

Happy Hiking,

Elizabeth

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