Long Term Parking in Moab Utah

The Complete Local Guide for Multi Day Adventures
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 Finding reliable long term parking in Moab Utah is one of the most confusing parts of planning a desert adventure. Whether you are launching a river trip, checking in for a shuttle to the White Rim, heading into Arches or Canyonlands for a multi day hike, or simply leaving your car while you explore the backcountry, you want to know exactly where your vehicle will be safe, legal, and stress free.

This guide gives you clear, dependable, local insight. You will learn where to park long term in Moab, what is allowed in the area, which trailheads and BLM zones permit overnight parking, where shuttle companies expect you to stage your car, and what to avoid. We will walk through every option in detail so you can plan your trip with confidence.

As Moab locals who spend every week hiking sandstone fins, biking slickrock, running the Colorado River, and heading deep into red rock canyons, we know exactly where people actually park, what works best, and which choices make your long trip much smoother. Let’s get you parked and on the trail.

Where Long Term Parking in Moab Is Located

Long term parking in Moab means leaving your vehicle for longer than a single day while you are out adventuring. Most people park for two to seven days. Some park even longer if they are running the Cataract Canyon stretch, biking the White Rim, or backpacking in Canyonlands.

The main categories are:

  • Public city lots

  • Park and ride areas

  • BLM roadside areas where overnight parking is allowed

  • Airport long term parking

  • Private lots associated with shuttle or guiding services

  • Developed recreation areas like Sand Flats

Long term parking is completely normal in Moab. You will see vehicles staged all over town, especially near shuttle hubs and popular launch sites. You simply need to choose areas where overnight use is permitted and where your vehicle will not block traffic, private driveways, or businesses.

Why Long Term Parking Matters for Moab Travelers

Moab is different from most destinations. When you arrive here, you are usually heading out into big, wild country. People are not just sightseeing: they are rafting, canyoneering, biking, hiking, and exploring remote terrain that can take days.

This means your vehicle becomes your anchor point between adventures. Choosing the right long term parking spot matters for:

  • Safety and peace of mind

  • Avoiding towing or tickets

  • Easy pickup by shuttle companies

  • Convenient access when you finish your trip

  • Leaving room for gear staging and packing

  • Protecting your vehicle from heat and weather

Good parking helps your entire trip run smoothly.

What to Expect from Long Term Parking in Moab

Most long term parking in Moab is:

  • Free or low cost

  • Convenient to shuttles and downtown

  • Simple to use

  • First come, first served

  • Uncovered

  • Unsheltered from sun, wind, or dust

You will not find large, structured parking garages here. Moab is an adventure town that relies on open lots, gravel pullouts, and community spaces. That is part of the charm.

Expect:

  • Hot sun

  • Afternoon wind and blowing dust

  • No shade

  • No charging stations

  • No overnight security except at some private lots

The trade off is easy access, flexible options, and little to no cost.

The Complete Guide to Long Term Parking in Moab Utah

Below are the safest, most commonly used, and most reliable long term parking spots in Moab. These are the actual places locals, guides, and outfitters use every week.

Each listing includes what it is like, why it works, how long you can typically park, and insider tips for making your trip easier.

1. Moab City Parking Lot on 100 North

This downtown public lot is one of the most convenient long term parking locations in Moab. It sits one block off Main Street and has no posted time limits.

Why It Works

  • Central location

  • Easy staging before and after your trip

  • Walkable to shuttle pickups

  • Historically long term friendly

What to Expect

A paved, open lot with clear lines and generous spacing. It fills on busy weekends but usually has room midweek.

Insider Tip

If you have a lot of gear to load or unload, this is the easiest lot to use because it sits close to restaurants, grocery stores, and shuttle offices.

Best For

  • Multi day rafting trips

  • Shuttle pickups

  • Backpackers and bikers leaving early

2. Center Street Public Parking

This is another downtown option with no posted limits and plenty of room for multi day use.

Why It Works

  • Large footprint

  • Less crowded than 100 North

  • Near food and supplies

  • Good for staging early morning departures

Insider Tip

Park toward the outer edges to avoid the midday restaurant rush.

3. Street Parking Near the Moab Information Center

Not in the visitor center lot itself, but the surrounding streets typically allow unrestricted parking.

Why It Works

  • Ideal if you are grabbing maps or last minute questions

  • Central and close to shuttle operators

  • Easy to find for post trip pick ups

Insider Tip

Always check posted signs. Most nearby blocks do not have limits, but occasionally spaces are reserved for short term use during events.

4. Lion’s Park Park and Ride

Located at the north end of Moab where Highway 191 meets Highway 128, this park and ride was made for adventure staging.

Why It Works

  • Quick access to the Colorado River

  • Biking routes begin nearby

  • Shuttle companies frequently pick up here

  • Ideal for White Rim and mountain bike trips

What to Expect

Large open asphalt lot with excellent signage, vault toilets, and water nearby at certain times of the year.

Insider Tip

If you are biking the White Rim, this is one of the safest places to leave your vehicle.

5. Old Spanish Trail Arena Parking

A huge parking area south of town used for events, rodeos, and long term staging.

Why It Works

  • Tons of space

  • Easy to navigate with big vehicles, trailers, and gear

  • Near Moab’s south side trail systems

Best For

River shuttles, canyoneers heading to Kane Creek, and anyone launching south of town.

6. Sand Flats Recreation Area

Sand Flats allows overnight parking at designated areas as long as you have paid the entrance fee.

Why It Works

  • Direct access to slickrock trails

  • Safe, monitored recreation area

  • Very common for Whole Enchilada shuttle riders

Insider Tip

If biking the Whole Enchilada, write your itinerary and leave it under your front windshield so rangers know your plan.

7. BLM Pullouts in the Kane Creek Corridor

The Kane Creek corridor is a long stretch of legal BLM camping. Overnight parking is generally allowed in designated pullouts.

What to Expect

Narrow roads, cliff walls, dirt surfaces, and extremely scenic surroundings.

Local Tip

Only park in areas with clear signs of permitted use. Never park in vegetation or block the road.

8. Potash Road BLM Pullouts

This river road is another popular staging point for canyoneers and river runners.

Why It Works

  • Close to river launches

  • Great for rafting shuttles

  • Allowed overnight in legal pullouts

Pro Tip

Keep your vehicle unlocked? Absolutely not. Potash is remote. Keep everything secure and leave nothing visible.

9. Canyonlands Regional Airport Long Term Lot

If you want the most official long term parking in Moab, this is the spot.

Why It Works

  • Free

  • Unrestricted multi day parking

  • Safe and quiet

  • Patrolled regularly

Best For

  • People flying out

  • Anyone wanting a low risk long term option

  • Travelers with expensive gear in their vehicles

10. Coyote Shuttle Customer Long Term Parking

Coyote Shuttle allows customers to leave vehicles in their lot when taking a pre booked shuttle trip.

Why It Works

  • Designed for bikers and backcountry travelers

  • Safe, organized space

  • Staff onsite during business hours

Insider Tip

Confirm arrival and departure details so your vehicle is properly registered in their system.

11. Rim Tours Customer Long Term Parking

Rim Tours often allows long term parking for guided mountain bike clients.

Best For

People joining multi day guided biking adventures.

Local Tip

If you are not part of a tour, do not assume parking is available. Always ask.

12. Moab Adventure Center Customer Long Term Parking

River runners and multi day adventurers frequently stage vehicles here when booked on a trip with the company.

Why It Works

  • Very common staging location

  • Staff know long term parking expectations

  • Centrally located

13. Moab Giants Overflow Lot

A less obvious but commonly used staging area for guided groups.

Why It Works

  • Large open area

  • Often used for multi vehicle handoffs

  • Good for early morning meetups

Insider Tip

Ask permission at the front desk. Policies can change depending on season.

14. SR 128 Park and Ride Pullout

Located along the Colorado River corridor, this area is heavily used by river shuttles.

Best For

Cataract Canyon runs, Fisher Towers trips, and anyone launching upriver.

Best Time to Use Long Term Parking in Moab

Best Time of Year

Spring and fall. Temperatures are manageable and vehicles are not exposed to extreme summer heat.

Best Time of Day

Early morning. You will avoid downtown congestion and secure a better spot in the popular lots.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer: Expect scorching temperatures. Do not leave food, electronics, or batteries.

  • Winter: Snow is rare but cold nights can affect batteries.

  • Spring: Windstorms can coat vehicles in dust.

  • Fall: The busiest season. Arrive early for the best spots.

Who Long Term Parking in Moab Is Best For

  • Rafting groups running the Colorado or Green

  • White Rim bikers

  • Backpackers in the Needles or Island in the Sky

  • Canyoneering teams

  • Van travelers leaving Moab for a few days

  • Families joining guided tours

  • Anyone staging for a multi day desert adventure

How Long You Can Leave Your Car

Most city lots and public areas allow 72 hours to seven days depending on activity and season. Airport parking allows longer.

If unsure, ask a ranger or contact the city offices. Avoid leaving any vehicle longer than ten days without making arrangements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Parking in private business lots

  • Blocking driveways, alleys, or trash areas

  • Leaving valuables visible

  • Parking illegally along the Colorado River

  • Assuming BLM pullouts allow parking when they do not

  • Forgetting sunscreen or window covers

What to Bring When Leaving a Vehicle Long Term

  • Sunshade

  • Window cracked for ventilation

  • Full tank of gas

  • A small note with your itinerary

  • Locked valuables

  • No food left inside

  • Tire pressure checked

Weather Considerations

Moab’s climate is intense. Expect:

  • High UV exposure

  • Strong wind

  • Blowing sand

  • Sudden thunderstorms

  • Freeze thaw cycles in winter

Plan accordingly.

Safety Notes

  • Never leave valuables visible.

  • Avoid parking on soft shoulder sand.

  • Do not rely on cell service in outlying areas.

  • Locked doors are essential.

  • If parking in a remote place, leave a note with your trip route.

Directions to the Major Long Term Parking Areas

Downtown (100 North, Center Street, Moab Information Center vicinity)

All are just off Main Street in the central business district.

Lion’s Park

Drive north on Main Street for about three minutes until you reach the roundabout.

Old Spanish Trail Arena

Head south on Main Street for about six minutes, turn left at the arena entrance.

Sand Flats Recreation Area

From downtown, take Mill Creek Drive east until it becomes Sand Flats Road.

Kane Creek Corridor

Turn west at Kane Creek Boulevard and follow the river.

Potash Road

Head north to Highway 279 and turn left along the river.

Canyonlands Regional Airport

Drive north on Highway 191 for approximately eighteen miles.

Nearby Food, Trails, and Attractions

  • Arches National Park

  • Sand Flats slickrock trails

  • Mill Creek Parkway

  • Moab Diner

  • Moab Food Truck Park

  • Colorado River corridor

  • Canyonlands Island in the Sky

Perfect places to explore before or after your multi day adventure.

When to Book a Guided Tour

If you are traveling for rafting, canyoneering, or mountain biking, booking a guided tour lets you avoid logistics stress. Guides arrange shuttles, gear, timing, and sometimes even vehicle staging.

Explore guided adventures across Moab on Moabing for curated recommendations.

When Long Term Parking Is the Best Choice

Long term parking is the best option when:

  • You are gone more than a full day

  • You need a safe place to leave your vehicle between shuttle legs

  • You want a simple base camp in town

  • You prefer public lots to private storage

If You Only Remember One Thing

Park in clearly designated areas that are known for multi day use. Moab is friendly to long term parking, but only when you choose the right places.

Local Tip

If you want the safest long term option that locals trust, use the Canyonlands Airport lot or Lion’s Park.

Pro Tip

Always photograph your parked vehicle and surroundings before leaving. It helps you remember exactly where it is and gives clarity if anything unusual happens.

FAQ Section

1. Is long term parking allowed in Moab?

Yes. Moab has several public lots, BLM pullouts, and designated areas where overnight or multi day parking is allowed.

2. What is the safest long term parking option in Moab?

Canyonlands Regional Airport and Lion’s Park offer some of the safest, most consistent options.

3. Can I leave my car at a trailhead overnight?

Some trailheads allow it, especially in BLM areas, but always check signage and avoid any place that looks restricted.

4. Is overnight parking allowed in downtown Moab?

Yes. Many public lots in downtown Moab do not have time limits.

5. Can I leave a vehicle for a full week?

Yes, especially at the airport lot, Lion’s Park, and some BLM locations.

6. Do shuttle companies let you park long term?

Many do. Coyote Shuttle, Rim Tours, and Moab Adventure Center often allow customer parking for booked trips.

7. Is RV long term parking available?

Yes, but large vehicles do best at Old Spanish Trail Arena or the airport.

8. Is parking free?

Most long term parking in Moab is free, except Sand Flats which requires a small entry fee.

9. Can I park along the Colorado River?

Yes, but only in legal BLM pullouts.

10. Is long term parking allowed in Arches National Park?

No. Arches does not allow long term or unattended overnight parking.

11. Will my vehicle be safe?

Moab is generally safe, but standard precautions apply. Do not leave valuables visible.

12. Can I leave my car on a residential street?

Avoid residential areas. Use official long term parking zones instead.

13. Should I leave a note with my itinerary?

Yes. It helps rangers or shuttle staff know you are out on a multi day trip.

14. What is the best place for White Rim parking?

Lion’s Park is one of the most common staging spots.

15. Do I need a permit to park long term?

Most areas do not require a permit, but Sand Flats requires an entry fee.