Things to Do in Moab Utah

Best Adventures, Parks & Tours

Looking for the best things to do in Moab, Utah? This desert adventure guide highlights everything that makes Moab unforgettable—from hiking in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to rafting the Colorado River, biking the legendary Slickrock Trail, and exploring scenic drives and local dining. Whether you want family-friendly hikes, guided tours, or quiet stargazing spots, this is your complete insider guide to experiencing Moab at its best.

Things to Do in Moab | Your Complete Adventure Guide

Moab is more than a town. It is a gateway to adventure. Sitting at the edge of red rock wilderness and the Colorado River, it’s where sandstone cliffs glow in the sun and the spirit of exploration comes alive. Whether you’re chasing the perfect hike, paddling beneath towering canyon walls, or simply soaking in the desert quiet, there’s no shortage of things to do in Moab.

This guide is designed to help you plan the best vacation possible, with insider tips on when to go, what to bring, and where to find experiences that fit your comfort levels. Whether that is heart-pounding adventure or quiet desert moments Moab has you covered.

What to Expect in Moab

Moab is a desert paradise that caters to every kind of traveler. You can start your day watching the sunrise at Mesa Arch, float down the Colorado River by afternoon, and enjoy a starlit dinner on Main Street in the evening.

The region’s diversity is what makes it special. Within a short drive, you’ll find two national parks, a state park, world-class trails, slot canyons, petroglyphs, and scenic drives that rival anywhere in the American West.

Popular Highlights:

Insider Tip:
If you’re visiting between March and May or September and October, you’ll experience Moab at its best. Visit during the right times for comfortable temperatures, colorful skies, and manageable crowds.

Top Things to Do in Moab

Here’s a curated list of the most unforgettable activities to add to your itinerary.

1. Explore Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the crown jewels of the American Southwest. Just five miles north of downtown, the park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and an endless array of red rock formations.

Top Arches to Visit:

  • Delicate Arch – Utah’s most famous landmark and a must-see at sunset.

  • Landscape Arch – One of the longest natural arches in the world.

  • Double O Arch – Easily accessible and a favorite for photography.

Good to Know:
Entry requires a timed reservation from spring through fall. Bring plenty of water and plan early morning hikes to avoid the heat.

More hiking details available at Hiking Moab

2. Discover Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands stretches across a massive landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Island in the Sky District is the most accessible from Moab, located about 40 minutes from town.

  • Mesa Arch Sunrise: One of the most photographed scenes in Utah.

  • Grand View Point Overlook: Stunning panoramic views.

  • White Rim Road: Ideal for 4×4 adventure seekers.

If you crave solitude, explore The Needles District, a two-hour drive from Moab, where colorful rock spires and rugged backcountry trails await.

3. Go Rafting on the Colorado River

The Colorado River slices through the desert, offering both calm water floats and thrilling whitewater rapids.

Popular Rafting Trips:

  • The Moab Daily: A family-friendly half-day float perfect for first-timers.

  • Westwater Canyon: A full-day whitewater adventure through narrow black rock canyons.

  • Cataract Canyon: A multi-day journey deep into Canyonlands National Park.

Whether you paddle yourself or join a guided tour, river trips provide a completely different perspective of Moab’s landscape.

Book guided trips through RaftingMoab.com

4. Experience Moab’s Legendary Mountain Biking

Moab is a global icon for mountain biking. The sandstone slickrock and desert singletrack here attract riders from every continent.

Must-Ride Trails:

  • Slickrock Trail: Technical and world-famous.

  • Moab Brand Trails: Great for beginners and families.

  • Porcupine Rim: A bucket-list ride with big views and a thrilling finish.

You can rent a bike or join a guided ride through local outfitters who know the best routes for your skill level.

See trail guides at MountainBikingMoab.com

5. Try Canyoneering and Rappelling

If you’ve ever wanted to descend into hidden sandstone slots and rappel beside natural arches, canyoneering in Moab is for you.

Top Canyoneering Routes:

Canyoneering is best experienced with a certified guide for safety and local insight.

Plan your descent with CanyoneeringMoab.com

6. Scenic Drives Around Moab

Not all adventures require hiking boots. Some of Moab’s best views can be found right from the driver’s seat.

Scenic Drives to Add:

  • Highway 128: Follows the Colorado River through towering canyon walls.

  • Potash Road: Leads to petroglyph panels and dinosaur tracks.

  • La Sal Mountain Loop Road: A cooler, high-altitude drive with changing landscapes.

Bring your camera because these drives offer incredible stops for photos, picnics, and short side trails.

7. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park

This state park is just 30 minutes from Moab and offers one of the most jaw-dropping overlooks in the Southwest. The views stretch across Canyonlands and the Colorado River below.

Highlights:

  • Easy-to-access viewpoints for all ages.

  • Excellent sunrise and sunset photography.

  • Mountain biking on the Intrepid Trail System.

Great stop to pair with Canyonlands National Park.

8. Hike to Iconic Arches Outside the Parks

Not every great arch is inside a national park. Some of the best hikes in Moab are on BLM land, free to visit and often less crowded.

Top Recommendations:

  • Corona Arch: A stunning freestanding arch reachable via a moderate 3-mile hike.

  • Bowtie Arch: Located along the Corona Arch Trail.

  • Fisher Towers: A scenic hike with views of spires and the Colorado River.

9. Off-Road and Jeep Adventures

Moab’s 4×4 trails are legendary. Even if you don’t have your own rig, you can rent a Jeep or join a guided off-road tour.

Famous Trails:

  • Hell’s Revenge: Steep climbs and slickrock ledges with incredible views.

  • Fins and Things: Great mix of fun and challenge for first-time drivers.

  • Shafer Trail: Scenic route from Canyonlands to the Colorado River.

Learn more about tours at Moabing.com

10. Enjoy Moab’s Local Food and Nightlife

After a full day outdoors, unwind with a great meal. Moab’s restaurant scene is relaxed but diverse. You’ll find everything from craft beer and burgers to healthy vegan plates and locally roasted coffee.

Favorites Include:

  • 98 Center: Vietnamese-inspired comfort food.

  • Moab Brewery: Local beer and hearty dishes.

  • Sweet Cravings Bakery: Perfect for breakfast and lunch.

Find more local favorites at EatingMoab.com

When to Visit Moab

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to explore. You’ll enjoy warm days and cool nights ideal for hiking, biking, and canyoneering.

Summer brings intense heat, but the rivers are perfect for rafting and swimming.

Winter is quiet and beautiful, with snowy La Sal Mountains in the distance and fewer visitors on the trails.

What to Bring / How to Prepare

Moab’s desert environment can be harsh if you’re not prepared. Always pack for heat, sun, and changing conditions.

Essentials:

  • At least one gallon of water per person per day

  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or sandals with grip

  • Snacks, camera, and a light jacket

  • Offline maps—cell service can be limited

Pro Tip: Many guided tours include gear, so check what’s provided before you pack.

Where Moab is Located

Moab sits in southeastern Utah along Highway 191, about:

  • 4 hours from Salt Lake City

  • 5 hours from Denver

  • 2 hours from Grand Junction

The town itself is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within an hour’s drive.

Find Your Moab Adventure

Moab isn’t a place you visit once. It is a place that keeps calling you back. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong journey, the desert has something for everyone.

Explore. Discover. Return changed.

Start planning your adventure at Moabing.com—your complete guide to tours, trails, and local experiences in Moab.