This guide to Moab, Utah and its nearby National Parks covers everything from where to eat and the 10 best tings to do in this Mars-like part of the US.

Most people visiting Moab are seeking an outdoorsy desert getaway. From hiking and biking to river floating and rock climbing the red rocks— adventures abounds. This quirky little town in southern Utah is home to not one but two national parks and an abundance of outdoor excursions await.

If you’re planning a longer visit to Moab, Utah, there are tons of adventurous activities to partake in — from hot air ballooning and horseback riding to river rafting and even Hummer safaris. However, with only a limited amount of time to explore, I’d recommend focusing on the area’s National Parks (a must!) and relaxing downtown when you’ll inevitably need a break from being on your feet.

what to know before you go to moab ↴

you’re on Native land

First and foremost, it is vital that travelers acknowledge that Moab was originally inhabited by Indigenous Peoples. The Ute, Diné (sometimes referred to as Navajo), and Paiute Peoples are the original stewards of this land. I highly suggest anyone visiting the U.S., in general, read Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer. Support Native artists where you can, and be respectful of the land you’re on always. That means picking up your rubbish, not vandalizing the natural landscapes, and acknowledging you’re on Native land.

prepare for extreme heat

Moab gets dangerously hot, especially in the summer months. Avoid activities in the middle of the day and make sure any time you head outdoors you have sun protection with you: a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses— the works!

don’t carve the rocks

Tourists visit this part of the U.S. from all corners of the country and from all around the world, and for some reason, they seem to believe that it’s important to leave their mark on the natural landscape by carving their names into the stone. This is highly illegal and is massively disrespectful to the Indigenous Peoples who believe these places are sacred. Not to mention, it’s just an asshole move to make.

how to get to moab + how to get around ↴

Moab is usually a stopover on a road trip through the southwest U.S., but if you are looking to fly there are a few options.

Salt Lake City Airport | 4-hour drive from Moab
Denver, Colorado | 6-hour drive from Moab
Flagstaff, Arizona | 5.5-hour drive from Moab
Las Vegas, Nevada | 7-hour drive from Moab
Canyonlands Field Airport | only 20 minutes from Moab but the flight costs are exorbitant—I’d avoid this!

All of these airport options involve quite a drive, so you’ll need to rent a car. Kayak is reliable, and so is Enterprise.

Alternatively, you can rent a campervan through Outdoorsy if you’d like to have a taste of van life without the full commitment. This also means your transport and accommodation is all-in-one.

best time to visit moab + how long to stay ↴

You’ll want to stay anywhere from three days to a week in Moab. Outdoor enthusiasts may want to stay longer, given everything there is to do nearby. In three days, you’ll be able to visit both National Parks, hit a few of the hiking trails, and experience the best bits of Moab. An itinerary for 4 days is a good introduction to the area and a great starting point for first-time visitors.

Spring (March-May) | Moab’s spring climate is warm without being uncomfortable. Midday temperatures generally reach 70ºF, making it an ideal time of the year for outdoor activities. This is also the time of year when desert flowers begin to bloom!
Summer (June - August) | Moab locals tend to flee the town during peak summer months. Temperatures can reach well over 100ºF, making it pretty unbearable to do anything active outside of the early morning and evening hours. If you’re prepared for the heat, however, the long summer days mean you can pack as much into a day’s itinerary as possible. This is peak tourist season in Moab, so expect traffic and large crowds. The accommodation also tends to be more expensive during peak season, so book in advance if possible.
Autumn (September - November) | Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to visit Moab. The river water is warmer, crowds have mostly dispersed, and the temperatures are much more comfortable. Several music and cultural festivals, including the Moab Folk Festival, occur in the fall.
Winter (December - February) | It might seem strange, but winter in Moab is as good as it gets. Imagine the vibrant red rocks covered with a light layer of snow. Trails are empty of other people. Temperatures hover between 40ºF and 50ºF, making biking, hiking, and other outdoor recreation enjoyable.

10 incredible things to do in Moab, Utah

where to stay in moab ↴

Under Canvas | Under Canvas is a refined glamping chain (there’s one near Glacier National Park you can’t miss!) that brings a luxury experience to the Utah desert. It’s been voted one of the Best Resort Hotels in Utah by Travel + Leisure and made the Top 20 Resorts in the US list by Condé Nast Traveler. This is best suited for those who are looking for upscale accommodation in the quiet of Moab’s nearby National Parks. Think safari-type tents with all the amenities of a top-tier hotel, but with better views. Morning yoga, live music, and children’s activities are included in your stay and every room is supplied with organic bath products that smell amazing. A stay at Under Canvas is well worth the spend if you have the budget.
Hyatt Place Moab | The Hyatt Place Moab is a pretty typical hotel stay, offering free breakfast, WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. However, its biggest benefits are the on-site pool and splash pad for kids, which are especially refreshing given Moab’s heat index. The rooms here have air conditioning and refrigerators, and are pet-friendly! There’s not much to write about in terms of atmosphere or ambiance, given the Hyatt is a chain, but it’s got all the basic amenities and is in a good location.
Hoodoo Moab by Hilton | Hoodoo offers guests rooms with desert-inspired decor on a seriously stunning property. Hoodoo Moab is owned and operated by Hilton, which means it has all the main-stay type amenities. Hoodoo gets glowing reviews as a luxury hotel near Moab’s downtown. Complete with an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, Hoodoo is truly a place for rest and respite.
Moab Springs Ranch | Moab Spring Ranch is located on US Highway 191 on the edge of Moab town. It is the (self-proclaimed) oldest continuous settlement in Moab. The property is sprinkled with cottonwood trees that were planted as part of the Ranch’s sustainability efforts. The accommodation at Moab Springs comes in two forms: bungalows and townhouses. With tall vaulted ceilings, private decks, and kitchenettes, Moab Springs Ranch’s bungalows are ideal for couples wanting a bit of privacy and quiet. The townhouses are perfectly suited for large groups and families looking for a spacious place where everyone can stay together. A paved bike path connects Moab Spring Ranch to the main town, so it’s easy to get to all of Moab’s cute and quirky shops and restaurants.
private rentals | There are several beautiful Airbnbs in and around Moab. There are small, airy studios, like the Moab Oliver House Suite. Or, maybe you’re looking for something in a quiet location big enough for a family, like Hideout at the Rim. You can even find a vibey off-grid trailer for two at Red Rock Teardrop Trailer. Airbnbs may be your best bet if you have a list of specific accommodation requirements since the website lets you sort listings based on things like group size and amenities.
Van life camping | If you happen to be traveling through Moab in a campervan, free camping is readily available near the National Parks. We used the free iOverlander app to locate cost-free campsites with public toilets. Waking up in the middle of the red rocks is something I’ll never forget and I highly recommend giving van life a try if you’re traveling the U.S. Moab is set up for this kind of travel, and combining your transport with your accommodation can significantly help cut costs.

where to eat + drink in moab ↴

Moab may be in the middle of a desert, but there is no lack of sustenance. During our week-long adventure, we found some delicious cafés and cool eateries that left our bellies full that I recommend trying out. Unfortunately, we also found that Tuesday through Thursday is a part of the week when many local businesses are shut or operate on irregular hours. Check their websites (all linked for your convenience) before you plan your foodie itinerary.

My favorite places to eat in Moab include:

Moab Garage Co. | a great place for healthy, filling meals including Huevos Rancheros and Quinoa Bowls for breakfast or the Berry and Feta Salad off their lunch menu, no WiFi
Love Muffin Café | serves breakfast and lunch, doesn’t currently do seated dining (as of spring 2022), order ahead online to grab and go, highly recommend the Morita Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito
Moab Brewery | fine craft beers served alongside classic appetizers and shareable plates like jalapeño beer fries
Jailhouse Café | the essential breakfast stop in Moab with indoor and outdoor dining available
Doughbird | decadent doughnuts for those with a sweet tooth
Trailhead Pub | typical pub fare including burgers, salads, and beer on tap

essential packing list ↴

Because of Moab’s proximity to National Parks and its lack of shade, there are a number of items that are essential for you to bring with you.

sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses - the heat combined with the lack of shade in Moab makes sun protection essential
layers - temperatures dip below freezing overnight and are scorching during the heat of the day, avoid being too hot or cold by packing clothing layers for both temps
water, water, water - suggested 2-3 gallons per person, but extra water never hurt anyone, especially in the summer
lip balm - the heat makes lip balm a critical item to have ready in your daypack for every. hike

America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass - save yourself some money and time at both the Arches and Canyonlands entrances by purchasing an annual pass ahead of time, otherwise, you’ll be spending USD $30 for a private vehicle to enter each park (totaling USD $60)

what to see + do ↴

explore Arches National Park

Arches is the most popular National Park to visit in Moab because of its unusual rock formations and natural arches. The park has plenty to see and do within it including plenty of hiking trails. The hikes in Arches are quite easy, though they require a level of preparation due to their lack of shade.

Please note: as of April 2022, Arches National Park has implemented a Timed Ticketed Entry System. This is a temporary pilot system running through October 2022 to see if the park can reduce heavy traffic and better manage the number of visitors. Read more about this new system here.

Must-see spots in Arches:

Devils Garden
Delicate Arch
The Windows Section

Best hikes in Arches:

Sand Dune Arch Trail | 15-minute hike with negligible elevation gain
Double Arch | 0.5 miles out and back
Delicate Arch | 1.5 miles to the base of the arch (3 miles roundtrip), easy, no shade
Devils Garden Loop Trail | close to 8 miles if you complete the entire hike
Landscape Arch | 1.8-mile hike roundtrip
Park Avenue Trail | roughly 2 miles, very little elevation gain, only takes 40 minutes to complete
Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint | 0.7 miles out and back

go white water rafting

White water rafting along the rivers in Moab allows you to experience stretches of the world-renowned Colorado River, winding through red rock scenery you might recognize from movies. Rafting trips booked through Moab Adventure Center start at USD $85 for a half-day and go up to nearly USD $2,000 for multi-day trips.

spend sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is an incredibly scenic spot for sunrise and sunset near Moab. Unfortunately, it isn’t a secret! In order to get a good spot (for sunset especially), you’ll need to arrive early. I highly recommend arriving early, packing a picnic, and spending the evening watching the sun lower itself behind the red rock canyons.

Please note: since Dead Horse Point is a State Park and not a National Park, your America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass will not get you free entry.

try horseback riding

Imagine riding horses across miles of scenic Moab desert. Moab’s landscape is even more enjoyable if you can believe that, on horseback. Moab Horses at Hauer Ranch have long been trusted with guiding tourists through the desert valley. A standard 2-hour ride will set you back USD $125 plus tax.

explore Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park covers an astounding 300,000 acres of land. The most popular site in the park is Mesa Arch Canyonlands was carved over time by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Probably the most popular site is the Mesa Arch, which is just a short hike down from the parking lot. Island in the Sky, Grand View Point Overlook, and the Green River Overlook are also worthy stops during your visit.

Best hikes in Canyonlands:

Mesa Arch | 0.7 mile-hike
White Rim Overlook | 1.8-mile hike
Upheaval Dome Overlook | 1.3-mile hike
Confluence Overlook | 10-mile hike leading to where the Colorado and Green Rivers merge
Druid Arch Trail | 10.5-mile hike
Syncline Loop Trail | 8.6-mile trail for advanced hikers

take a hot air balloon ride

If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend taking a hot air balloon ride across the Utah sky. The landscapes below are absolutely incredible— you will truly feel like you’re on another planet.

Reputable companies for hot air balloon rides in Moab:

Canyonlands Ballooning - USD $365 per person
Moab Adventure Center - USD $365 per person for 3.5 hours ride
Redrock Ballooning - USD $325 per person

go rappelling

If you’re up for some excitement, book a rappelling tour to explore Moab’s red rock canyons! Companies offer half-day and full-day excursions with an expert guide, and transport to and from your accommodation is included in the price.

go off-roading

Moab was made for off-road adventures! 4x4s are so popular here that Moab actually hosts Jeep Week every year. You can book a 4WD UTV experience and enjoy Moab’s canyons

star-gazing in Arches National Park

In July 2019, Arches National Park received official certification as one of the world’s “international dark sky parks”. There are roughly 70 dark sky parks around the world. In order to be declared a certified dark park, Arches was recognized as land possessing exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment. Best of all, star-gazing is free! Just drive out of Moab town and into the desert, park your vehicle, and look up.

visit the slot Canyons

Utah has some of the best slot canyons in the world. These narrow passages have been created over time by water and wind erosion, displaying some of nature’s finest work.

Best slot canyons: