Moab, Utah is absolutely mesmerizing! 🤩 Nestled amidst stunning red rock landscapes, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This guide aims to help you make the most of your visit to Moab, including must-see natural wonders like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, as well as some additional activities for those with time to spare.
Preparing for Your Trip
Whether you’re embarking on challenging hikes, scenic drives, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Time your visit
Be sure to research the optimal times to visit Moab, Utah, considering factors like weather conditions and crowd levels. Spring and fall typically offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making them ideal seasons for exploration. We found that visiting in late February and early March is optimal. The temperatures are a bit lower, but you will be super comfortable hiking and enjoying starry nights without worrying about crowds. We absolutely loved being in Moab during those months.
Accommodation Planning
Take proactive steps in booking accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred lodging option. Moab, Utah caters to a range of preferences, from rustic campsites under the stars to cozy bed and breakfasts or comfortable hotels.
Essential Packing List
Compile a comprehensive packing list tailored to the outdoor adventures you plan to take. Include essentials such as sturdy hiking boots, lightweight layers for temperature fluctuations, ample water supply, high SPF sunscreen, and a reliable map or GPS device for navigating the wilderness. See our list here.
Familiarizing with Park Regulations
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to ensure a seamless visit. This includes understanding trail etiquette, wildlife protection guidelines, and park entry fees or passes required for admission. Also be aware of the environmental conservation principles.
Day 1 In Moab, Utah – Arches National Park
Less than 3 miles away from Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is an absolute must see. 🤩Renowned worldwide for its stunning sandstone arches and unique geological formations, it offers a captivating glimpse into the forces of nature that shaped this remarkable landscape over millions of years.
If you love hiking, this place presents tons of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around while getting some decent exercise in the process. There are plenty of hikes to choose from at every level, and the map you get at the park entrance is an excellent source for the level of difficulty of each option. In two days, you can cover most of the major areas.
Trail Navigation Tips: With trails ranging from leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes, it’s essential to plan your route according to your fitness level and interests. Be sure to carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and follow trail markers to stay on course while exploring the park’s diverse terrain. Additionally, keep in mind that the cell phone coverage in the park is spotty at best, so download the maps of the hikes you plan to take ahead of time.
Here is how we suggest you break your time in Arches National Park. On day 1 of your trip, do these hikes:
- Delicate Arch (moderate; 3.0 miles) – hands down our most favorite hike in the park! 🤩 Not too strenuous, but if you have height issues, this may challenge you more!
- Balanced Rock (super easy; 0.3 miles) – be sure to stop by as the rock formation is super cool and it takes almost no time to see.
- Double Arch, North Window, South Window (easy; 1.5 miles in total) – easy to get to arches with beautiful views all around.
- Park Avenue (moderate; 1.0 miles) – beautiful trail among huge stone formations.
Day 2 In Moab, Utah – Arches National Park
On day 2, cover these hikes and areas:
- Devils Garden Trails
- Landscape Arch (moderate; 1.9 miles) – we felt this hike was easy, and on a clear-sky day it is magical.
- Double O Arches (difficult; 4.1miles) – this trail was challenging at times, especially if you have height issues, and easy at other times. Timing it according to the weather is key, as it is a long hike and you don’t want to get stuck. This is especially the case if it rains, as the trail has slippery sections.
- Sand Dune Arch (super easy; 0.3 miles) – another super easy hike that is unique and a must-see. You will be walking on sand most of the way so plan accordingly.
Day 3 In Moab, Utah – Canyonlands National Park
On day 3 in Moab, Utah, plan a trip to Canyonlands National Park. Located about 30 miles from Moab, Canyonlands offers a world of discovery and wonder that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s like stepping into a painting where the earth itself tells its story through every twist and turn of the landscape.
Things to know before you go
- Canyonlands National Park is located in a fairly remote area. You will need to drive to get inside the park. Be sure you have plenty of gas, as there are no gas stations in the area.
- Download all your trail maps, as cellphone service is super limited and you will need a way to orientate yourself while in the park.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water in the park.
- Bring food as well, as there are no places to buy any. However, there are so many excellent picnic areas with outstanding views. Definitely plan a picnic in the park. 🤩
- Bring plenty of sunscreen and ChapStick.
- Wear layers of clothing as the temperature vary during the day.
- Wear a brimmed hat; the sun is super strong even on a cold day.
Canyonlands Areas
Canyonlands National Park has three main areas, each offering a different vibe and unique landscape.
- Island in the Sky district – imagine standing on top of this massive mesa, feeling like you’re on top of the world as you take in sweeping views of canyons and rivers stretching out as far as the eye can see.
- Needles district – more or less a playground for anyone who loves a good adventure. There are towering rock spires reaching up to the sky, and winding trails that lead you through a maze of natural wonders. We did not get to go to this area, as we only had one day in the park. but are sure to return and explore it on our next trip.
- Maze district – imagine rugged terrain and solitude. Getting here is difficult, due to the area’s remoteness and those who visit must be prepared for self-sufficiency and self-rescue. This is an area for those who love to explore and be amazed by what they find.
Favorite in the Island in the Sky District
There is so much to see and do in the Canyonlands National Park, so be sure to decide where to go and how much to do ahead of time. Here is what we enjoyed:
- Upheaval Dome first and second overlook hike; moderate 2.0 miles out and back. Some steep climbing on the second overlook leg. This was by far our favorite hike! 🤩
- Shafer’s Canyon Overlook – wow, just wow! Breathtaking views of the canyon. This overlook is very near the Islands in the Sky Visitor Center and in our opinion a must-see. It is not for you if you fear heights, as it gives you a chance to stand at the edge of the canyon below. 🤩
- Mesa Arch – easy 0.6 miles hike. The views at the end were just magnificent. This is a favorite spot for professional photographers to capture the park’s beauty. 🤩
- Green River Overlook – a chance to see the Green River, which flows through the park. Depending on the precipitation, the river may be more or less full, which will impact how close you see it. This is a great place to reflect on how the area was first explored.
- Grand View Point – easy hike 1.8 miles out and back with great views of the canyons around. This is a popular hike and you can expect a lot of people to be on it.
- White Rim Overlook – an easy 1.8 miles out-and-back hike to the edge of the canyon with great views of the White Rim, La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River. 🤩
There are plenty of really strenuous hikes in this area if that is more of your cup of tea. We needed an easier day of hiking after the prior two days and felt like we saw and did a lot during our time in this section of Canyonlands National Park. Plus, we definitely plan on returning as there is so much more to see and explore.
Beyond the National Parks in Moab, Utah
Beyond the National Parks, there are a ton of activities for you to consider:
- Explore Dead Horse Point State Park for stunning overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
- Mountain bike along the world-famous Slickrock Trail or explore off-road trails with ATV rentals.
- Drive along the Colorado River for some stunning landscapes and views, including the La Sal Mountain Loop Road.
- Take part in rock climbing and canyoneering adventures if that is your way of exploring this part of the US.
- Discover Moab’s vibrant arts scene with galleries and local artisan shops.
- On a clear sky night, drive to an area of little or no light pollution and stargaze at a sky full of twinkling lights. 🤩 We absolutely loved this and drove to remote areas on multiple evening for an unforgettable sky show.
- Enjoying a leisurely stroll through downtown Moab, exploring shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Where To Stay and Eat in Moab, Utah
Overnight accommodations
There are plenty of accommodation options in Moab, Utah. However, you will not find high-end hotels in town. Having said that, there are really comfortable hotels with spacious rooms and good amenities, like pools, jacuzzies, bars and more. There are also plenty of camping sites in the area, if this is something you prefer.
Here are some suggestions from us:
- Hyatt Place Moab – this was our preferred hotel, and it didn’t disappoint. While the rooms were simple, they were comfortable and with plenty of space. We loved the pool and large jacuzzi for relaxing after long hiking days. The lobby area was beautifully decorated with plenty of gathering space. There was also a cute bar on the first floor. For families, the hotel offers multiple casitas with full kitchens and front patios.
- Wingate by Wyndham Moab – this hotel looked new and had similar amenities to the Hyatt Place.
- Element Moab – if you are a fan of Marriott hotels, this one is for you. It looked really good and comfortable and offered an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – you couldn’t beat the location of this place. Both suites and cabins available for what looks like a very comfortable stay in a unique location. And they offer a ton of activities, including horseback riding and Colorado River adventures. Definitely worth considering.
- Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa – a resort that covers 240 acres of breathtaking landscapes and is situated right along the Colorado River. A variety of suites and cabins that look really comfortable and tons of onsite and offsite activities. For a large group, you can event rent a 4-bedroom ranch house, which looks amazing. A resort that definitely deserves a consideration.
Dining options in Moab, Utah
For a small town, Moab offers a good variety of dining options. What we most enjoyed about the food scene was how relaxed every place felt. You could easily walk in at any time, be dressed as comfortably as you wanted, and enjoy a decent meal and drinks. Here are some of our favorites:
- Sabaku Sushi – Moab’s premier sushi bar. The sushi was outstanding – everything we tried was so fresh and presented super creatively. We made a reservation to guarantee the day and time we wanted, but if you don’t mind a little wait, it seems like you can easily just walk in and be served.
- Trailhead Public House and Eatery – a super charming restaurant in a historic building. We loved being seated at the bar, and the food was classic American with a twist.
- Moab Brewery – excellent casual place and great service. Check their hours as on some days they close by 8pm, which we found unusual.
- The Blu Pig BBQ and Blues – come for the locally sourced and prepared barbeque, stay for the blues music. Service here was just OK, but the food was really good.
- Desert Bistro – the most upscale restaurant in town; reservations are a must to get your preferred seating times. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our reservation, but the place looked really good.
- Proper Brewing & Burger Co. – out of Park City, Utah, we have tried multiple of their locations and the Moab pub didn’t disappoint. Excellent food, casual atmosphere, great beer selection.
Environmental Conservation
When adventuring in Moab, remember to leave no trace and respect wildlife. 🌿 Pack out what you pack in and give animals their space.
And if you are interested in giving back, support local conservation efforts to preserve Moab’s beauty for the future. 🌍 Did you know that Moab, Utah is facing some serious water conservation challenges? But hey, we’re not helpless! There are plenty of ways you can jump in and be part of the solution, even as a visitor to the area:
- Learn: Understand Moab’s water issues while you’re here.
- Support: Donate or volunteer with local groups.
- Spread Awareness: Encourage fellow visitors to conserve water.
- Join Events: Participate in local conservation activities.
- Conserve: Use water wisely during your stay.
- Stay Engaged: Attend city initiatives on water conservation.
Every bit counts in keeping Moab wild! 🏞️
What to bring
Moab is a casual place so, no matter the time of the year, be sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will be walking and enjoying the outdoors for much of your time in Moab. Be sure to bring:
- Layers of clothing as the weather changes a bit in the mountain.
- Comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
- Hiking boots if you plan to do some hiking.
- A hat of your choice.
- Water shoes if you plan to enjoy river activities.
- A bathing suit and sandals as most hotels have pools and jacuzzies.
- A water bottle for your time in the National Parks as there is no place to buy or refill.
- Sunscreen always and, if you are visiting in the summer, be sure to bring bug spray.
- Sunglasses as the sun is strong any time of the year.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
What we loved about Moab, Utah
- Multiple national parks within a short drive
- Super relaxed place to visit; quirky but so much fun
- Unspoiled nature with so many options for hiking, picnicking and more
- Excellent food and so many choices
- Touristy, but you can plan around peak season and truly enjoy the place
- Friendly people everywhere
In closing, Moab, Utah offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your visit, whether you’re exploring the iconic arches of Arches National Park, navigating the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park, or discovering the hidden gems beyond the parks’ boundaries. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Moab!
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