Family Hikes <3 Miles: 50 Short Hikes Moab

If you’re hunting for short hikes Moab families can actually finish (without a meltdown, a blister festival, or a “carry me” mile), you’re in the right place. Every pick below is under 3.0 miles round-trip, with kid-focused notes on footing, exposure, and what to watch for.

Moab is deceptively intense: sun hits hard, shade is scarce, and many “easy” trails still run near cliffs, slickrock ledges, or flash-flooding washes. Treat distances and timing as starting points, not promises. 

Before you go, check current conditions (trail closures, road washouts, park entry requirements, and weather). Start early, bring more water than you think you need, and turn around the moment heat, wind, or storms start to build.

10 Short Hikes in Parks Near Moab (10 picks)

Notes for families: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Arches or Canyonlands. Fees apply for national park entry (and timed entry may apply seasonally). Verify before you drive.

1) Balanced Rock Viewpoint & Trail (Arches NP)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.3 mi RT; 15–30 min; ~35 ft; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; partly paved + packed dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Balanced Rock parking area; ~10–15 min to park entrance + in-park drive (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: stroller partial (paved sections); no scrambling; watch for drop-offs off-trail; no dogs on trails; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: morning or late afternoon
• Why kids love it: the “how is that not falling?!” factor up close.

2) Double Arch Viewpoint & Trail (Arches NP)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.6 mi RT; 15–30 min; ~30 ft; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; packed dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Windows/Double Arch parking; ~10–15 min to park entrance + in-park drive (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: some slickrock near the arch; supervise climbers; no dogs on trails; park entry fee; toilets verify locally
• Best time: morning or golden hour
• Why kids love it: a huge “cave-like” space to echo in.

3) The Windows Section Trails (Arches NP)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~1.0 mi RT; 30–60 min; ~100 ft; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: network/out-and-back options; rock + dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: The Windows parking lot; ~10–15 min to park entrance + in-park drive (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: steps in spots; supervise near alcove edges; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: early morning
• Why kids love it: multiple arches with short “rewards” along the way.

4) Sand Dune Arch Trail (Arches NP)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.4 mi RT; 15–30 min; ~0 ft; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; deep sand between fins; some shade near the arch
• Start/drive from Moab: Sand Dune Arch pull-off; ~10–15 min to park entrance + in-park drive (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: not stroller-friendly (sand + narrow section); no climbing on arch; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: midday can be pleasant because fins provide shade
• Why kids love it: it feels like a tiny desert maze.

5) Landscape Arch Trail (Arches NP)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.8 mi RT; 30–60 min; ~40 ft; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; hard-packed trail; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Devils Garden trailhead; ~10–15 min to park entrance + in-park drive (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: mostly smooth grade; keep kids back from the edge near the arch; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: early morning
• Why kids love it: the arch looks impossibly thin.

6) Mesa Arch (Canyonlands NP, Island in the Sky)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~0.5–0.7 mi RT; 20–45 min; minimal; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; rock/dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Mesa Arch trailhead; ~40–50 min from Moab (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: cliff-edge views—hold hands near rim; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: sunrise (busy) or late afternoon
• Why kids love it: “window” view into a giant canyon.

7) Upheaval Dome, First Overlook (Canyonlands NP, Island in the Sky)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~0.6 mi RT; ~30–45 min; steep; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Upheaval Dome trailhead; ~40–50 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: short but steep; keep toddlers close near overlook; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: it feels like hiking to a crater edge.

8) Whale Rock (Canyonlands NP, Island in the Sky)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.8 mi RT; ~45–75 min; ~100 ft; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; slickrock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Whale Rock trailhead; ~40–50 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: steep rock dome; watch edges; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: cooler months or early day in summer
• Why kids love it: climbing a “whale-shaped” rock hill.

9) Grand View Point Trail (Canyonlands NP, Island in the Sky)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.8 mi RT; ~60–90 min; mostly flat; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Grand View Point trailhead; ~45–60 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: long stretches near canyon edge; keep kids on the trail; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: late afternoon
• Why kids love it: nonstop “look how far!” views.

10) White Rim Overlook Trail (Canyonlands NP, Island in the Sky)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.8 mi RT; ~60–90 min; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: White Rim Overlook trailhead; ~45–60 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: limited parking; keep kids away from rim edges; no dogs; park entry fee; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: late afternoon
• Why kids love it: big-river views without a big hike.

40 Short Hikes Outside Parks Near Moab (40 picks)

Many of these are on BLM or mixed-use land. Dog rules vary by trailhead and season. When dogs are allowed, plan for heat risk, hot rock, and limited water.

11) Amphitheater Loop (BLM – SR-128 corridor)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.8 mi RT; ~2–3 hrs; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; sand/wash + rock benches; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Hittle Bottom area; ~30–35 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: sandy footing; watch for cryptobiotic soil; dogs verify locally; fee verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall; early day in warm months
• Why kids love it: boulders, little “secret” turns, and big canyon walls.

12) Longbow Arch (BLM – Poison Spider area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.4 mi RT; ~1.5–2 hrs; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; slickrock + dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Poison Spider parking area; ~15–20 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: short climb in spots; may be tough for dogs; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: morning in shoulder seasons
• Why kids love it: dinosaur-track hunting and a clear “goal” arch.

13) Poison Spider Bench (BLM – Poison Spider area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.2 mi RT; ~1.5–2 hrs; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; slickrock/dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Poison Spider parking; ~15–20 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: early climb; keep kids off ledges; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: late afternoon for light, cooler temps
• Why kids love it: it feels like a lookout built for explorers.

14) Stairmaster (BLM – near town)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.6 mi RT; ~1.5–2 hrs; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: west of town; ~5–10 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: best for older kids; steep grade; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
  
• Best time: sunrise or cooler months
• Why kids love it: it’s a short, proud “I did it” climb.

15) Juniper Loop (Sand Flats Recreation Area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.9 mi RT; ~60–90 min; moderate
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; rock + dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Sand Flats area; ~10–15 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: stay on markers; watch edges; dogs verify locally; fee verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall mornings
• Why kids love it: lots of “choose the next marker” momentum.

16) Mill Creek Waterfall (Moab area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~1.6 mi RT; ~45–90 min; low gain; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt + creekside sections; some shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Mill Creek corridor; ~5–10 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: wet feet likely; slippery rock near water; dogs verify locally; fees verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: warm day, early start
• Why kids love it: water, splashing, and a real “destination.”

17) Faux Falls (Ken’s Lake area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: just over 2.0 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; some shade near creek (verify locally)
• Start/drive from Moab: Ken’s Lake area; ~15–20 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: seasonal flow; muddy edges possible; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: spring when water runs
• Why kids love it: surprise waterfall payoff near town.

18) Castleton Tower Trail (Castle Valley area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.6 mi RT; moderate to challenging (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Castle Valley; ~45–60 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: steep in spots; best for strong walkers; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall
• Why kids love it: the tower looks like a storybook fortress.

19) Cisco Ghost Town Walk (Cisco area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~1.0 mi wander/loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: informal loop; dirt/old road; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Cisco area; ~40–50 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: rusty debris hazard; look, don’t climb; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: cooler months
• Why kids love it: real-life “old west” exploration.

20) Birthing Scene Petroglyph Panel (Potash Road area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~0.1 mi RT; easy
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; flat dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Potash Road pullout; ~15–25 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: do not touch rock art; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: morning or late afternoon
• Why kids love it: it feels like finding ancient “comics” on stone.

21) Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracksite (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~0.3 mi loop; easy/moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; slickrock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Poison Spider area; ~15–20 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: slickrock can be hot; supervise near ledges; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cooler hours
• Why kids love it: real tracks they can spot themselves.

22) Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: ~0.3 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Copper Ridge area; ~20–40 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: stay on durable surfaces; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: quick win with a big “I found one!” moment.

23) Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail (Mill Canyon)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.8 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Mill Canyon; ~20–40 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: little shade; pack sun protection; dogs verify locally; restrooms verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall
• Why kids love it: it’s a dinosaur “museum” outside.

24) Alvarado’s Gold Mine Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.1 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: mine hazards possible; stay out of openings; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cooler months
• Why kids love it: treasure-hunt vibes.

25) Lower Courthouse Wash (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.8 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; wash + dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Courthouse Wash area; ~10–20 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: avoid during stormy weather; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: sandy canyon wandering close to town.

26) Slickrock Practice Loop (Sand Flats area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.2 mi loop; moderate to challenging (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; slickrock; no shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Sand Flats; ~10–15 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: hot rock risk; only for strong walkers; dogs verify locally; fee verify locally
• Best time: cool seasons or sunrise
• Why kids love it: it feels like walking on a giant stone playground.

27) Slickrock Foot Trail (Sand Flats area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.7 mi loop; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; slickrock; no shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Sand Flats; ~10–15 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: follow markers; carry extra water; dogs verify locally; fee verify locally
  
• Best time: shoulder seasons
• Why kids love it: lots of little rises and dips that keep it fun.

28) The Edge to Topspin Loop (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.3 mi loop; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt/singletrack; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: shared-use trail; yield to bikes; dogs verify locally
• Best time: mornings
• Why kids love it: quick loop with “roller” terrain.

29) Dunestone Loop (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.0 mi loop; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt/singletrack; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: potential bike traffic; dogs verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall
• Why kids love it: a real loop that still feels short.

30) Sorrel Ridge Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.3 mi loop; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: narrow tread in spots; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning or cooler months
• Why kids love it: quick effort, big payoff views.

31) Rowdy Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.7 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: perfect “short attention span” hike; dogs verify locally
• Best time: anytime in cool weather
• Why kids love it: they finish fast and feel accomplished.

32) Wrangler Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.7 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: quick and low-stress; dogs verify locally
• Best time: mornings in warm months
• Why kids love it: they can be the leader the whole way.

33) Pinyon Interpretive Loop (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.0 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt; some shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: good for plant spotting; dogs verify locally
• Best time: midday in cooler seasons
• Why kids love it: it’s full of “what’s that?” moments.

34) Zeus and Moses (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.6 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; rock/dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: rocky steps; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cooler hours
• Why kids love it: fun rock shapes with big-name bragging rights.

35) The Escalator via Moab Rim (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.9 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; steep slickrock; no shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Moab Rim area; ~5–10 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: steep and exposed; older kids only; dogs verify locally
• Best time: sunrise in spring/fall
• Why kids love it: it feels like climbing a giant stone ramp.

36) Ring Arch (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.9 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; sand/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: sandy stretches; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cool seasons
• Why kids love it: it looks like a stone donut.

37) Hey Joe Canyon (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.1 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: watch for loose rock; dogs verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall
• Why kids love it: canyon exploring without a long commitment.

38) Looking Glass Arch (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.5 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: short and sweet; dogs verify locally
• Best time: golden hour
• Why kids love it: fast “find the arch” mission.

39) Matheson Wetlands Preserve (Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.6 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; smooth paths; some shade
• Start/drive from Moab: in town; ~5 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: good for strollers verify locally; wildlife viewing; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: birds, frogs, and lots to spot.

40) Colorado River Overlook Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.2 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: supervise at overlooks; dogs verify locally
• Best time: late afternoon
• Why kids love it: big river views without big miles.

41) Needles Overlook Trail (near Canyonlands Needles area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.5 mi loop; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: long drive; ~1.5–2+ hrs (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: very exposed viewpoints; tight supervision; dogs verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall
• Why kids love it: the view looks like a stone-city skyline.

42) Moonflower Canyon Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.6 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: quick canyon taste; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: short hike, lots of rocks to investigate.

43) Warner Lake (La Sal Mountains area)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.6 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt; more shade (verify locally)
• Start/drive from Moab: La Sal Mountains; ~45–75 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: cooler escape; weather changes fast; dogs verify locally
• Best time: summer mornings; fall color
• Why kids love it: trees + water feels totally different from the desert.

44) Gooseneck Overlook (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.6 mi RT; easy (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: wind + edges; hold hands; dogs verify locally
• Best time: late afternoon
• Why kids love it: the river bends look like a giant snake.

45) Jewell (Tibbets) Arch (near Thompson)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.6 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; sand/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: Thompson area; ~45–60 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: sandy sections; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cooler seasons
• Why kids love it: quieter arch hunt away from crowds.

46) Funnel Arch Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 0.5 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; rock/slickrock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: can be scrambly; confident kids only; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cool temps
• Why kids love it: tiny climb to a stone “portal.”

47) Shuman Gulch (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 2.1 mi point-to-point; challenging (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: point-to-point; dirt/rock; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: shuttle logistics needed; verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: better for older kids; avoid in heat; dogs verify locally
• Best time: spring/fall mornings
• Why kids love it: it feels like a real mini-expedition.

48) The Edge Trail (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.4 mi RT; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; singletrack; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: shared-use trail; step aside for bikes; dogs verify locally
• Best time: morning
• Why kids love it: short trail with lots of small features.

49) The Edge and Rollercoaster Loop (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: 1.4 mi loop; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: loop; singletrack; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: trailhead verify locally
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: playful ups/downs; dogs verify locally
• Best time: cool temps
• Why kids love it: it’s bouncy terrain in a short loop.

50) Corona and Bowtie Arch (near Moab)

• Distance/time/gain/difficulty: typically around 2.4 mi RT, but varies by start point; moderate (verify locally)
• Trail type/surface/shade: out-and-back; slickrock/old road; low shade
• Start/drive from Moab: scenic river corridor area; ~20–30 min (verify locally)
• Kids/dogs/fees/restrooms: can include exposure and route-finding; confirm current route and kid suitability locally; dogs verify locally
• Best time: early morning; avoid midday heat
• Why kids love it: multiple arches and a real sense of discovery.

Note: Some official sources describe this hike as 3 miles round-trip. Distances vary by exact start point and route; confirm locally before committing with young kids.

Desert Safety That Actually Matters (Especially With Kids)

• Heat is the main hazard. Start at dawn in warm months. If anyone stops sweating, gets glassy-eyed, or refuses water, turn around.
• Flash floods happen fast. If storms are in the forecast (even miles away), avoid washes and narrow drainages.
• Cliffs are common. “Easy” can still mean drop-offs at viewpoints. Keep toddlers within arm’s reach.
• Rock and water don’t mix well. Wet sandstone can be slick. Around creeks and potholes, assume every rock is slippery.
• Bring more water than you think. Add salty snacks and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).

Leave No Trace Basics for Moab

• Stay on trail or on durable rock. Desert soils are fragile.
• Don’t touch rock art. Oils from hands damage panels.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
• If dogs are allowed, keep them controlled and clean up waste.

How to Choose the Right Hike for Your Family

1. Match the hike to the hardest moment. A short steep slickrock pitch can be harder than a longer flat walk.
2. Choose shade and water on hot days. Creekside and higher elevation beat exposed overlooks at midday.
3. Set a turnaround rule before you start. Example: “Half our water gone means we head back.”
4. Pick one main “wow.” One arch, one dinosaur tracksite, one waterfall.
5. Plan one snack break. A planned stop prevents the unplanned meltdown.

Short Hikes Near Moab FAQs