(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
Moab in the wintertime is a beautiful and quiet place. The tourists have left for the season, the locals are all skiing in the La Sals, and most people are hunkering down to enjoy the snow with a mug of tea and a warm blanket. There are a ton of beautiful winter hikes in Moab for enthusiastic hikers to take advantage of. On a snowy day, you can look forward to silent trails, brilliant white blanketed hillsides, and slippery north-facing slopes. The following hikes are just as beautiful in the winter as they are in the summer, and should be taken advantage of while the snow lasts.
Delicate Arch
(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)
The enduring Moab Classic, The Arches National Park trail to Delicate Arch is worth every slippery step. The Delicate Arch trail is usually packed full with other hikers, but in winter you can enjoy this scenic hike without feeling crowded. The beautiful sandstone arch is 52 feet tall, about the same height as a four-story building. Enjoy the view of this delicate geological structure covered in snow at sunset for an even more spectacular view.
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: 38.735272, -109.522283
Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail
(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)
Dead Horse Point is a must-see by sunset! The overlook at Dead Horse Point gives you an opportunity to see the snow-covered La Sals, while also taking in the beauty of the many canyons and sandstone cliffs below. The Dead Horse Point itself is worth the walk, but if you are looking for more adventure then do the full loop. There are plenty of spectacular viewpoints all along the Deadhorse Point Loop, and helpful signs at most major intersections so you don’t get lost. Be careful of the edges though! There are no railings and it’s a long way down!
Length: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Trailhead: 38.474117, -109.740971
Moonflower Canyon
(Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management)
Looking for something a bit more casual? Just down Kane Creek Road is Moonflower Canyon, a very short hike that brings you to a small pool of water at its end. The creek leading up to it has frozen over and hikers can enjoy a wandering path through snow covered bushes. This is a great hike to take your family on if they’re visiting for the weekend and want to explore but don’t want to get too far out of their comfort zone. You can also enjoy some petroglyphs at the mouth of the canyon and a lovely view of the Colorado River.
Length: .5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: 38.554162, -109.587277
Corona Arch Trail
Drive a mile or so down Potash Road and you’ll come upon Corona Arch Trailhead. This hiking-only trail (sorry mountain bikers) is a great moderate hike to see an arch if you don’t have a National Parks pass to go see Delicate Arch. Corona and nearby Bowtie Arch are well worth the adventure, particularly in the snow. This is another very popular arch trail hike that is normally full of other hikers, however, in the wintertime, you can enjoy this scenic hike all to yourself! There are also some beautiful views of the Colorado River on the drive-in. You might want to stop by Moab Gear Trader on your way out to Corona Arch and pick up some traction devices, the slick rock trail can be (true to its name) slick in certain places!
Length: 2.3 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: 38.574232, -109.632577
Double Arch Trail and Windows Trail
(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)
An easy and beautiful hike that will lead you to the stunning Double Arch features. You can see the Double Arch from the parking lot, but it is well worth the short walk to stand beneath it. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. A great short hike to do if you’re in Arches and want to really get the full experience. While you’re enjoying the Double Arch, you should take the time to hike a short way to Window Arch as well. It is another stunning feature with a well travelled path and plenty of photo opportunities.
Length: .5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: 38.688023, -109.538774
Know Before You Go
(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)
Hiking in Moab in the winter is incredibly rewarding and beautiful. The contrast of white snow on red sandstone in Moab is a unique attribute of this desert landscape that can only be found in a few other locations. When hiking, be wary of slick, north-facing hills. At Moab Gear Trader we have traction devices to make this kind of hiking easier and more safe. Also, make sure to layer up. The winding and steep canyons can hold pockets of cold air that are significantly colder than the air in direct sunlight. Pants and a t-shirt might feel fine to start while the sun is high, but if you plan on being out for an extended period of time, make sure to bring a headlamp and layer up! Finally, please adhere to all Leave No Trace principles while hiking and enjoy your winter retreat in Moab.
Leave A Comment