I recently embarked on a desert adventure that rekindled my love for hiking through rugged, surreal landscapes. Each trail I explored offered something unique, from slick rock climbs to stunning river views. Here’s a breakdown of my experiences on the trails that made this trip unforgettable.

Battleship Loop

I kicked off my adventure with the Battleship Loop, and right from the get-go, I fell in-love with desert hiking again. The trail was short but exhilarating, filled with slick rock stretches that had me sprinting up the hills and scaling down in a way that felt only slightly risky.

Unfortunately, ominous storm clouds started rolling in, so I picked up the pace, knowing what could come next. As the lightning flashed more frequently, memories of being caught in a lightning storm on Mount Nebo flooded back. Apparently, I still have PTSD from that experience. With that in mind, I transitioned into trail running, because I didn’t want to be stuck in another storm. It wasn’t exactly the relaxed start I had imagined for my trip, but it definitely set the tone for a thrilling adventure.

Moonshine Arch

The next stop was Moonshine Arch, which turned into a bit of a weather gamble. As even more rain threatened, I made the decision to hold off and drove back into town. After closely studying the forecast, I noticed a two-hour window of clear skies and quickly took my chance.

I’m so glad I did because the hike to Moonshine Arch turned out to be incredible. About halfway through, I realized that off-roading was an option, but by then, I was already committed to the hike, and it didn’t disappoint. Seeing the arch from different perspectives was breathtaking. I spent some time sitting under the arch, snacking on trail mix, and soaking in the beauty.

Green River Trail

The next morning began with a relaxed hike along Green River, an easy yet beautiful path that winds along the river’s edge. There’s a relatively steep overlook that you can climb and I just had to stand there soaking in the views. It was the ideal start to a day filled with hiking.

Sound of Silence Trail

Not far from Green River is the Sound of Silence Trail, which was a blast to hike because of its diverse terrain. You begin in soft desert sand, transition into slot canyon-esque paths, then onto slick rock. At the peak, a beautiful overlook of the vast desert stretches out before you. The final part of the trail involves a steep descent that makes you feel like you’re on an adventure. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time, this was hands-down one of the most fun and satisfying hikes of the trip.

Harpers Corner

Harpers Corner required a bit of a drive, but wow, was it worth the extra effort. The trail itself weaves up and down through desert woodlands, offering incredible views on either side. But the real showstopper comes when you find yourself 2,000 feet above the desert floor. It was surreal to start the day hiking beside the Green River and, by the afternoon, be looking down on it from such heights. Harpers Corner was an awe-inspiring reminder of how vast and varied the desert can be.

Fantasy Canyon

The absolute highlight of the trip was Fantasy Canyon. While it doesn’t require much hiking, this roadside attraction lets you explore a completely unique landscape at your own pace. The stone formations look like something out of a sci-fi movie, with their melted wax-like shapes and dragon-like figures. It truly felt like I had stepped onto another planet. Fantasy Canyon was a visual feast and a fitting way to end the trip on a high note.

Final Thoughts

This trip was a whirlwind of desert beauty, and each trail offered something that surprised me. From the heart-pounding pace of Battleship Loop to the serene escape of Moonshine Arch, and the otherworldly experience at Fantasy Canyon, I found myself reconnected to the magic of desert hiking. Whether you’re looking for slick rock climbs, stunning overlooks, or surreal rock formations, these trails have a little bit of everything for the adventurous spirit.