Arches Timed Entry From April 1 through October 31, 2024, daytime visitors to Arches National Park are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park. Reservations open three months in advance.More information at go.nps.gov/archesticket.
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Canyonlands National Park | Jeff Clay
- Weather: Sunny, 86F
Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, windand rain. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. The town is bustling with mountain bikers, river rafters, climbers, canyoneerers, hikers and off-roaders who have come to play.
Despite its status as an outdoor recreation mecca, Moab is also a place known for its wide open spaces and many nooks and crannies where one can escape the rest of the world.
Best time to visit Moab Things to Do in Moab
Moab Inspiration
- A Guided Ride on the Rolling Slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa Written By Visit Utah Utah resident and tour guide Katharina Merchant shares her "backyard" mountain biking
- Boomer Travel: 76 Hours in Moab Written By Ray Grass Moab, Utah is a prime destination for Baby Boomer travel. Check out our specially-designed itinerary and plan your visit!
- Estrogen on Adrenaline: 48 Hours in Moab, Utah's Giant Playground Written By Paula Colman 12 minute read Looking for an unconventional girls weekend getaway? Get inspiration for an ultimate Moab mountain biking, stargazing, camping adventure here! Visit Utah.
- Mission to Mars: Riding Gooseberry Mesa Written By Melissa McGibbon 2 minute read You haven’t truly ridden a mountain bike until you’ve visited the stunning slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa. Learn more about this spectacular Utah trail.
- Moab Under Canvas: Glamping If you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience, Moab Under Canvas is just the ticket. Book your stay in a fully-furnished canvas tent in canyon country!
- Moab's Singletrack Renaissance Written By Matcha 3 minute read Moab isn’t just for burly Slickrock riders anymore. In the last few years, local groups have established dozens of miles of new mountain bike trails.
Best Things To Do in Moab
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Hiking
Even if you don’t visit the nearby national parks, there are enough hikes in Moab to keep your feet busy for ages. Grandstaff and Corona Arch are easy trails near Moab that feature arches. Don’t forget to look around as you hike, it’s not uncommon to see rock art along the canyon walls. It’s important to stay on the trails when you’re hiking because the region has a lot of fragile biological soil crust (also known as cryptobiotic soil) that is the foundation of desert plant life. It plays a vital role in the desert ecosystem and stepping on it can cause decades of damage. In addition to protecting the region’s biome, unmarked hazards exist so it can be dangerous to veer off the trails. Look for cairn trail markers if you’re unsure of which way to go when you’re hiking. Cairns are man-made stacks of stones that will show you the way.
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Mountain Biking
It’s hard not to notice that Moab is a world class mountain biking destination. You’ll see an abundance of jam-packed bike racks, riders zooming around town on their way to or from trails, and a baker’s dozen of bike rental shops. Moab is not necessarily the best place to learn how to mountain bike unless you hire a guide who can show you the ropes and lead you on the routes. However, if you’re a long way away from training wheels and have sufficient nerve, you will not want to miss the chance to ride Moab’s most famous expert mountain biking trails like Slickrock Bike Trail, The Whole Enchilada and Porcupine Rim. The Intrepid Trail System in Dead Horse Point State Park is great for beginner and intermediate riders and leads to amazing views of the Colorado River.
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Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
National parks enthusiasts appreciate how close the town of Moab is to both Arches National Park (5.2 miles/8.4 kilometers) and Canyonlands National Park (30 miles/48 kilometers). You could easily spend a week at each park and still not see everything. Even if you don’t leave your vehicle, you’ll be able to see some of the beautiful rock formations that Arches and Canyonlands are famous for, but these parks are best experienced on foot as many of the main attractions, like Delicate Arch and Mesa Arch require visitors to earn their views by hiking to see them.
- Winter in Moab Winter is the perfect time to experience Moab without the crowds. Revel in red rock paradise, find endless snow in the La Sal Mountains and save plenty of time for shopping and dining around town.
It’s hard not to notice that Moab is a world class mountain biking destination.
Explore the Moab Region
It’s no wonder Moab makes the perfect base camp for nearby exploration. There are countless adventures to be had within an hour’s drive of Moab.
Indian Creek: This area is a haven for trad rock climbers. You’ll find a seemingly endless array of some of the most daunting crack climbing routes in the world at Indian Creek, including the legendary Belly Full of Bad Berries (5.13a) — an 80 foot (24 meter) 45 degree overhanging splitter offwidth — that only the best climbers can ascend, and Scarface (5.11 a/b) which consistently gets five out of five star reviews from its patrons and offers spectacular views of the region. It’s almost as much fun to watch climbers attempt these routes as it is to do them.
Green River: At first glance, you might think this town is just another stop on the way to Moab, but it has some interesting history. The city of Green River was once a stomping ground for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. Don’t miss a tour of the John Wesley Powell Museum where you can watch a short film about Powell’s 1869 expedition on the Green and Colorado rivers. Want to see some cool rock art? Check out the pictographs and petroglyphs of Sego Canyon near Thompson Springs just east of Green River.
La Sal Mountains: Part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the La Sal mountains are 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the south of Moab and rise to nearly 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). A favorite among hikers, mountain bikers and fishers, it’s lush landscape and babbling brooks are a strong contrast to the exposed red sandstone that Moab is known for. Backcountry skiers like to earn their turns in the La Sals when the snow allows for it. The La Sal Mountain Loop Road is a scenic backway and is a nice 63 mile (101 kilometer) drive with beautiful scenery that takes about three hours to complete. It is especially pretty during the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Moab?
Wondering when you can have more of Moab’s scenery to yourself? Find the best timing and destinations to avoid crowds on your next Moab trip.
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Where to stay
Hotels and Lodging
- Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa: A high-end ranch with a full spa, farm-to-table cuisine, and excellent views located 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Moab.
- Hoodoo Moab: Part of the Curio Collection of Hilton Hotels, this 4.5-star luxury hotel just off Main Street in Moab has a full service spa, restaurant, fitness center, pool, and many other luxury amenities.
- Red Cliffs Lodge: Located 17 miles (27 kilometers) northeast of Moab, the Red Cliffs Lodge offers rustic creekside suites and riverside cabins. Amenities include a fitness room, pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and a winery — situated across the property from the main lodge.
- Radcliffe Moab: Located in downtown Moab, the Radcliffe is a boutique adventure hotel featuring 36 rooms, two suites and an onsite restaurant. Guests can book guided activities and rooms are equipped with built-in bike racks and equipment storage units.
Camping and RV Resorts
- Under Canvas: This glamping resort is located seven miles north of Moab on 40-acres (16-hectares) of slickrock landscape. It has luxury canvas tents with king size beds and private bathrooms with running water.
- KOA: This is the closest campground to Arches National Park and offers options for RVs, tent campers and cabins. It’s pet friendly and has many amenities like a pool and bike wash and repair station.
- Slickrock Campground: Located on the outskirts of Arches National Park, Slickrock Campground has RV, tent and cabin site rentals. They have a pool, shower facilities and WiFi access.
- BLM: The Bureau of Land Management maintains 26 campgrounds in the Moab area. Individual campsites are first-come/first-served and reservations are not accepted. Group sites can be reserved throughRecreation.gov.
- Free Camping in Moab: There are at least seven primitive camping areas near Moab where you can legally camp. These are primitive sites that do not have hook-ups, trash collection, or toilets. These are pack it in, pack it out (i.e.Leave No Trace) locations. They can be found in the Manti La Sal National Forest, Yellow Circle Road, Willow Springs Road, Gemini Bridges Road, Long Canyon Road, Lone Mesa, and Mineral Point. SeeBLM map for details.
Outdoor Recreation Guides and Rentals
Don’t worry if you don’t have the right gear, equipment or expertise for your trip to Moab. You can hire a guide for individual or group tours and there are plenty of outfitters that can set you up for a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River or a Jeep tour on Hell’s Revenge. Find the guide or outfitter you need onDiscover Moab.
Restaurants in Moab
From food trucks to fine dining, there’s no shortage of restaurants in Moab. Breweries, pizzerias, boutique cafes and diners abound. Every town has its Thai — in Moab it’s Arches Thai. They serve all kinds of authentic Asian cuisine from pho to drunken noodles. For cheap eats, try Tacos EL Gordo at the street food market on Main Street. In the mood for something upscale? Make a reservation at Desert Bistro and pair the Colorado Lamb loin with a nice glass of Argentinian Malbec.
Things To Know
Over the past decade Moab has become more popular than ever before, hosting an average of more than three million people every year. Even in January when the trails are covered in snow and ice, you’ll have a lot of company on the hike to Delicate Arch. Crowds do ebb somewhat when temperatures soar during the dog days of summer, but generally speaking Moab is busy year-round. The busiest time of year is always around Easter Weekend when the annual Jeep Safari takes place. During this time, it can be hard to find a hotel stay or available campground.
Many Moab hotels allow dogs and the town is somewhat pet-friendly. Dogs are required to be on leashes and owner’s must clean up after them. Never leave your pets in the car — even for five minutes and even with the windows cracked — when you’re in or near Moab. Animals can die within minutes of being left in a hot car.
Be a considerate traveler when visiting Moab so that others may enjoy its magnificence too. VisitForever Mightyto learn more about responsible travel in the state of Utah.
Weather
The best time to visit Moab is in the spring or fall when temperatures pleasantly hover in the 70s and low 80s (F) (21-28 C). In January lows dip into the 20s and in July temperatures can skyrocket to more than 100 F (38 C). It does snow in Moab, but it usually doesn’t stick around for too long. It’s not common to see a heavy snowstorm in March and April, but it does happen. When it rains in Moab, the slickrock becomes incredibly slippery and tough to navigate, hence its name, so check weather reports before heading out on any adventure. It’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, a headlamp, first aid kit and more water than you think you’ll need for any activity.
Discover More
- A Short Hike to Wilson Arch 1 minute read Wilson Arch is an elegant sandstone feature that sits along Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. The short hike is free.
- A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah Written By Kristen Bor 2 minute read When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
- AndShe’sDopeToo: Giving Roots To Adventure Written By DeAnn Armes 5 minute read Retreats and rendezvous where women find their footing outdoors and discover the unexpected.
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- Best Dude Ranches in Utah Written By Matcha 5 minute read From the red rock of Moab to the mountains of Park City, Utah offers a handful of ranches that will bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl. So dust off your boots, pack your bags, and book a stay at one of these seven dude ranches.
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- Estrogen on Adrenaline: 48 Hours in Moab, Utah's Giant Playground Written By Paula Colman 12 minute read Looking for an unconventional girls weekend getaway? Get inspiration for an ultimate Moab mountain biking, stargazing, camping adventure here! Visit Utah.
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- Fisher Towers River Rafting Written By Bob Wassom 5 minute read Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
- How to Slow Travel in Utah Written By ElainnaCiaramella Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
- How to Support Local On Your Utah Road Trip Written By ElainnaCiaramella 5 minute read Many small businesses in Utah rely on tourism for survival. These expert tips help road trippers make a real difference in communities by supporting local.
- It’s About Time We All Unplugged Written By Megan Michelson 7 minute read After months of being at home, we’ve all been disconnected from each other but connected permanently to our screens. It’s time to pull the plug—literally. In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time.
- Moab Under Canvas: Glamping If you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience, Moab Under Canvas is just the ticket. Book your stay in a fully-furnished canvas tent in canyon country!
- Moab's Singletrack Renaissance Written By Matcha 3 minute read Moab isn’t just for burly Slickrock riders anymore. In the last few years, local groups have established dozens of miles of new mountain bike trails.
- Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through Written By Andrea David Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.
- Resiliency Road Trip Written By Tiffini Porter 5 minute read The emergence of small Utah towns like Moab and Helper offer an inspiring backdrop for a road trip focused on reinvention.
- See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks Written By Visit Utah Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
- Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah Written By Visit Utah 5 minute read To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
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- The Freedom of Wild Places Written By Kristen Pope 6 minute read Clutching my hat with both hands, the wind roared and whipped by as I stood atop a rugged red rock formation, gazing out into the vastness of The Needles district of Canyonlands National Park.
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Discover the Moab Region
What's Nearby
- Arches National Park Moab, UT Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 natural arches—the greatest concentration in the country. Find places to stay, itineraries, reservation info and weather for Arches, Moab and Canyonlands National Park.
- Canyonlands National Park Moab, UT Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.
- Glen Canyon and Lake Powell Lake Powell, UT Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers more than 1.2 million acres of unparalleled opportunities for land- and water-based recreation.
- Goblin Valley State Park Green River, UT Goblin Valley State Park could almost be mistaken for a martian landscape with intricate and bizarre geologic formations. Bring the family and experience this amazing place by hiking, camping, mountain biking and exploring the surrounding canyons.
- Green River Green River, UT The city of Green River was once a stomping ground for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, and is a haven for river runners who raft places such as Desolation and Gray Canyons.
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Oljato-Monument Valley, UT Monument Valley, Utah, an iconic symbol of the American West, is the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation and the ideal setting for your next adventure in the warm, high desert climate of southeastern Utah.
- Natural Bridges National Monument Lake Powell, UT As you start to descend toward Natural Bridges National Monument, the groundcover becomes more luxuriant and the trees taller. You cannot see the chaotic landscape of Natural Bridges from the highway– it is only revealed once inside the park.
- San Rafael Swell Emery, UT San Rafael hikes and bike rides offer unique terrain and jaw-dropping scenery. Learn about the area’s trails and start planning your trip!
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