Nature & Wildlife in Moab
Getting back to nature is very possible around Moab. Two amazing national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, both offer plenty of nature and wildlife. We chose our top nature excursions that also reveal some of the best wildlife around Moab, although you'll have to tread lightly and peer close.
When you visit Arches, be sure to head to the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. While you're there, keep an eye out for lizards, birds, and tiny mammals who are hardy enough to survive in this harsh and arid land. Behind the Rocks is a semi-secret among locals, and it's full of backcountry hikes, arches, and slickrock trails to explore. Sand Flats Recreation Area also has nature aplenty, although you may have to venture a little farther out if you don't want to see mountain bikers.
Matheson Wetlands Preserve has over 200 bird species and a wooden boardwalk that leads you through an ecologically diverse area that's totally unexpected in this dry desert. Two of our favorite area hikes are Negro Bill Canyon, named after a nineteenth century rancher, and Hidden Valley Trail, which offers a great view of the Moab valley. They're both excellent trails for families. And since they're a little farther out, they offer a deeper immersion into the solitude of nature that many visitors crave. If you're quiet enough when you hike these trails, you might also glimpse some of the shy local wildlife. The Mill Canyon/Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks are pretty sweet, and talk about both nature and wildlife viewing!
When you visit Arches, be sure to head to the Devils Garden Primitive Loop. While you're there, keep an eye out for lizards, birds, and tiny mammals who are hardy enough to survive in this harsh and arid land. Behind the Rocks is a semi-secret among locals, and it's full of backcountry hikes, arches, and slickrock trails to explore. Sand Flats Recreation Area also has nature aplenty, although you may have to venture a little farther out if you don't want to see mountain bikers.
Matheson Wetlands Preserve has over 200 bird species and a wooden boardwalk that leads you through an ecologically diverse area that's totally unexpected in this dry desert. Two of our favorite area hikes are Negro Bill Canyon, named after a nineteenth century rancher, and Hidden Valley Trail, which offers a great view of the Moab valley. They're both excellent trails for families. And since they're a little farther out, they offer a deeper immersion into the solitude of nature that many visitors crave. If you're quiet enough when you hike these trails, you might also glimpse some of the shy local wildlife. The Mill Canyon/Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks are pretty sweet, and talk about both nature and wildlife viewing!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park Road
2,000+ Natural Sandstone Arches and Unusual Rock Formations...
Devils Garden Loop
Devils Garden Loop Trailhead
Arches National Park
Hike past eight of the best known arches in the park!...
Sand Flats Recreation Area
885 Sand Flats Road
7,320 acres of outdoor fun, including the Slickrock Bike Trail...
Hidden Valley Trail
3 miles south of Moab
4-mile r/t hike, petroglyphs, view of Moab Valley, kid- friendly...
