10 Best Things to Do in Moab Utah
Moab, Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a stunning blend of red rock landscapes, towering arches, rugged canyons, and expansive desert views. As the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab is packed with activities ranging from hiking and biking to off-roading and stargazing. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, here are the best things to do in Moab (with tour, hotel and trail details):
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Go Off-Roading
- Mountain Biking
- Rafting on the Colorado River
- Hike to Corona Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Stargazing
- Experience Moab’s Local Culture
- Take a Scenic Drive on 2 popular roads
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Explore Arches National Park:
Arches National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in Moab, known for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, along with stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
- Delicate Arch: This is the most famous arch in the park and an iconic symbol of Utah. It’s best accessed via a 3-mile round-trip trail that climbs moderately but rewards you with a breathtaking view of Delicate Arch standing alone on a red rock ridge. Visit during sunrise or sunset to see the arch glowing orange and red.
- The Windows Section: This area of the park is home to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, all easily accessible via short trails. The Windows Section is great for families and offers excellent photo opportunities with minimal hiking.
- Devils Garden Trail: This trail offers several hiking options, ranging from a short 1-mile walk to Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America, to a more challenging 7.8-mile loop that passes several arches and rock formations. Start early in the day to avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer.
Discover Canyonlands National Park:
Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers that carved the canyons. Each district offers unique landscapes and activities.
- Island in the Sky: This is the most accessible district from Moab, offering stunning overlooks and short hikes. Don’t miss Mesa Arch, a famous sunrise spot where the arch glows as the sun rises behind it. Visit Grand View Point Overlook for panoramic views of the vast canyons below.
- The Needles: Located about an hour’s drive from Moab, The Needles offers longer hikes, such as the Chesler Park Loop Trail, a 10.4-mile loop that showcases colorful spires and red rock formations.
- White Rim Road: For an adventurous 4×4 experience, consider driving the White Rim Road, a 100-mile loop that circles the Island in the Sky mesa, offering views of the Colorado River and unique rock formations. This trip requires a permit and takes 2-3 days, so plan for camping along the route.
Go Off-Roading in Moab
Moab is a mecca for off-road enthusiasts, with a wide variety of trails for jeeps, ATVs, and UTVs. Here’s some of the top options to explore:
- Fins & Things: This trail offers challenging slickrock climbs and thrilling descents, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. The trail is split into two sections, so you can choose a shorter or longer adventure based on your experience level.
- Sand Flats Recreation Area: This area offers a network of trails, as well as camping opportunities.
- See top off roading tour options
Mountain Biking:
Moab is world-renowned for its mountain biking trails, offering options for all skill levels. Here’s some of the top mountain bike trails to consider exploring:
- Slickrock Trail: The Slickrock Trail is Moab’s most famous biking trail, covering 10.5 miles of challenging slickrock terrain. The ride offers steep climbs, exhilarating descents, and incredible views of the surrounding landscape. There’s also a 2.3-mile practice loop for beginners to get a feel for the terrain.
- Moab Brand Trails: Located just north of Moab, these trails offer options for beginners, intermediate riders, and experts. The trails are well-marked and include sections like EZ, Bar M, and Rockin’ A.
- Porcupine Rim Trail: This advanced trail covers 14.9 miles and offers stunning views of Castle Valley, along with technical terrain and steep descents. This trail is best for experienced riders and requires plenty of water and protective gear.
- Tours: Moab also has many mountain bike businesses that offer tours. See top options.
Rafting on the Colorado River:
The Colorado River runs through Moab, offering a range of rafting experiences from calm floats to thrilling whitewater adventures.
- Half-Day and Full-Day Trips: For a fun family adventure, consider a half-day trip through Fisher Towers or a full-day trip down the Westwater Canyon section of the Colorado River.
- Fisher Towers: Offers Class I and II rapids, suitable for beginners and families.
- Westwater Canyon: Features Class III and IV rapids, providing an exhilarating ride through narrow canyons and dramatic rock formations.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: For a more relaxed experience, rent a canoe or kayak and explore the calm stretches of the Colorado River at your own pace.
- Rafting tours: See top options.
Hike to Corona Arch:
Corona Arch, one of the most impressive arches near Moab, is located on BLM land and offers a less-crowded experience than Arches National Park. Getting to it requires a short but moderate hike and here are the details of it:
- Corona Arch Trail: A 3 miles round-trip with 440 feet of elevation. This trail features slickrock, cable-assisted sections, and sweeping views of the surrounding desert. The highlight is Corona Arch, a massive arch that stands 140 feet wide and 105 feet high. Visit during the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Visit Dead Horse Point State Park:
Located just outside Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park offers stunning views of the Colorado River as it winds through deep canyons.
- Dead Horse Point Overlook: The park’s main viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the canyons and river below, making it a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view at one of the park’s shaded picnic tables.
- Mountain Biking Trails: The park has a series of well-maintained mountain biking trails, including the Intrepid Trail System, which offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes with incredible views.
Enjoy Stargazing in Moab:
Moab is a designated International Dark Sky Community, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Here’s info on the top locations to see the night sky there:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
These are among the best spots for stargazing, offering clear, unobstructed views of the night sky. I also recommend bringing a blanket, a flashlight with a red filter, and a star chart to make the most of your stargazing experience.
Experience Moab’s Local Culture:
While Moab is best known for its natural beauty, the town itself has a vibrant culture worth exploring and here’s some of the top activities to see there:
- Moab Museum: Learn about the region’s geology, archaeology, and Native American heritage at the Moab Museum, located in downtown Moab.
- Moab Brewery: After a day of adventure, unwind at the Moab Brewery, the town’s only microbrewery, known for its craft beers and hearty pub food.
- Moab Art Walk: If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, check out the Moab Art Walk, where local galleries and artists open their doors to showcase artwork inspired by the region’s landscapes.
- Visitor recommendations: See top things to do in Moab.
Take a Scenic Drive:
Moab offers some of the most scenic drives in Utah, with routes that highlight the region’s dramatic landscapes.
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (UT-279): This 34-mile out-and-back drive follows the Colorado River and offers views of petroglyphs, Jug Handle Arch, and the impressive Corona Arch.
- La Sal Mountain Loop Road: This drive takes you from the red rock canyons to the cool, forested slopes of the La Sal Mountains, offering a refreshing change of scenery. In the fall, the aspens and oaks along this route turn golden, creating a stunning contrast against the red rocks. It’s also one of the top places to see fall foliage in Utah.
Final things to know:
Moab is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities that cater to all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re hiking through Arches National Park, biking on the Slickrock Trail, or rafting down the Colorado River, you’ll find plenty of adventure and natural beauty in this desert oasis.
