Need an epic adventure or scenic escape in southeastern Utah? Head to Moab! Discover stunning red rock landscapes, hike iconic national parks, and enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, biking, rafting, or simply soaking in jaw-dropping views, Moab offers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Moab, UT Highlights:
- Arches National Park: Marvel at over 2,000 natural stone arches and breathtaking desert scenery.
- Canyonlands National Park: Explore vast canyons, towering mesas, and dramatic river vistas.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: Witness one of the most photographed panoramic views in the world.
- Sand Flats Recreation Area: Adventure through slickrock biking trails and off-roading routes.
- Downtown Moab: Shop, dine, and relax in this lively hub packed with art galleries and outdoor outfitters.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Moab is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Mild temperatures make it ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring the parks without the intense summer heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Moab is located along U.S. Route 191, about 4 hours from Salt Lake City and 6 hours from Denver.
- By Air: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) offers direct flights from Denver and Salt Lake City, with rental cars available on-site.
- By Bus: Shuttle services operate between Moab and nearby cities like Grand Junction, Colorado.
Where to Stay
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton – If you want a stylish hotel downtown with a pool, spa, and mountain views.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – If you prefer a rustic riverside resort with horseback riding and vineyard tours nearby.
- Sunflower Hill Luxury Inn – Boutique bed and breakfast offering charming rooms and lush gardens close to downtown.
Best Things to Do
1. Take in Jaw-Dropping Canyon Views at 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. Hike to One of Moab’s Most Stunning Natural Arches on the 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. Tackle Heart-Pounding Off-Road Trails on Hell’s Revenge
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.
Check out this incredible climbing and photography video in Moab.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Step Back in Time and Roam With Giants at 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.
112 West, UT-313, Moab, UT, Phone: 435-355-0288
5. Discover Local History, Fossils, and Culture at the 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. Explore Colorful Rock Spires and Rugged Trails at 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.
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
7. Raft, Climb, and Canyoneer With 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)
8. If You’re Fascinated by the Stars, Then Join a Night Tour With RedRock Astronomy
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. Plan Epic Outdoor Excursions Through the 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. Drive Potash Road for Scenic Views, Rock Art, and Outdoor Adventures
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.
Where to Eat
- Desert Bistro – For upscale Southwestern-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Moab Diner – Classic American comfort food with hearty breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes.
- Arches Thai – Flavorful curries, stir-fries, and authentic Thai cuisine just off Main Street.
If you are interested in local events:
- Moab Jeep Safari (March/April) – One of the largest off-road events in the world, featuring epic trail rides.
- Moab Music Festival (September) – Enjoy classical, jazz, and world music performances amid stunning landscapes.
- Moab Folk Festival (November) – Live folk and acoustic music performances in a laid-back desert setting.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Moab, Utah:
- La Sal Mountains (30 min) – Escape into alpine scenery with cool temps and hiking trails.
- Potash Road Scenic Byway (20–30 min) – Drive past ancient petroglyphs, natural arches, and the Colorado River.
- Corona Arch Trail (20–25 min) – Hike to a massive free-standing arch rivaling those in the national parks.
- Castle Valley (20–25 min) – Visit this stunning red rock valley often seen in Western films.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- What are some must-see national parks near Moab?
- Moab is a starting point for exploring the beautiful landscapes of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the Colorado River.
- What attractions are available for learning about Moab's history and culture?
- Visitors can learn about the local geology, culture, and history at the Museum of Moab and explore life-size dinosaur replicas at the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers.
Red Cliffs Lodge – A scenic stay along the Colorado River with stunning views.
Visit Arches National Park – Hike to Delicate Arch and see famous rock formations.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and dry, ideal for early morning hikes and river activities.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton – A luxurious and modern stay in downtown Moab.
Raft the Colorado River – Cool off with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure.
Fall (September-November) – Comfortable weather with fewer crowds.
Moab Springs Ranch – A peaceful retreat with private hiking trails and cozy cabins.
Explore Canyonlands National Park – Drive to the Island in the Sky district for breathtaking canyon views.
Winter (December-February) – Cold and quiet, with a unique snowy desert landscape.
Castle Valley Inn – A secluded and cozy bed & breakfast with beautiful views.
Hike in Arches National Park Without the Crowds – Enjoy a peaceful experience with stunning winter scenery.
Map:
Plan Your Trip