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Hiking Trails

Trough Springs TrailheadThe following trails are managed for hiking use: Hunter Canyon, Fisher Towers, Corona Arch, Amphitheater Loop, Copper Ridge Sauropod Trackway Interpretive Trail, Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, Negro Bill Canyon, the Ken's Lake hiking trail system, Trough Springs Trail and the Windwhistle Nature Trail. While the Hidden Valley Trail and the Portal Trail are marked and maintained as hiking trails, bicycle use is also allowed. Hikers also extensively use the Moab Rim Route.

The trails described here are all located near Moab. The closest trailhead to town is about 2 miles from downtown, while the farthest away is 23 miles. All of the trails are suitable for half-day outings. The Hidden Valley and Moab Rim Trails can be combined for a longer one-way hike. The close proximity to Moab of these trails make them ideal for lower temperature morning and after-dinner walks during the warmer months. 


Fisher Towers Negro Bill Canyon Portal Overlook Corona Arch Moab Rim Hidden Valley Hunters Canyon Amphitheatre Loop Fisher Towers Hiking Trailhead Locations

 

  

 

Trail DataHighest ElevationElevation GainLength (One Way)
Amphitheater Loop4,2402503.0 Miles (Loop)
Fisher Towers5,3006702.2 Miles
Negro Bill Canyon4,3003302.0 Miles
Portal Overlook4,9409802.0 Miles
Corona Arch4,4004401.5 Miles
Moab Rim4,9009403.0 Miles
Hidden Valley5,2706802.0 Miles
Hunters Canyon4,3202402.0 Miles


Cairns
Cairns, stacks of flat rocks, are often used in canyon country to mark the location of trails and hiking routes. Cairns, especially over slickrock areas, are normally placed at intervals along or at places where a route makes a turn. Visitors will find cairns used to mark the route along some of these trails.

Precautions  

  • Stick to marked trails
  • Keep children under control near cliffs
  • Lock your vehicle and place valuables out of sight
  • Do not drink untreated water  

Suggested Equipment for Hiking in the Moab area

  • drinking water, at least 1 quart per person (adequate for short, part-day hikes)
  • food
  • tennis or running shoes with rubbery soles (adequate for short slickrock and stream hikes)
  • hiking shorts, T-shirt, and wind shirt
  • sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
  • route map or trail guide
  • first-aid kit
  • insect repellent
  • day pack

Visit the Canyonlands Natural History Association website to purchase maps and books of the area.