Green River, Utah, is the ultimate starting point for exploring stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. This region boasts diverse trails, ranging from scenic hikes through towering red rock canyons to thrilling mountain biking routes. Whether seeking a stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, there’s a trail for every skill level.
Explore well-known paths leading to breathtaking overlooks or discover hidden trails that reveal the area’s rugged beauty. Proper planning enhances any outdoor experience, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Use this guide for expert recommendations, essential trail details, and helpful tips to make the most of every adventure near Green River.
Hiking Trails Around Green River: Trail-Specific Details
Canyonlands National Park: Hiking Highlights
Canyonlands National Park features diverse landscapes, each offering unique hiking experiences. The Island in the Sky district provides breathtaking viewpoints with minimal effort, making it ideal for casual hikers. The Needles district offers longer trails winding through colorful sandstone spires, while the Maze district presents rugged backcountry routes for experienced adventurers.
Trail Spotlight: Druid Arch Trail
- Trail Length:8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1,446 feet
- Best Season: Spring and fall
- Notable Features: Stunning views of the Druid Arch formation
- Insider Tip: Early morning hikes help avoid intense afternoon heat, especially in summer. The final mile requires scrambling, so we recommend sturdy footwear.
Trail Spotlight: Mesa Arch Trail
- Trail Length:5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 88 feet
- Best Season: Year-round, with sunrise being especially popular
- Notable Features: Iconic arch framing spectacular canyon views
- Permit Requirements: You do not need any special permits beyond the park entrance fee.
Arches National Park: Must-See Trails
Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural stone arches, with trails for every skill level. Some paths offer easy access to breathtaking formations, while others require navigating steep slickrock terrain. Hikers can explore short, scenic routes or tackle challenging backcountry trails leading to remarkable rock formations.
Trail Spotlight: Delicate Arch Trail
- Trail Length: 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 480 feet
- Best Season: Spring or fall to avoid summer heat
- Notable Features: Close-up views of Utah’s most iconic arch
- Important Note: Timed entry reservations are required from April through October.
Trail Spotlight: Devils Garden Loop Trail
- Trail Length: 8 miles (entire loop)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: Varies, includes steep sections
- Best Season: Spring or fall
- Notable Features: Views of multiple arches, including Landscape Arch, the longest in North America
- Ranger Recommendation: Bring at least one gallon of water per person, especially during warm months. The primitive section can be disorienting, so downloading a trail map is essential.
Goblin Valley State Park: Unique Terrain Exploration
Goblin Valley State Park features a surreal landscape filled with thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos known as “goblins.” These unique rock formations create an open-air playground perfect for hikers and explorers of all ages. Unlike many parks, visitors can roam freely among the formations, making every visit a new adventure.
The park’s unusual terrain offers endless discovery, photography, and exploration opportunities. While the trails are not always easy to define, the landscape is easy to navigate. Visitors should tread lightly and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this fragile environment.
- Trail Length: Varies, typically 1–2 hours of exploring
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Fee: $15 per vehicle entrance fee
- Best Season: Spring and fall; summer mornings before the heat builds
- Expert Insight: Off-trail exploration is allowed, offering a unique hands-on experience. Respect the landscape by avoiding damage to delicate formations.
Black Dragon Canyon Trail: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Black Dragon Canyon Trail offers a secluded escape in the San Rafael Swell. It showcases ancient rock art and towering canyon walls. This hidden gem provides a quieter alternative to crowded trails while immersing visitors in Utah’s rich history.
The hike winds through a scenic desert landscape, leading to well-preserved pictographs, including the famous “dragon” panel. These ancient markings, created by the Fremont culture over 2,000 years ago, remain an important cultural treasure. Visitors should bring binoculars for a closer view and avoid touching the delicate rock art to help preserve it for future generations.
- Length: 7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Fall through spring
- Notable Features: Ancient pictographs, including the famous “dragon” panel
- Local Expertise: The petroglyphs date back thousands of years. Observing them from a distance helps protect their historical integrity.
Moonshine Wash: Slot Canyon Experience
Moonshine Wash offers an unforgettable slot canyon adventure without the crowds found in more popular locations. This non-technical route features narrow sandstone passages, unique rock formations, and sections requiring careful maneuvering.
The winding canyon walls create a breathtaking backdrop. However, flash floods pose a significant risk, so checking the weather and notifying someone of travel plans is essential. Proper footwear and preparation ensure a safe and enjoyable trek through this remote desert landscape.
- Length: 4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best Season: Late spring through fall when flash flood risk is lower
- Safety Consideration: Always check the forecast before entering a slot canyon, as distant storms can trigger sudden flooding.
Cycling Routes and Biking Adventures
Green River State Park: Scenic Rides and Trails
Green River State Park offers a relaxed cycling experience with scenic riverside views and well-maintained paths. Families and casual riders can explore paved and graded dirt trails without technical difficulty. Picnic areas, restrooms, and a boat launch make it an ideal stop for a full-day outdoor adventure.
- Trail Type: Paved and graded dirt paths
- Distance: Various loops from 1-5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, camping, boat launch
- Fee: $10 day-use fee per vehicle
The White Rim Trail: A Biker’s Dream
The White Rim Trail offers one of the most challenging and rewarding multi-day mountain biking experiences in Canyonlands National Park. This demanding 100-mile loop winds through breathtaking desert landscapes with steep climbs and rugged terrain. Riders need careful planning, as the remote route has limited water sources and unpredictable weather.
- Distance: 100 miles total loop
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: Typically 3-4 days
- Elevation Change: Approximately 1,700 feet
- Permit Requirements: You need a backcountry permit for overnight trips, highly competitive reservations
Area Cyclist Facilities and Bike Rentals
The Green River region provides essential cyclist services, from rentals to guided tours. Moab Outfitters offers a range of bikes with limited rental options in Green River. Pre-trip bike inspections are crucial, as the harsh desert conditions can quickly cause mechanical issues. Riders should carry repair tools, extra water, and a map since cell service is unreliable in remote areas.
- Rental Options: Multiple outfitters in Moab, limited options in Green River
- Average Cost: $50-75 per day for standard mountain bikes, $85-120 for full-suspension models
- Services Available: Guided trips, shuttle services, mechanic assistance
Tips for Biking Safely in the Region
Mountain biking in Utah’s desert requires careful preparation and awareness of the environment. Harsh conditions, unpredictable weather, and remote trails make safety a top priority. Following these essential guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can cause dehydration quickly. Bring a gallon (4 liters) of water per individual daily. Do not rely on finding water along the trail
- Check Weather Conditions: Flash floods and sudden thunderstorms can occur even on sunny days. Always check the forecast before heading out and have a plan for shelter
- Wear Proper Gear: A helmet is essential for mountain biking. Pick trails that meet your skill level, and use the proper safety equipment for the terrain
- Emergency Preparedness: Carry a first-aid kit, repair tools, and an emergency communication device. Tell someone about your route and expected return time
- Adjust Tire Pressure: Lower tire pressure (15-20 PSI) improves traction on sandy terrain. Be prepared to adjust it as conditions change
- Terrain Awareness: Watch for sudden elevation changes, loose sand, and hidden obstacles. Stay within your skill level to avoid accidents
Visitor’s Guide: Essential Planning Information
Planning guarantees a smooth and enjoyable visit to Utah’s stunning national and state parks. Understanding permits, fees, and seasonal conditions help travelers maximize their experience. Use these key details to prepare for your trip.
Permits and Fees
- National Parks: Entrance fees range from $30-$35 per vehicle for Arches and Canyonlands, valid for seven days. An $80 America the Beautiful pass grants year-round access to all national parks. Seniors 62+ can purchase discounted lifetime or annual passes. You need a timed entry reservation for Arches from April through October
- State Parks: Most Utah state parks charge $7-$10 per vehicle for day use. Annual passes range from $75-$100, covering most parks. Camping fees vary by location and site type
- Backcountry Permits: Overnight trips in national parks require permits. Reservations for popular areas, like the White Rim, open months in advance and fill quickly
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June-August): Temperatures often exceed 100°F. Hike or bike in the early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat
- Fall (September-November): Moderate temperatures and smaller crowds make this an ideal season for outdoor activities
- Winter (December-February): Cold nights contrast with pleasant daytime temperatures. Some roads and trails at higher elevations may close
- Spring (March-May): Blooming desert flowers create a scenic landscape. Rain is possible but generally infrequent
Local Resources and Emergency Information
- Visitor Centers: Available in Green River, Arches, and Canyonlands for maps, permits, and trip planning
- Emergency Services: Dial 911 for emergencies. Cell service may be limited in remote areas
- Search and Rescue: Managed by county sheriff’s offices for backcountry incidents
- Weather Updates: Check National Weather Service forecasts for Moab and Green River before heading out
Beyond Hiking and Biking: Other Exciting Outdoor Activities
Utah’s landscape offers more than just hiking and biking. Thrill-seekers and nature lovers can explore rivers, cliffs, and rugged trails. These exciting outdoor adventures provide unique ways to experience the region’s diverse terrain.
White Water Rafting on the Green River
The Green River offers experiences ranging from gentle floats to thrilling rapids.
- Popular Sections: Labyrinth Canyon features calm, scenic waters, while Desolation Canyon offers moderate rapids
- Season: Peak water levels typically occur from May to June
- Permit Requirements: Desolation Canyon requires advance permits from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Guided Options: Several outfitters provide single and multi-day guided trips
- Experience: Rafting through Labyrinth Canyon reveals towering red rock walls and a peaceful escape from civilization
Rock Climbing in Joe’s Valley
Joe’s Valley is a premier bouldering destination, attracting climbers of all skill levels.
- Difficulty Range: Routes range from V0 for beginners to V12 for elite climbers
- Best Season: Fall and spring provide ideal climbing temperatures
- Access: Most bouldering areas require a short hike from roadside parking
- Guide Services: Local outfitters offer instruction for beginners
- Climbing Ethics: Climbers should brush off tick marks, pack out trash, and avoid climbing on wet rocks to preserve conditions
OHV Adventures on the Arapeen Trail System
The Arapeen Trail System offers thrilling off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures through diverse landscapes.
- Trail Distance: Over 350 miles of designated routes span various terrains
- Difficulty: Trails range from beginner-friendly routes to expert-level technical challenges
- Permit Requirements: All OHVs must be registered and display proper permits.
- Seasonal Access: Higher-elevation trails typically open from late May through October
Experience the Best of Green River’s Outdoors with First Choice Inn
At First Choice Inn at the Swell, we provide more than just a place to stay—we offer the perfect base for adventure. Our outdoor-friendly amenities prepare you for every hike, bike ride, or river excursion. Start your day with an early breakfast, grab a trail map, and fill your water bottles before heading out. After exploring, unwind in our heated indoor pool or soak in the hot tub. Located near top outdoor destinations, we make the adventure easy. Stay with us and experience comfort, convenience, and everything you need for the ultimate Green River getaway.