If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure through one of the most scenic places on this planet, it has to be Moab, Utah’s red-rock desert. Apart from being home to two national parks, it is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Be it its famous landmarks, slick valleys or red rock canyons, everything around this small town is perfect to explore and experience. If you are planning a trip to Moab, do refer to our complete guide that will help you experience everything in the best ways.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Moab
When Moab has endless adventure and dramatic landscape to offer to its visitors, why settle for some other place. Here are a few top reasons why a visit to Moab, Utah is a must.
- Two popular National Parks, the Arches and Canyonlands, are located just minutes away from Moab.
- Memorable outdoor experiences like mountain biking, hiking, rafting, off-roading, rock climbing, canyoneering and photography.
- Stunning red rock formations and deep canyons unlike anywhere else in the country.
- Diverse landscapes in the 3.6 million additional acres which is perfect for stargazing.
- A friendly desert town where people are noted for their hospitality.
Best Time To Visit
The weather in Moab can get to extreme conditions not just in summers but winters too. Temperatures during summer often exceeds 97 °F making it very hot, humid and unfit for outdoor activities. During winter months the temperature can drop to near freezing levels and trails often get covered by snow. So ideally the best time to visit is during the spring season between March–May & fall season between September–October as these months offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit. Make sure to check for weather conditions before heading to the deserts of Moab.
Getting To And Around
By Air: Fly into Moab Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY). There are direct flights from Denver (DEN) and Salt Lake City (SLC).
By Road: From the airport consider renting a car. The scenic drive to Moab will take 4 to 5 hours by road. Another option to get to Moab by road is by taking a bus to Green River which is about 50 miles north of Moab.
Local Transit: Choose between shuttle services, rental cars, UTVs and e-bikes. It is highly recommended to rent any of these to explore as getting around without one of them will be impossible.
Book Now: Private 1/2 Day Canyon Trip in Moab, Utah
Things To Know Before You Go
- Since spring and fall are the best time to visit, make sure accommodations, campsites, walking tours etc. are booked well in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
- There will be no network once you’re inside the national parks, hence download maps before you go.
- Go well prepared for altitude & desert terrains with good walking shoes and layered clothing.
- Fuel up and carry food and water before heading out as there are no gas stations and restaurants inside the parks.
- Constant exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns and dehydration. Carry sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect from the heat.
- Double check weather and road conditions before hitting the roads.
Things To Do In Moab
Explore Arches National Park
Many come to Moab Utah just to see the spectacular landscape and incredible rock formations of the Arches National Park. It is home to over 20,000 iconic stone arches of which the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, Devil’s Garden and Fiery Furnace are a must visit. There is so much to explore here that two days is not enough.
Visit Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is another national park but quite different from the Arches. Here you get to see a vast network of interwoven canyons in remote and rugged areas. The park is so huge that they divide it into three areas: Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. Each of these areas provide dramatic landscapes and a maze of canyons. It’s a great place for some adventure.
Indulge In Some Adventure Activities
There are countless adventures waiting for travelers who come looking for some adventure. Off-Roading, Horseback riding, hiking, hummer safari tour, mountain biking, rafting and stargazing are some of the most popular ones. When it comes to hiking, there is a wide range of options for both beginners and experienced ones. Make sure to book your thrilling tour so that once you are in Moab, you just need to sit back and enjoy the experience.
Suggested Three Day Itinerary
Here’s a three day itinerary that will help cover all that one needs to see in Moab. Changes can be made as per each traveler’s needs and requirements.
Day 1
Morning: Start your day with a sunrise at the Mesa Arch and head straight to Canyonlands National Park. Cover all the top attractions like Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, Upheaval Dome and other viewpoints inside the park.
Afternoon: Stop by at Dead Horse Point State Park to have your packed lunch while taking in the most scenic vistas of the world. Later go on a short hike along the Colorado River. Then visit the Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park, a fun activity to do with family.
Evening: Grab an early dinner in Utah Moab Town which is home to many breweries and family-friendly dining space.
Night: After a day of fun and exploring, get back to your accommodation for some rest.
Day 2
Morning: It is a day to enjoy activities to the fullest, so pick an adventure that suits you the best. From Mountain Biking to Colorado River Water Recreation, from Horseback Rides to hour-long scenic flights, fill your day with new experiences.
Afternoon: The adventure continues.
Evening: Visit Moab’s own local winery where you can understand the art of wine making and taste some estate-bottled wines while watching the sun go down.
Day 3
Morning: Head straight to Arches National Park which has around 2000 geological formed arches. One can cover the entire park in 3 hours. Continue by exploring Devils Garden on foot and hiking Double Arch.
Afternoon: Stop by for lunch at Milt’s or at a local brewery, for desert try the delicious doughnuts at Doughbird.
Evening: Spend the evening shopping for locally made goods and souvenirs to take back home as gifts. Exploring the art galleries and tasting food from different food trucks are great ways to spend the last few hours at Moab city.
Also Read: The Mighty Five Must Visit Utah National Parks
Final Thoughts
Moab is not just another destination, it’s an absolutely incredible place, so make sure to explore responsibly. We need to preserve the natural landscapes of Moab for the future generations to see and enjoy. Though small in size, Moab has a lot to offer. Over the years Moab has become so popular that it attracts millions of people. If you are planning a visit to Utah, do spend a few days in Moab too.
FAQs
It is not mandatory to explore the place in a 4×4 vehicle, however for exploring the backcountry and Canyonlands’ Maze District, you definitely need a 4×4 vehicle.
To enter the national parks one needs to purchase an entrance fee. Additional charges are applicable if bicycles and motorcycles are taken inside.
With temperatures dropping to as low as 17°F, January is the coldest month of the year in Moab.
Moab generally has a very dry climate, however temperature can vary throughout the day. To handle the variation in temperature it is advisable to pack a mix of lightweight layers. Sun protection, a good pair of footwear is mandatory for a smooth and comfortable experience.
