(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

It’s winter in Moab! We have fresh snow in the La Sals, freezing cold nights, and icy days. However, we still live in the desert and the sun is shining through the cold. If you’re like us, and trying to stay active through the winter months, you’ll probably be looking at some fun sunny hikes to do this time of year. Today we’ve collected a list of great sunny hikes to do this winter, ranging from strenuous to super casual. But don’t take our word for it! 

A note to new hikers in the area: winter hiking is super fun but can be slippery and sometimes dangerous. Please stop by the store and pick up some traction devices to keep you on your feet, and not sliding down a hill, on your next winter hike. Here at Moab Gear Trader, we have all the traction devices you need to make your winter hikes safe. Check out our recent guide to finding the right traction devices for you. 

A Note On Biological Soil Crusts

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Before you read on! If you are new to the area (or even if you’ve been coming here for years) you may not know about the biological crusts that are very important to maintaining the ecosystems in Moab. These biological soil crusts can be found on the surface of the soil all throughout our little corner of the Colorado Plateau. They consist of algae, lichens, and lots of tiny bacterias that hold water–among other things–that plants and animals rely on to survive in this harsh environment. These crusts are very delicate and grow slowly, one footstep can crush these biological soil crusts and destroy decades of growth. As a visitor and a lover of the Moab landscapes, please do your best to stay on trail (This includes pets!). This is the most important thing visitors can do to help protect this beautiful place that many of us call home.

Fisher Towers

Location: 38°43’29.3″N 109°18’31.9″W

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Bathroom on site: Yes

Dogs: On Leash Dogs are allowed

The Fisher towers area is one of the most stunning natural hiking areas to explore in Moab. Towering mud structures loom over you, with the La Sals standing majestically in the background. The hike twists and turns around these bizarre sandstone towers, and takes you over beautiful slickrock pathways. 

The trail is mostly in the sun, except for the times when it sneaks behind the towers, so plan to bring a jacket for these moments. 

The hike is an out and back pathway, so you can do the full hike or just turn around whenever you feel like heading back to the parking lot. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Dinosaur Tracks Trail

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Location: 38°31’58.4″N 109°36’31.3″W

Distance: .2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Bathroom on site: Yes

Dogs: On Leash Dogs are allowed

Want to combine a casual afternoon hike in the sun with a very cool dinosaur track viewing? This trail is perfect for you! We’ve covered the best places to see dinosaur tracks in Moab on a recent blog post, and this location is definitely one of our favorites. The hike is short, sure, but steep and requires sturdy footwear. It also gets all day sun and has some really neat dinosaur tracks and rock art along the trail. It’s location, the views, and the dinosaur tracks make this one of the nicest afternoon strolls you can take this winter. 

Corona Arch Trail

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Location: 38°34’28.0″N 109°37’56.5″W

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: moderate

Bathroom on site: Yes

Dogs: Dogs are allowed

The Corona Arch Trail is one of the nicest sunny hikes you can do this winter. It’s of moderate difficulty, with easy slick rock terrain, and at the end is one of the most stunning natural arches in Moab. Corona Arch Trail also takes you just past two other arches, Bowtie Arch and Pinto Arch. The hike remains in the sun for most of the day as well, so feel free to do this hike after work if you need to! Make sure you are steady on your feet, as there is a short section of rock scrambling that requires delicate balance. This hike would not be a good idea for the elderly or folks with disabilities. 

Stairmaster Trail 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Location: 38.559031, -109.582732

Distance: Less than 1 mile

Difficulty: Strenuous

Bathroom on site: Yes

Dogs: Dogs are allowed

The Stairmaster trail is just as fun as the name makes it sound! This trail parallels the Moab Rim 4×4 Road, so if you decide to wait until Spring or Fall to do this hike you will likely run across some Jeepers on your hike. The Stairmaster Trail is a steep hike uphill, but affords you a beautiful view of the Colorado River and–once you make it to the top–all of Moab itself. The views are spectacular, so keep that in mind as your quads burn and you sweat through your puffy jacket. 

Hiking in The Sun

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Hiking in Moab is a joy all year long, but there is a particular beauty to this desert when you’re the only one on the trail and the stillness of the winter morning catches you off guard. The contrast of white snow on red sandstone is enchanting, and can be enjoyed from many different points of view around our little corner of the Colorado Plateau. We hope that while you’re out hiking these sunny trails this winter, you will stay safe on your feet. Remember, slick trails can be dangerous. At Moab Gear Trader we have many different types of traction devices that can help keep you upright on your snowy (or icy) escapades. Just stop by our store on Main Street and ask our friendly staff to help you find the traction device that is right for you! 

Until then, we hope you enjoy the trails, and we will see you out there!