Indian Creek Area Hiking

So I'm planning on heading to IC this spring and will be meeting my parents (nonclimbers) for a portion of the trip. I'm wondering if you all have any recommendations/favorite day hikes in the IC/Moab area and/or resources for finding such things.
Cheers,
-Max

Max,

There is some great day hikes in the greater Moab area. I'm often there with non climbers so I've ended up doing quite a few of the hikes.

Negro Bill Canyon is a really nice hike just outside of Moab. Hidden Canyon is great also. Arches National Park, esp Wall Street, Delicate Arch, etc, etc. There are a none of them.

From the IC area, go to the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park and there is a heap of them.

This website will help.

discovermoab.com/hiking.htmon of nice hikes.

There is a really nice hiking guide called Moab Classic Hikes that is well put together and a great resource. You can get it from the information center in Moab.

backofbeyondbooks.com/bests…

Have fun.

Cheers

john

A really good hike near IC is Chesler Park/Joint Trail hike in Canyonlands. It's very beautiful and unique landscape, and the joint trail consists of a cool network of slot canyons. Check out this site:
nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/…

I recommend Upheaval Dome - Syncline Loop Trail (8 miles), Canyonlands, Island in the Sky.
A very good, but somewhat difficult dayhike.

Of course, loads of others (Arches NP, etc.) - the entire area is a mecca for hiking.

This won't get you off the beaten path but Delicate Arch in Arches NP is a must do. The arch is amazing by itself but the hike up there is amazing. If your parents are a little bit daring, go down by the steep traverse next to the bottom leg of the arch.

Potash Road/Shaefer Trail going into Canyon lands. Need a high clearance vehicle ( small pickup or SUV can do it ). Lots of places to jump out and hike there.

Other than that.... you really cannot go wrong in Moab.

I always liked the walk out to confluence overlook in the Needles District, where you can see the Green and Colorado rivers come together from 1500 feet above.

Most of my other favorite hikes in SoUT are a bit off the beaten path from IC.

+1 for the Confluence Overlook in the Needles District of Canyonlands.

It's very close to IC, stunning views, you get to climb up a few fixed ladders (nothing physical or scary) coming in/out of small canyons, and the final overlook of the confluence of the Green/Colorado rivers is stunning!!! Try testing out the echo potential of a loud scream there. Also, theres a few cool 'blobs' to you can quickly solo while your parents take pictures or catch their breath.

If your in Arches NP, they have a fun Fiery Furnace guided hike. I think a guide used to be required because of the route finding difficulty in the labyrinth like areas. Was a few years ago, but my family really enjoyed it. No idea if it still is guide required or not though.

The Joint Trail near Elephant Hill in the Needles District of Canyonlands. A must do.

+1 for Fiery Furnace and Delicate Arch.

The Landscape Arch hike is also cool, as well as the hikes to Double O arch and Dark Angel. Arches is probably the best bet for hiking. Canyonlands is kind of overwhelming and is more easily viewed from the car (hate to say it).

There are also many cool places to see in Indian Creek if you know where they are.

You can't go wrong with the hikes mentioned previously. However, if you are that close to the Needles District you should seriously consider hiking out there. Angel Arch and Druid Arch are pretty hard to beat anywhere. If you wanted to backpack for a little bit the Joint Trail and Chessler Park are pretty cool. And don't forget heading out to the Confluence Overlook where you can see the Green and Colorado come together. Its mostly a drive, but pretty cool out there.

But Angel Arch at sunset is crazy cool. Do that one for sure!

+1 for Druid Arch, Chessler Park, and certainly the Joint Trail. The confluence overlook is excellent. Basically, head into the Needles District and you can't go wrong. Lost canyon & Spring Canyon are also worthwhile.

Hiking out to Dark Angel and back in Arches puts you in front of several arches and other fascinating things to gawk at. See the note under Dark Angel for a treat.