Kid-Friendly Hikes in Moab: A Guide for Families

Moab is the kind of place where imagination comes alive at every turn. Add in towering red rocks and winding canyons, and it becomes easy to spark kids’ curiosity and sense of wonder on an easy hike. 

Here, you’ll get insider tips on the best kid-friendly hikes and things to do in Moab, plus a few extra considerations that keep the excursion fun and safe. Be sure to pack plenty of water, wear sun protection (like SPF, hats and sunglasses) and plan for a slower pace with plenty of rock collection pit stops.

Hikes in Arches National Park for Kids

Arches National Park offers great hiking for kids, with dramatic scenery and short, well-marked trails. Many hikes feature gentle terrain, wide paths or firm surfaces that accommodate strollers and are ADA accessible. 

What makes Arches National Park especially kid-friendly is the sense of discovery—arches appear like giant sculptures, sandy paths invite play, and the scenery feels almost otherworldly.

Sand Dune Arch

This 0.4-mile round-trip hike leads to Sand Dune Arch, nestled between ruby sandstone fins. The trail feels like a natural sandbox, with fluffy sand perfect for kids to explore and play. The shady, enclosed space adds a sense of adventure and makes it especially appealing on warmer days.

The Windows Loop & Turret Arch

This 1-mile loop offers a gentle climb leading to three impressive arches: North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. The wide trail and gradual elevation make it approachable for kiddos, while the massive rock formations provide plenty of wow moments and photo ops along the way.

Double Arch

At just 0.6 miles round-trip, this gently sloping, hard-packed, and barrier-free trail is great for families with strollers, and may be accessible to wheelchairs with some assistance. The cherry on top is Double Arch, where two arches meet at one end, creating a dramatic, spacious area for little explorers to roam and marvel at their discoveries.

Best Family Trails in Canyonlands & State Parks

Canyonlands National Park and nearby Dead Horse Point State Park offer unforgettable, family-friendly hiking experiences near Moab. In the Island in the Sky district, many trails are short, relatively flat and lead to dramatic overlooks without requiring long distances or strenuous effort. Sweeping canyon views, unique rock formations, and vast open skies create a sense of adventure while still allowing families to explore comfortably at their own pace.

Mesa Arch Trail (Island in the Sky)

This half-mile trail leads to Mesa Arch, offering a short, but rocky, walk to one of Utah’s most iconic views—the arch frames views of the canyon far below and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. The postcard-worthy overlook is stunning, but remember to keep an eye on little ones and use extra caution near the edge.

Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail

This 400-foot round-trip paved, ADA-accessible pathway within Dead Horse Point State Park leads to an epic view of the Colorado River and sprawling canyons. Rest your legs or enjoy a picnic with a view at the large shelter.

Unique Adventures Outside the National Parks

Ken’s Lake Trails

For a relaxed, kid-friendly hike near Moab, opt for Ken’s Lake Trails. At about 3 miles round-trip, the trails offer shoreline views, easy terrain and fun landmarks that keep the hike engaging without being too challenging. Don’t miss Faux Falls, a manmade waterfall that’s sure to excite any pint-sized Indiana Jones.

Dinosaur Tracks Trail

This short and unique trail gives the dinosaur-lover in your family the chance to step back in time, with real dinosaur tracks embedded in the rock. At less than half a mile out and back, have your kiddos keep an eye out for the largest impressions believed to be from the three-toed Allosaurus, a fierce predator with sharp teeth and tiny arms.