Hiking the vast wilderness of multicolored rock and sand surrounding Moab, Utah, is the most accessible and popular activity for visitors to the region.

Thanks to the stewardship of local agencies, associations and responsible tour operators such as the Moab Adventure Center, over 1,000 miles of diverse trails are available, most leading to unparalleled vistas, iconic arches and overlooks.

“Visitors can join guided trail hikes, hire a private guide, or strike out on their own,” notes Kam Wixom, former guide and current Marketing Director for Moab Adventure Center.

While scanning the horizon for yet another breathtaking geological masterpiece, hikers are urged to respect where they stand – on trails lacing through a fragile environment of cryptobiotic soil. It is the foundation for most all desert plant life.

“Off-trail footsteps can damage the crust’s living organisms for many decades,” Wixom underscores.

To help secure this fragile eco system, Wixom offers seven eco-friendly tips to protect the environment when exploring afoot. 

1. Avoid campfires in the wild that can quickly escalate into wildfires that result in devastating consequences for the area’s fauna and flora. Instead, make your campfire in areas specifically designated for them.
2. Plan your routes carefully, stay on established trails and let others know of your backcountry plans and destinations.
3. Wear natural sunscreen. If you plan to take a dip in a stream or waterhole along the way, remember, some commercial sunscreen ingredients can be very damaging to the fauna and flora. Please consider sun-protective clothing and don’t worry about sunscreen at all.
4. Leave no trace. Trash is out-of-place and unsightly plus animals may mistake it for food. As certain items decay, they may pollute the surrounding soil or water, creating a catastrophic knock-on effect for the entire ecosystem.
5. Choose eco-friendly gear. As Charlotte Cross, a lifestyle writer at Essay Roo and Lia Help tells us: “choosing to purchase sustainable and eco-friendly hiking gear supports and encourages sustainability within the field.” Utilizing clothing and gear made from recycled materials further reduces your environmental impact.
6. Save on energy by using solar chargers and solar-powered items such as flashlights and lamps.
7. Ditch the bottled water that correlates to millions of tons of single-use plastic. Instead, buy reusable water bottles that will keep everything cooler and fresher for longer periods than plastic bottles. 

People with pets visiting the Moab region are invited to use Moab’s pet-friendly trails and remember to use a leash and carry out pet excrement.

Moab Adventure Center’s Tours into Arches National Park include guided hikes suitable for all ages:

Arches National Park Guided Morning Tour: A four-hour adventure including VIP park pass with timed entry reservation, replete with expertise of professional guide.

Arches National Park Guided Sunset Tour: Arches at its most magical in golden hour light and with fewer crowds. In this four-hour adventure guides bring the landscape to life with their fascinating stories.

Private guided hiking in Arches National Park and surrounding region can be also arranged.

Follow this link to the Top Hikes in Moab as handpicked by local guides.

About Moab Adventure Center
Named one of Newsweek Magazine’s Best Whitewater Rafting companies in the U.S. (April 2025) and winner of Utah’s Best of State Award for 22 consecutive years, Moab Adventure Center is the region’s premier provider of guided outdoor experiences. A division of Western River Expeditions, the company offers rafting, hiking, off-roading, canyoneering and more – all based in the red rock paradise of Moab, Utah.

To learn more about trail hiking, visit MoabAdventureCenter.com and sign up for a free Insider’s Guide.To explore trip options and book a hiking adventure, please visit www.moabadventurecenter.com or call (435) 259-7019 / (866) 904-1163.