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The Best Backpacking in Moab

Looking for the best backpacking in Moab? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Moab. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Moab

  • Moab, Utah

    Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail

    5.0
    2.38 mi / 505 ft gain
    Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Moab, Utah.
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  • Moab, Utah

    Backpack the Lathrop Canyon Trail in Canyonlands

    18 mi / 2130 ft gain
    Access to this trailhead is a few miles south of the Islands in the Sky Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park. An easy drive from Moab or Interstate 70. Remember to get permits and check in with the rangers if camping. If just doing a day hike then no permits are needed. REMINDER: There is ...
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  • Moab, Utah

    Murphy Wash Trail

    8.51 mi / 1647 ft gain
    Murphy Wash Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Moab, Utah.
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  • Moab, Utah

    Murphy Loop Trail

    10.05 mi / 1827 ft gain
    Murphy Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Moab, Utah.
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  • Moab, Utah

    Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

    5.0
    7.87 mi / 1955 ft gain
    Be advised, the NPS signs and maps that warn of a very difficult hike ahead are not hyperbole, as I thought at first. This hike is a loop around the famous Upheaval Dome on an unmaintained trail that leads you down over 1500 feet into the canyon, close to the Green River, then climbs back up 1500...
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  • Moab, Utah

    Upheaval Canyon Trail

    7.12 mi / 594 ft gain
    Upheaval Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Moab, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Cyclone Canyon Trail

    14.07 mi / 1280 ft gain
    Cyclone Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Moab, Utah.
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  • Moab, Utah

    Angel Arch from Cave Spring

    25.52 mi / 2566 ft gain
    Angel Arch from Cave Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Elephant Canyon Loop via Squaw Flat to Chesler Park to Druid Arch

    15.06 mi / 2231 ft gain
    Elephant Canyon Loop via Squaw Flat to Chesler Park to Druid Arch Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Backpack to Chesler Park, Canyonlands NP

    5.0
    13 mi / 600 ft gain
    The first draw of this adventure is the roadtrip to the trailhead itself. Set out pre-dawn from Moab, UT and head 77 miles south and west to the Needles District Visitors Centre on Utah 211. En route you'll pass Newspaper Rock, a treasured collection of pictographs well worth the detour if you're...
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Angel Arch from Squaw Flats

    26.61 mi / 4117 ft gain
    Angel Arch from Squaw Flats Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Joint Trail in the Canyonlands Needles District

    5.0
    19.06 mi / 3028 ft gain
    A large part of the grandeur of Canyonlands National Park is the vast barren vista at Island in the Sky, but no visit to Canyonlands would be complete without the intimate and immersive desert experience that the Needles District offers. Drive two hours southwest of Moab away from cell phone rece...
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop

    6.98 mi / 804 ft gain
    Squaw Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Squawflat Trail to Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail

    9.56 mi / 2349 ft gain
    Squawflat Trail to Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Chesler Park and Druid Arch Loop from Squaw Flat Campground

    21.68 mi / 3461 ft gain
    Chesler Park and Druid Arch Loop from Squaw Flat Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Monticello, Utah.
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  • Monticello, Utah

    Lower Red Lake Canyon Trail

    20.32 mi / 3547 ft gain
    Lower Red Lake Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Monticello, Utah.
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