For hiking-focused visitors, Bartlett Wash is less about following a marked trail and more about exploring a vast slickrock playground on foot. The sandstone here forms rolling waves, domes, and bowls that invite you to wander at your own pace, climbing to high points for sweeping desert views or dipping into natural basins that feel like hidden amphitheaters. Without a set route, every step is an adventure where you can scramble, roam, and choose your own path across the smooth rock. It’s a quieter alternative to Moab’s more famous hikes, offering freedom, solitude, and the chance to experience the desert landscape in a playful and personal way.

Kane Creek Canyon, just outside of downtown Moab, is a winding red rock corridor where towering cliffs, side canyons, and the Colorado River create a stunning backdrop for adventure. The scenic Kane Creek Road hugs the canyon floor, offering access to hiking trails, climbing routes, camping areas, and hidden gems like petroglyph panels and natural arches. It’s a favorite spot for off-roaders and mountain bikers too, with rugged tracks branching into the surrounding mesas. Whether you’re looking for a quiet riverside campsite, a challenging trail, or simply a beautiful drive, Kane Creek Canyon delivers a classic Moab mix of scenery and adventure.

BLM recreation areas around Moab showcase some of the region’s most stunning and accessible public lands, offering a wide range of adventures without the crowds of the national parks. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, these areas include popular spots like Sand Flats Recreation Area, home to world-famous Slickrock Bike Trail, and scenic destinations along the Colorado River corridor with campgrounds, hiking trails, and climbing routes. Visitors can find everything from technical off-roading to quiet hikes and riverside camping, all framed by Moab’s iconic red rock landscapes. With fewer restrictions and plenty of space to roam, BLM recreation areas give travelers a chance to experience Moab’s wild desert at their own pace.

The Broken Arch Trail in Arches National Park is a short, family-friendly hike that highlights the park’s unique sandstone formations and sweeping desert views. Beginning near the Sand Dune Arch trailhead, the path winds across open slickrock and sandy washes before reaching Broken Arch, named for the visible crack that runs through its span. The loop can be extended to connect with the campground and Tapestry Arch, making it a versatile option for both quick outings and longer strolls. With its moderate terrain, photogenic scenery, and easy access, the Broken Arch Trail is a rewarding way to experience the beauty of Arches without the crowds of more famous hikes.