(435) 259-3317 [email protected]

The best way to experience the remarkable and diverse landscape of Utah’s famed canyon county is by hiking through it. This stunningly beautiful desolate wilderness has been sculptured over thousands of years by wind and water, creating the slot canyons, weird rock formations, towers and spires that are characteristic of the area. The increasing popularity of this area has led to an influx of visitors with some of the hiking trails becoming as busy as city streets. We welcome the growing interest in the area, but really, that is no way to experience the awesome beauty of the Colorado Plateau.

Guided Hikes in the Moab Desert

As Moab’s oldest outdoor adventure guide service, we place great value on our client’s satisfaction. We know that large crowds mean less attention given to each member of the tour party and that’s not what we’re going for. At Moab Cliffs & Canyons, we specialize in organizing hiking tours for very small groups of no more than six people. After all, we believe you should get value for your money so we strive to customize your trip to help you see what you want, when you want and with who you want. Our guided hiking tours take you off the beaten path and you will marvel as the desert opens up for you. By choosing these lesser-known hiking trails, we help you avoid the crowds and take you to places large groups can’t fit. This way, you’ll get to explore the hidden desert nooks without feeling rushed or as if you’re competing for a piece of the action. Additionally, we will provide knowledgeable and experienced guides to truly enhance your adventure. Our professional guides will take you through the hiking trails with the best scenery as they entertain you with stories of the area’s local and cultural histories, ecology and geology while answering any questions you have. They also carry educational books, charts, artifacts and fossils with them to make your adventure a fun and educational experience.

Our Desert Hiking Trip Options

1/2 Day Moderate Desert Hiking Trip – Fisher Towers

The Fisher Towers trail is casual as it winds its way beneath the majestic rock and mud formations – a wonderful 1/2 Day Trip for anyone who can hike 4.5 miles on a moderate trail.

The majestic rock and mud formations of this bizarre area feature some of the tallest free-standing rocks in the U.S. With more than a dozen large spires, the Fishers have not only the largest concentration of rock towers, but also one of the largest towers in the West – The Titan, looming 900ft above our hiking trail.

Gothic fluting and natural gargoyles adorn the summits of these extraordinary features. Prized by rock climbers (see Ancient Art Rock Tower Climbing), this trail is casual as it winds its way beneath these rock beasts.

Steady elevation gain promises a magnificent view-point of the entire Fisher Valley, the Colorado River and the Fisher Towers.

Afternoon sunsets here are ethereal!

Trip Overview
Moderate hiking
Drive from Moab: 30 minutes
Max guide to client ratio: 1:6
Length: 4.5 Miles; 3 – 4 hours
Season: all year

Skill & Fitness Level
Must be able to hike 4.5 miles on a moderate hiking trail

3/4 Day Easy Desert Hiking Trip – Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon

The trail along Professor Creek offers a fun, water-rich hike for the whole family!

Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon are named after “Professor” Sylvester Richardson and his wife, who decided this lush, small perennial tributary to the Colorado River was the ideal spot for their homestead.

A fun trail, with many creek crossings, offers grand views of the spectacular scenery of Professor Valley, until the gradually rising cliffs at either side enclose us in a beautiful canyon. The scenic double waterfall runs all year, and offers some well-needed refreshment before we make our way back to the desert.

Come splash around and explore with us!

Trip overview
Easy hiking
Drive from Moab: 30 minutes
Max guide to client ratio: 1:6
Length: 9 Miles; 4 – 5 hours
Season: all year

Skill & Fitness Level
Must be able to hike 9 miles on an easy hiking trail

1/2 Day Easy/Moderate Desert Hiking Trip – Grandstaff Canyon Trail

The sound of water running through this lush canyon accompanies us the whole way during this family-friendly riparian exploration.

This scenic canyon is an oasis of cottonwood and desert willow trees, rich with desert life if you know where to look – and our guides do! An enjoyable trail follows the spring-fed stream up to an impressive sandstone amphitheater, featuring the stunning Morning Glory Natural Bridge. At a whopping 243 feet, this is the sixth longest natural rock span in the United States. We will rest in the shade and can refill our water bottles with cool, fresh spring water before we hike back to the Colorado River corridor.

Expect a fun adventure for the whole family, or beginning hikers, with the soothing sound of running water, and an ever-changing plant life as we get deeper into the canyon. The many creek crossings will keep our feet cool while we explore this Utah desert highlight!

Trip Overview
Easy to moderate hiking
Drive from Moab: 15 minutes
Max guide to client ratio: 1:6
Length: 5 Miles; 3 – 4 hours
Season: all year

Skill & Fitness Level
Must be able to hike 5 miles on an easy to moderate hiking trail

3/4 or Full-Day Hiking Trip – Arches National Park

We might be biased at Moab Cliffs and Canyons, but Arches National Park is one of the most breathtaking, jaw-dropping National Parks you will ever visit.

This wonderland of red rock fins, towers, hoodoos, gargoyles and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, will make you feel like you are visiting a different planet. With plenty of trails to choose from, we can tailor the trip entirely to your wishes. Casual strolls along dramatic rock formations, or exciting adventures through more desolate areas, anything is possible. Every hike will be stacked with astounding views over dramatic horizons. Your guide will make sure to point out the abundant desert life!

Trip Overview
Easy to moderate hiking
Drive from Moab: 15 minutes
Max guide to client ratio: 1:6
Length: 3/4 or full-day, depending on your wishes
Season: all year

Skill & Fitness Level
Trip will be tailored to your skill level and wishes