Best Trails

Take a look at Moab’s best hiking trails.

Grandstaff Hiking Trail (Bill Canyon) to Morning Glory Arch:

Part of the Colorado River watershed, Grandstaff Canyon’s stream flows directly into the main channel of the Colorado River within Moab Canyon. This is a relatively easy trail for the most part, but in the middle section there are some stream crossings so you might get your feet wet if you are too busy looking up at the majestic scenery. It’s also a dog-friendly trail, however you furry friends do need to be kept on a leash. The out-and-back hiking-only trail winds through the canyon along a beautiful stream to Morning Glory Natural Bridge, the sixth largest natural bridge in the United States.

Fisher Towers Trail:

A fun family hike, although moderately difficult in a few spots, and dog friendly as well (but please keep your pet on a leash throughout the hike). The trail wanders through the other-worldly geological formations of Fisher Towers, and each step of the trail offers exceptional views. One note is that there is a small ladder you must be able to climb to finish the trail (which may be a challenge for older dogs). The trailhead has a great picnic spot with a barbecue grill area, and is only about 15 minutes from our Resort.

Mary Jane Canyon Trail:

This dramatic hiking trail is 8.7 miles, and at one point the canyon soars above you by 200 feet within a 10 foot wide stretch. This is also a pretty flat and gentle hike, with little change in elevation. It’s one of the best Moab trails during the hot summer months in Utah too, since the trail follows the canyon stream for about 5 miles, ending at a beautiful double-spouted waterfall. And trust us – standing under a refreshing shower is a true joy on a hot summer day.

Rubik’s Cube:

This trail follows the Stearns Creek Wash from Sorrel River Ranch to the hills southeast. Be sure to look for the ancient petroglyphs that the ancestral Puebloans carved some 800 years ago.

Sorrel Ridge:

Open only to guests of Sorrel River Ranch, this is an excellent way to start the day. This hike is complimentary at regularly scheduled times and lead by members of our team (our General Manager frequently leads the hike, and is a wonderful authority on the history, geology, and flora). At the peak, you will enjoy 360-degree views of the Colorado River Corridor and the surrounding mesas and canyons.

Tips

At Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, we take great pride in creating customized experiences for all of our guests – including group outings and events as well as corporate retreat team building.

Hiking is not only a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty that surrounds our ranch, but also is a great way to reconnect, revitalize, and melt away the stresses of day to day life.

Hiking in the desert however, does require some planning – particularly when you are hiking at elevations over 6,000 feet above sea level. Thinner air, high summer temperatures, and dry climate make preparation an important part of assuring a great outing.

When you visit, enjoy the comfort of knowing that our experienced team can help you plan the right time of day, route, clothing choice, and what to bring with you for a perfect adventure.

Essentials

The park has something for every level of hiker from Easy to Hard, and short to full-day hikes. Many of the trails take you to scenic vistas and right up to arches and features that can’t be seen from the road. Top trails you can explore include (rated E for Easy, I for Intermediate and H for Hard): Mesa Arch Trail (E), Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail (M), Grand View Point Overlook (E), False Kiva Trail (M), Chesler Park Loop Trail (M), Shafer Trail (E), Upheaval Dome Tril (M), and Syncline Loop Trail (H).

The park is open 24 hours a day, with both Island in the Sky and The Needles Visitors centers are open daily between March and early December. Trip planning, toilets, self- registering for back country permits are available in both locations when the centers are closed. Water is only available at The Needles, bring your own when visiting Island in the sky and the Maze.