18 Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah: Ultimate Adventure & Travel Guide

Getting Around Moab

I think you will definitely need a car to see the sights. The town is small, but the parks are far apart. You can rent a car at the airport nearby. 

Some people like to bring bikes to get around town. This can be faster than driving when there is traffic. There are also shuttle buses for some of the river trips.

Make sure your gas tank is full before you leave town.

There are no gas stations inside the national parks. You don’t want to run out of fuel in the middle of the desert. Believe it or not, it happens to people.

If you love exploring America’s natural beauty, check out our guide on 22 Must-Visit National Parks in the USA.

1. Explore Arches National Park

You simply cannot visit Moab without seeing the arches. There are over 2,000 natural stone arches here. Honestly, it feels like you are on another planet. 

I suggest you get to the park very early. It gets very busy by noon.

You should try to see Delicate Arch first. It is the most famous one in the park. You have probably seen it on license plates.

The hike to Delicate Arch is a bit steep. Trust me, the view at the top is totally worth the walk.

Also check out our most famous guide on 24 Must-Visit Beautiful Small Towns in the USA.

2. Visit Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is like a giant playground for your eyes. It is much bigger than Arches. The park is split into different areas. 

You can look down and see the rivers far below. It looks like a giant cracked the earth open. I recommend stopping at Mesa Arch. It is a great spot to take a photo.

If you like driving, you could try the Shafer Trail. It is a winding road that goes down the cliff side.

Only do this if you have a big car. It is a bit scary but very fun.

If you’re a true American traveler, also check out our guide on 28 Must-Visit Destinations in the USA.

3. Watch the Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

This is one of my favorite spots in the trip. The view looks over a big bend in the Colorado River.

The colors change when the sun goes down. You will see purple, pink, and gold in the sky. It is very peaceful. I believe this is the best place for a picnic.

There is a flat trail along the edge. It is safe for kids if you hold their hands. Don’t forget to bring your camera. You will want to remember these colors forever.

Also check out our most popular guide on Ultimate 1-Day San Francisco Itinerary.

4. Hike to Corona Arch

Do you want to see a huge arch without the crowds?

Then you should head to Corona Arch. It is actually outside the national parks. This means it is free to visit.

The trail follows old train tracks for a bit. Then you walk across big flat rocks. You will even get to climb a little ladder. It is not too hard and feels like a real adventure.

Corona Arch is massive. It looks like a giant rainbow made of stone.

Plus, Bowtie Arch is right next to it. You get to see two amazing things for the price of one.

Also check out Best Babymoon Destinations in the USA.

5. Drive Along the Colorado River

The drive on Highway 128 is stunning. The road hugs the river on one side. On the other side, giant red cliffs tower over you.

I love just rolling the windows down here.

There are many places to stop and touch the water. You can find small sandy beaches. It is a great place to cool off your feet. The water is usually a bit cold but feels good.

You might see people on boats or rafts. It is a very busy part of the river.

Just take your time and enjoy the views. Honestly, it is one of the best drives in America.

6. See the Ancient Rock Art

Did you know people lived here thousands of years ago?

They left drawings on the rocks. These are called petroglyphs. You can find them in many spots around Moab.

One of the best places is on Potash Road. You can see them right from your car. Look for drawings of hunters and animals. It is like a history book carved in stone.

Please remember not to touch the art. The oils from your skin can hurt the rocks. We want to keep them safe for a long time.

It is pretty cool to see what life was like back then.

If you’re planning to visit Miami, check out our most famous guide on Is Miami Really Worth Visiting?

7. Splash Around at Mill Creek

Moab can get very hot in the summer. When you feel too warm, head to Mill Creek. It is a hidden gem right near the town. There is a nice stream with clear water.

You can hike a short trail to find swimming holes.

There is even a small waterfall. I think kids love this place the most. You can splash and play in the water all day.

Make sure to wear shoes that can get wet. Some of the rocks are slippery. It is a great way to take a break from the desert heat.

If you’re a beach lover, you must check out our guide on Top 10 Best Beach Vacations in the USA.

8. Go Off Roading in a Jeep

Moab is world famous for off roading.

There are trails for all skill levels. If you are brave, you can rent a Jeep. Or, you can hire a guide to drive you around.

The rocks here are called slickrock. But they are actually very grippy for tires. You will feel like you are driving up a wall. It is a bit bumpy but very exciting.

Hell’s Revenge is the most famous trail. It has steep hills and big drops. If you want a thrill, this is it. Just make sure to stay on the marked paths.

Also check out Best Couple Trips in the USA for Every Type of Couple.

9. Look for Dinosaur Tracks

Have you ever wanted to see a real dinosaur footprint? In Moab, you can.

There are several spots where tracks are frozen in stone. It is totally amazing to see.

The Copper Ridge site is a great place to start. You can see tracks from big dinosaurs that walked on two legs. You can also see tracks from long neck dinosaurs.

It is like going back in time millions of years. Kids will really love being dinosaur hunters for a day.

10. Visit the Moab Museum

If you want to learn more about the area, stop by the museum. It is right in the middle of town. They have cool things like dinosaur bones and old mining tools.

You can learn about the Native American tribes who lived here. You can also see how the town of Moab started. 

It is a small museum, so it won’t take all day. It is a nice way to spend an hour out of the sun. I personally like seeing the old photos of the town.

If you’re planning to visit Maui, you must check out our most popular guide on 20 Free Things to Do in Maui.

11. Stargaze at Night

The sky in Moab is very dark. This makes it perfect for looking at stars. You can see thousands of them. You might even see the Milky Way glowing white.

Both Arches and Canyonlands are International Dark Sky Parks. This means they are protected from city lights. I recommend finding a safe spot to park and just looking up.

It is very quiet and peaceful at night. You might even see a shooting star. Make a wish when you do.

12. Mountain Bike the Slickrock Trail

If you like bikes, you must try the Slickrock Trail. It is a very famous bike path. It is made of hard sandstone.

The trail is marked with white paint dots. You just follow the dots over the hills. It is quite hard, so you should be a good rider.

But there are easier trails nearby too.

The views of the mountains are beautiful from here. You will see the snow capped peaks in the distance. It is a great workout and a lot of fun.

13. Walk Through the Fiery Furnace

The Fiery Furnace is a maze of tall rock walls. It is a very special part of Arches National Park.

You cannot just walk in by yourself. You need a permit or a guide.

I suggest going with a park ranger. They will show you the way so you don’t get lost. It is a very cool and shady place. You will feel like an explorer in a secret world.

There are no trails inside. You have to scramble over rocks and squeeze through gaps. It is a real adventure for your whole family. Make sure to book your spot early.

If you’re planning a trip with friends, check out our popular guide on 10 Budget-Friendly Places to Travel with Friends in the USA.

14. Take a Rafting Trip

The Colorado River is great for rafting. You can go on a calm trip with small waves. Or, you can find big rapids that will get you very wet. It depends on what you like.

A half day trip is perfect for families. You get to see the red cliffs from the water. It is a very different view than from a car. Your guide will tell you funny stories too.

Rafting is one of the most popular things to do here. You will see why once you try it.

If you’re traveling on the Miami to Key West road, check out our guide on 10 Awesome Activities to Do on a Miami to Key West Road Trip.

15. Visit the La Sal Mountains

Sometimes you might want to see something other than red rocks. The La Sal Mountains are right next to Moab. They are very tall and often have snow on top.

You can drive up the mountain road to get out of the heat. It is much cooler up there. You will see green pine trees and blue lakes. It feels like a different state.

You might even see a deer or an elk. It is a nice break from the desert landscape. The air smells like pine needles and fresh water.

16. See the Fisher Towers

The Fisher Towers are giant spires of mud and rock. They look like dark red skyscrapers. They are located along Highway 128. The shapes are very strange and cool.

There is a hiking trail that goes right around the base. You can look up at the climbers on the walls. It is amazing how high they go. 

The trail is about four miles long. It is not too hard but has some uphill parts. I think the views here are some of the best in Utah. It feels very wild and remote.

17. Shop and Eat Downtown

After a long day of hiking, you will be hungry. Moab has a cute main street. There are many shops with local art and shirts. You can find some really cool souvenirs.

There are lots of great places to eat. You can find burgers, tacos, and even fancy pasta. I recommend getting some ice cream for dessert. It is the perfect treat after being in the sun.

The town has a very friendly vibe. You will see people from all over the world. It is a fun place to just walk around.

18. Relax at Sand Flats Recreation Area

Sand Flats is a big area near town. It is home to the Slickrock bike trail and Jeep roads. But it is also a great place to camp and relax. You can see the whole valley from here.

There are many spots to sit and watch the sunset. You can see the red rocks glow in the light. It is a bit quieter than the national parks.

It is a good place to let the kids run around. Just be careful of the bikes and Jeeps nearby.

And that’s it for this Moab travel guide.

If you’re planning to travel in September, you must check out our most famous guide on 17 Beautiful Places Around the World to Travel in September.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Moab?

A. The best times are spring and fall. The weather is cool and nice for hiking. Summer can get very hot, so be careful if you go then. Winter is quiet but can be cold and snowy.

2. Do I need a permit for the parks?

A. Yes, Arches National Park often needs a timed entry ticket. You should check their website months before you go. It helps keep the park from getting too crowded. Canyonlands usually does not need a special ticket.

3. Is Moab good for young kids?

A. Absolutely. Many trails are short and flat. There are dinosaur parks and water spots that kids love. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and hats for the sun.

4. How many days should I stay in Moab?

A. I think three to five days is perfect. This gives you time to see both national parks and do a fun activity like rafting. You won’t feel rushed and can see the best spots.

5. Can I see arches without hiking?

A. Yes, you can. Many arches in Arches National Park can be seen from your car or a short walk. Windows Section has arches very close to the parking lot. It is great if you are tired.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helped you discover some amazing things to do in Moab and made your trip planning a little easier.

Honestly, Moab is one of those places that stays in your memory long after the trip ends.

If you know any hidden gems or amazing places around Moab, feel free to share them in the comments. I’d genuinely love to check them out.

You can also suggest topics you’d like me to write about next or places you think I should visit in the US.

Thanks a lot for reading till the end. It really means a lot.

See you in the next blog.