23 Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah

By VacationIdea Staff on September 16, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of dfikar - Fotolia.com

Moab is a destination for adventure enthusiasts and a starting point for exploring the beautiful landscape of eastern Utah, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the Colorado River. Learn about the local geology, culture, and history at the Museum of Moab, and see life-size replicas of dinosaurs at the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park. Here are the best things to do in Moab.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is a state park near Moab that covers 5,362 acres (2,170 ha) of breathtaking desert landscapes and dramatic panoramic vistas of Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River.

Named after a natural corral by cowboys in the 19th century, Dead Horse Point, a place where horses often dies of exposure, rests 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River and features several incredible overlooks, picnic areas, a campground, a visitor’s center and a 9-mile (14 km) loop hiking trail.

The park also features a mountain bike trail called Intrepid Trail with loops of varying levels of difficulty and is famous for having featured in the final 'Grand Canyon' scene of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise. If you are looking for fun things to do in Moab, this park is a must-see.

2.Corona Arch Trail

The Corona Arch Trail is a constructed hiking trail around the famous Corona Arch, a natural sandstone arch situated in a side canyon of the Colorado River.

The hiking trail is 1.5 miles in length and winds through a slick rock landscape, taking visitors about two hours to complete. The trail leads to various attractions, including the Corona Arch, the Bow Tie Arch, beautiful views of the Colorado River, and a vast slick rock canyon. The Corona Arch Trail is suitable for all ages and levels of hiker and is best hiked in the early morning or early evening due to the lack of shade.

3.Hell's Revenge, Moab, Utah

Hell’s Revenge is a premier slick rock hiking, biking, and 4WD trail that offers views of beautiful scenery, steep climbs and descents, and breathtaking cliff edges.

The trail is clearly visible and boasts sweeping views of the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park, the Colorado River canyon, and Moab Valley. There are several challenges en route, including the Tip-Over Challenge, a small rock hill with a sandy base that requires tight maneuvering, and Rubble Trouble, which boasts large loose rocks and narrow ledges.

4.Moab Giants Dinosaur Park

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is one of the top Moab attractions. The park includes a 3D cinema where visitors view a film that teaches them about the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. After the film, visitors can walk through the park where they will see state-of-the-art life-size replicas of dinosaurs.

The area around the park and around Moab is well known for its many dinosaur bones, tracks, and fossils. The park also features the Tracks Museum, which focuses on educating visitors through its many interactive hands-on activities such as games, exhibits, and learning touch screens. If you are looking for best things to do in Moab, Utah with kids, don't miss the Moab Giants. More things to do in Utah

112 West, UT-313, Moab, Utah, Phone: 435-355-0288

5.Museum of Moab

Founded in 1958, the Museum of Moab is dedicated to preserving and presenting the unique geology, culture, and history of Moab. After spending some time operating out of a small four-room adobe house, the museum eventually found a new and larger home at its current location. The museum displays a variety of dinosaur bones, footprints, and a full cast skeleton of a dinosaur.

Other exhibits include rocks, mining, and displays on pioneer history. The museum offers a variety of education outreach activities such as lectures, special events, and workshops, while the Experiential Education Centers provide hands-on activities for children.

118 East Center Street, Moab, Utah, Phone: 435-259-7985

6.What to Do in Moab: The Needles

The Needles is an area of Canyonlands National Park, famous for its huge red and white pillars that rise vertically from their base. The eroded sandstone pillars extend for many miles and are mingled with other natural rock formations such as canyons, domes, and arches. Visitors can also contemplate the rock-carvings and ruins of ancient Native Americans.

The rocks can first be seen from the Needles Outpost, which is a campsite, restaurant, and grocery store. The National Park Service Visitor Center is just beyond the Outpost, and the scenic four-wheel drive route begins here. If you are wondering what to see in Moab, the Needles are a beautiful place to visit. The rock formations can be seen from the route and also by hiking on several trails.

7.Red River Adventures

Red River Adventures offers a variety of land and -based adventures, including one and multi-day rafting trips, rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, stand up paddling, and horseback riding.

One-day rafting tours offer fun for the whole family, providing a choice of going by raft or kayak on the Fish Towers River. Tours include a lovely side lunch while multi-day trips explore the Dolores River and Cataract and Desolation Canyons.

Rock climbing and canyoneering trips include hiking, climbing, and rappelling led by professional canyoneering guides, and professional wranglers lead horseback riding trips along Castle Creek and the trails made famous by John Wayne. Learn how to stand up paddle or enjoy a full workout on the Colorado River. (Phone: 435-259-4046) More Utah weekend getaways ideas

8.RedRock Astronomy, Moab, Utah

RedRock Astronomy is a tour company that specializes in leading visitors to areas around Moab where they can view the nighttime sky through telescopes. There is a lack of pollution, and therefore the skies overhead are extremely clear. Alex Ludwig, the highly experienced tour guide, uses a high powered telescope to point out galaxies, nebulae, planets, star clusters, and much more.

The telescope and other equipment are the best available. Tour groups range in size from two to forty, and sites are located 20 to 25 minutes away from the city lights of Moab. Some of the sites are close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. If you are looking for romantic things to do, this is a great activity in Moab.

9.Moab Adventure Center

The Moab Adventure Center is an outdoor activities company that offers a wide range of activities and vacation packages. Their Moab National Park Tours include hiking, sightseeing, and scenic flight tours to Arches National Park and rafting and scenic flight tours to Canyonlands National Park. There are several Moab Hummer Safaris such as the Grand Hummer Safari, Slickrock Hummer Safari, and Sunset Hummer Safari.

Stand Up Paddle Board Tours take place on the Colorado River and last about two hours. The Moab Horseback Riding Tour takes riders to Castle Rock. Other activities include canyoneering, climbing, high ropes course, hot air ballooning, zip lining, and much more.

225 South Main Street, Moab, Utah, Phone: 866-904-1163

10.What to Do in Moab: Potash Road

Potash Road is a scenic byway that offers spectacular views of the Colorado River as well as dinosaur tracks and ancient rock art called petroglyphs. It begins about four miles north of Moab at the point where Potash Road turns off onto Highway 191. Soon the road goes into a deep gorge of the Colorado River, and at a place called “Wall Street,” visitors can often see rock climbers on the cliffs.

Just beyond this, you can admire the petroglyphs; there are marked pull-offs and interpretive signs in the area. Further along Potash Road is the “Dinosaur Tracks” turnout, where you can see a series of three-toed dinosaur tracks.

11.La Sal Mountain Loop Road, Moab, UT

La Sal Mountain Loop Road is a paved scenic byway that starts on US191 about six miles south of Moab. It continues north through the forests of La Sal Mountains and through Castle Valley and Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway; the tour returns to Moab via Utah Highway 128.

The road travels through a variety of spectacular landscapes in the canyon country, and the entire loop is about 60 miles long and takes three hours to complete.

The highlights of the route include the Manti-La Sal National Forest with its views of 12,000 foot-peaks and red rock canyons, Big Bend Recreation Site with its many outdoor activities, and much more.

12.Paddle Moab

Paddle Moab is an owner-operated stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding company that offers quality SUP tours and lessons. All levels of paddler are welcome, from beginner to advanced, and qualified SUP instructors lead all lessons and tours, covering both flat water paddling and rapid riding.

A variety of tours are offered, ranging from Stand Up Paddle, a half day of paddling on calm, tranquil waters that is ideal for the whole family; Whitewater SUP, a half-day trip that teaches you to take on Class II/III rapids; or a multi-day tour with camping that ventures through the beautiful Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River and the challenging Fisher Tower’s Section of the Colorado River.

Paddle Moab also offers SUP rentals with premier paddleboards that can be deflated for easy transportation. Phone: 435-210-4665

13.Solfun Mountain Biking

Solfun Mountain Biking offers a range of mountain biking and hiking trips to visitors of all levels. Established by owners Pat and Allan Poertner more than 30 years ago, Solfun was established to share the beauty of Utah’s canyon country with mountain biking enthusiasts, and today it offers a range of both mountain biking and hiking trips.

Rides and hikes are kept small for safety and maximum enjoyment and cater to all levels of hikers and riders, from beginner to intermediate and advanced. Friendly, professional guides lead the trips, and high-end mountain bikes are provided.

Advanced mountain bikers can enjoy more challenging rides with one of the ‘Gonzo’ Tours, which include Amasa Back, Porcupine Ridge, and Slickrock. Solfun Mountain Biking also offers package mountain bike tours for groups and families and special all-women tours. Phone: 435-259-9861

14.Dan Mick's Guided Jeep Tours, Moab, Utah

Dan Mick's Guided Jeep Tours offers high-quality 4x4 trips and off-road adventures in the desert surrounding Moab. Experienced and highly skilled guides who are native to the Moab area lead the Jeep tours and maintain the trails to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.

Tours can be tailor-made from morning and afternoon to sunset, and there are full day tours with over 25 pristine trails to choose from, including Hell’s Revenge, Moab Rim, and Chicken Corners.

Dan Mick's Guided Jeep Tours provides a pick-up service, and bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the tour. Phone: 435-259-4567

15.Moab Horses at Hauer Ranch

Hauer Ranch offers a range of horseback trails and tours that allow visitors to experience the scenic beauty of the beautiful Moab desert.

Soak up the desert splendor of Professor Valley as you wander along the Colorado River, cross winding creeks, or visit famous cowboy movie sites such as those for the films Rio Grande, Rio Conchos, and Smoke Signals on guided tailor-made trips for all levels of riders. Regular half-day trips take between two and three hours, and, they offer an exclusive daylong horseback ride to Miner’s Basin in the La Sal Mountains. Hauer Ranch also allows guests to bring their own horses and provides basic corrals and guest accommodation in the form of comfortable guesthouses.

16.Sand Flats Recreation Area

Enjoy exciting activities while surrounded by beautiful desert scenery at the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Nestled in the Colorado Plateau, the area is known as a public lands treasure with its stunning mesas and views of the towering La Sal Mountains. The recreation area stands at 9,000 acres and welcomes around 200,000 visitors every year. There are numerous bike trails including the world-renowned Hell’s Revenge trail, as well as numerous camping sites. Campers can settle into one of the 140 individual campsites located throughout the area which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The camping grounds tend to fill up rather quickly during peak seasons, so it’s best to arrive before noon!

Sand Flats Road, Moab, UT 84532, Phone: 435-259-2444

17.What to Do in Moab: Colorado Riverway Recreation Area

The Colorado Riverway Recreation Area consists of several areas of public lands along the Colorado River and in the Moab area. River activities include whitewater rafting trips through Class 2 rapids at Fisher Towers or the wilder Westwater and Cataract Canyons sections of the area. Canoeing, jet boat tours, kayaking, and paddle boarding are also popular activities.

There are several hiking and mountain biking trails starting at Kane Creek Road, Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway, and Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. Picnicking is a popular activity in this area, and there are picnic facilities at several places, including Big Bend Recreation Site, Hittle Bottom, and Lion’s Park.

18.Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites

Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites are a series of ancient drawings carved into rock in the Moab area. The area starts on the scenic byway five miles south of its intersection with Highway 191.

There is a pullout adjacent to the as well as an “Indian Writing” interpretive sign. Here, visitors can see rock art, or petroglyphs, that were created during the Formative Period of Native American art, approximately 1,300 to 2,000 years ago. The 125-foot panel includes depictions of animals as well as abstract objects. The next area of rock carving features a depiction of a bear and hunters. There are several other areas with rock carvings farther along the byway.

19.Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage

The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage and the Red Cliffs Lodge are part of Red Cliffs Ranch, which was settled in the late 1800s. Formerly known as White’s Ranch, Red Cliffs Ranch continues to serve as a working ranch today, raising cattle and horses. The ranch has also been the location for the shooting of many films.

Director John Ford discovered the beauty of the area in the 1940s and subsequently many Hollywood movies were filmed here. The museum is known for its display “100 Years of Cowboy History” with its film and cowboy memorabilia.

Milepost 14, Highway 128, Moab, Utah, Phone: 866-812-2002

20.Spanish Valley Vineyard and Winery

Wine lovers will surely enjoy a visit to the Spanish Valley Vineyard & Winery. Established in the 70s, the winery produces fresh-tasting wine completely on-site within the estate. Visitors can tour the family-owned vineyard to see the entire production process from growing the grapes to fermenting and bottling. Afterward, sample their selection of wines including cabernet sauvignon, cherry wine, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. Visitors can make the most of the vineyard and its majestic views of red rock cliffs by checking into their bed and breakfast. Choose between one of their two houses which comfortably sleeps parties of 7 and up.

4710 Zimmerman Lane, Moab, UT 84532, Phone: 435-243-7775

21.Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, Moab, Utah

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail is a nature trail located just off Highway 191 northwest of Moab. The trail starts at the Dinosaur Trailhead where there is a parking area with interpretive signs that can also be found along the trail. Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail is a short self-guided trail that is a short walk from the Monitor and Merrimac Mountain bike and jeep trail.

Visitors will find a brochure and guide at the Moab Field Office. The trail leads to an area where you can see dinosaur bones that are still encased in rock. There are no guards or fences so visitors are asked to refrain from damaging the bones.

22.Moab Brewery

Founded in 1996 by John Borkoski and Dave Sabey, the Moab Brewery is the region’s only microbrewery, producing a range of ales on tap as well as a root beer.

Naming their ales after the beautiful surrounding landscapes of the desert, the Moab Brewery produces over 10 brews, including Dead Horse Ale, Red Rye IPA, Derailleur Red Ale, Over the Top Hefeweizen, and Raven Stout, as well as house-made root beer.

Conveniently located on Main Street in Moab, the Moab Brewery also has a popular restaurant that serves lunch and dinner with classic pub-style fare such as steaks, burgers, chicken dishes, pasta, and salads, as well as a vibrant bar that draws a crowd on the weekends to sample the brewery’s products and socialize.

686 S. Main Street, Moab, Utah, Phone: 435-259-6333

23.Moab Rock Shop

The Moab Rock Shop is a retail store and museum that specializes in selling and displaying a wide variety of geological objects including crystals, dinosaur bones, fossils, gemstones, meteorites, mineral specimens, pieces of petrified wood, and much more. The shop also contains antiques, books, maps, and tools such as binoculars, gold pans, and rock hammers.

Some of the fossils include a dinosaur egg nest, dinosaur eggs, fern fossils, mammoth bones, trilobites, and more. The shop is also known as “Lin Ottinger’s Moab Rock Shop.” Mr. Ottinger, who opened the shop and museum in 1960, is well known for having discovered a new species of dinosaur in 1973, which was named after him: iguanadon ottinger.

600 North Main Street, Moab, Utah, Phone: 435-259-7312

24.Bird Watching in the Scott Matheson Wetlands Preserve

The Scott Matheson Wetlands Preserve is one of several places in the Moab area known for excellent bird watching. Birds that are unique to the Southwest are found here among the arches, canyons, mountains, s, and wetlands around Moab. The Scott Matheson Wetlands Preserve consists of 875 acres of wetlands, including marsh and open water.

There are more than 225 species of birds that have been seen at the preserve, and, although the bird watching is good anytime of the year, migration season is best. The preserve can easily be visited from downtown Moab.

More vacation ideas: 25 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Utah.