Looking to make a weekend trip to Utah? I got you covered! Here I’ll share a few hikes I have done that I thought were worth taking the time going to.
Who doesn’t love a sunrise or sunset hike?! From my experience, I would recommend either of these hikes to do at sunrise or sunset!
1. Corona Arch
This is a 2.3 mile (roundtrip) moderate rated trail with 469 foot elevation gain. This trail is dog friendly, and I would also say this hike is family friendly. Just be mindful to bring a flashlight or head lamp if it’s dark out. There are a couple steep parts of the hike – one where there is a chain you can hang onto (some people had brought their dogs but had to turn around because the dog couldn’t make it up the incline, but I’m not sure why they turned around because I saw other people with their dogs who made it up just fine… again, there is a chain/rope you can hang onto) – and two…there is a part where you climb up a short later to get over a large rock. Overall, I really enjoyed this hike (obviously, or I wouldn’t be sharing it with you!) There is a campsite right across the road from the trailhead, and there are other campsites along the road to get to the trailhead – very convenient! I stayed at the Gold Bar Recreation Site. For directions, price, and more details visit: https://www.blm.gov/visit/gold-bar-recreation-site. Most importantly, this hike is FREE!
2. Delicate Arch
This is a 3 mile (roundtrip) moderate rated hike with a 610ft ascent. Personally, I would rate it hard as most of the hike is uphill and at an incline. I would consider this a family friendly hike as I saw many younger children along the trail. If you’re looking for a good workout and to get your heart rate up, this will do it! Since this hike is in Arches National Park, you’ll have to pay $30 if you’re driving through, which I good for 7 days. If you’re like me and try to save as much money as you can, consider staying on BLM land. Here is a link to check out all the places to stay in Moab that are at little to no cost. https://www.discovermoab.com/blm-campgrounds/ – be mindful as many of these sites may or may not have a bathroom to use or plug ins if you need them. When I went in the morning it was very windy, so I would recommend brining a wind jacket if you can.
3. Dead Horse Point State Park
This is a small state park that has one main hike, which is a loop trail. I was planning on doing it, but when I arrived you can just walk right up to “Dead Horse Point” and didn’t necessarily need to hike to get to the destination. If you do want to do the hike, it is 5 miles round trip, rated moderate with a 908ft elevation gain. This is most definitely a family friendly hike! If you do have small kids I would just make sure they are next to you as there are no railings next to the drop offs. Since it is a state park you’ll have to stop at the visitor center and pay a $20 fee, if the drive through part isn’t open.
The next 3 hikes I’m going to mention are great for afternoon hikes when the sun is out!
1. Double O Arch
This is a 3.9 mile (roundtrip) hike, rated moderate, with a 649ft elevation gain. I will admit this was a super unique hike that is now one of my favorites! I would say it’s family friendly, as I saw a lot of younger children on the trail. There is a part of the hike where you have to climb up few large rocks that are flat, so that is a part I would have your kids in front of you and very close. Once you climb over the rock the view is spectacular! Overall I would rate this hike a 10/10 for the uniqueness and challenge of the hike as well as the end view of the actual Arch. This hike is located in Arches National Park, so there will be a $30 fee if you drive through that lasts 7 days.
2. Morning Glory Bridge
The trail to this desitnation is called the ‘Grandstaff Trail’, which is 4.3 miles (roundtrip), rated moderate and has a 387ft elevation. This hike is family & dog friendly, and FREE. I would definitely recommend wearing water proof shoes or boots on this hike as there are a few spots where you walk on rocks over a stream.
3. Windows Loop and Turret Arch
These aren’t really “hikes”, but they’re cool sights to see if you are already at Arches National Park or plan on going. I went to both of these spots in late October and it was PACKED. If you’re somebody who would want to get a photo of these spots without many people around you, maybe try to get there before 10am or after 3pm.
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