Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,768.00 ft (538.89 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
7.80 mi (12.55 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The highlight of this hike is Moonlight Meadow. From the Moonlight Meadow trailhead, the trail descends into the meadow surrounded by Haystack Mountain and Mount Mellenthin. Great views as you descend the trail and depending on time of year, many wildflowers. The trail is easy to follow as you work your way down canyon and through Pine and Aspen forest that had been recently damaged by wild fires.

After about 2.5 miles, the trail reaches Clark Lake. Continue above the lake descending another mile to Oowah Lake. This is actually a campground with car access. The trail loops around the lake and eventually ends up back at Clark Lake but now you are at lake level. There is a very steep obvious trail leading up from the lake. This will get you back on the Moonlight Meadow trail. Turn right and follow back the way you came. Keep in mind this hike is above 10,000 feet. If you recently arrived in Moab from a lower altitude, you may find this hike more difficult than expected.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Spring

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Solitude.

Cons

Long drive to access. Return is all up hill. Forest fire damage.

Trailhead Elevation

10,562.00 ft (3,219.30 m)

Highest point

10,562.00 ft (3,219.30 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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