The 6 Best Things To Do in Moab, Utah

Are you looking for the best things to do in Moab, Utah?

Moab is a treasure of a city in the eastern part of Utah about 230 miles south of Salt Lake City. After visiting the Salt Flats in Salt Lake, then head down to Moab!

Moab is known for being the home of the remarkable Arches National Park with its breathtaking red rock formations, and is just 30 miles from the stellar Canyonlands National Park. The Colorado and Green Rivers travel through this part of Utah which adds to the color palette of oranges, reds, greens, and blues.

Arches and Canyonlands are two of the Mighty Five National Parks in Utah, which include Capital Reef,  Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

There are so many fun things to do in Moab, it might be difficult to decide, so I’ve created this guide to help you enjoy the 6 top things to do in Moab. Grab your hiking shoes!

#1. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is THE reason to visit Moab. Unique for its 2000 massive rock arches, formations, and pinnacles, Arches is one of the most inspirational places I have ever been. These rock formations began with geological forces 65 million years ago! 

How to hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

Arches main attraction is the Delicate Arch. The first time I visited this park in the 1980’s, the crowds were not as massive. Today, however, the Delicate Arch is really popular, so I encourage you to GET UP EARLY!!! Plan to be at the park entrance by 6-6:30 AM. The lots in the park fill up very quickly and you’ll want to do this hike early in the day to beat the heat.

The park is open 24 hours, so you may encounter lines at the entrance. People like to catch sunrise in the park. You’ll have to pay a $30 per vehicle fee (good for 7 days). If you have your National Park Pass, you’ll be all set.

The Delicate Arch

I recommend you hike to the Delicate Arch first and then fan out to the other trails and sites. Drive the 11 miles from the entrance through the gorgeous landscape. Do Not Stop to take photos, just get to the parking lot at Delicate Arch. Signs will direct you.

The trail to the arch is 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip), on an incline with a gain of 430 feet. It should take about 3 hours.

This hike is billed as a moderate hike, but if you are an avid hiker and in fairly good shape, you’ll find it pretty easy. Plan to sit and relax at the arch, drink some water and have a breakfast bar. You’ll have time to wait in line to have your photos taken by fellow hikers. Then enjoy your time climbing back down and taking lots of pictures.

Don’t miss the spur path to the Ute Indian Petroglyphs on the rocks near the parking lot before you head back to your car.

After your successful morning at the Delicate Arch, venture through the park to these other spots. Here’s a brief overview of Arches top hikes and sites:

Landscape Arch (Devils Garden Trail)

Hike: 1.6 miles round trip, easy and scenic; part of the larger Devils Garden Trail network. Landscape Arch is one of the world’s longest natural stone arches, stretching over 290 feet!

Double Arch

Hike: 0.5 miles round trip, very easy and great for families. Double Arch is a cool formation with two giant arches joined at one end.

The Windows & Turret Arch

Hike: 1 mile round trip, easy loop with panoramic desert views. A cluster of massive openings side by side, offering incredible photo ops.

Balanced Rock

Hike: 0.3-mile loop, quick and accessible for all. You can’t miss this crazy huge boulder perched on top of a skinny base.

Park Avenue Trail

Hike: 2 miles round trip, moderate with steep steps at the start. This trail fits its name for the giant, red rock “skyscrapers” that look like the New York City skyline.

Sand Dune Arch

Hike: 0.3 miles round trip, short and shaded. Sand Dune is a hidden arch tucked in between tall formations.

Fiery Furnace

Hike: This area of Arches is accessible only with a permit or on a ranger led tour. The hikes vary in distances and are best for experienced hikers. You’ll hike through a maze of narrow canyons. Get info about the permits and ranger-led hikes here.

#2. Dead Horse Point State Park

Your second priority when it comes to the best things to do in Moab, Utah is Dead Horse Point State Park. This is just 33 miles (40 minutes) from Moab on route 313.

Dead Horse Point is another breathtaking desert landscape of canyons, river views, and rock formations. I recommend you plan to be there late afternoon or near sunset. There should be plenty of parking at that time of day and fewer people walking the trails.

There are over seven miles of hiking trails in the park and all are considered “easy.” Most of the trails begin at the Visitor Center. There are two campgrounds in the park and even four yurts which sleep up to six people each for only $140 per night! How cool is that?  

#3. Route 128/ The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

The 44 mile long Route 128, along the Colorado River is said to be the most beautiful route in the country! Magnificent rocks along one side, and the river on the other, make for a spectacular ride. It’s very relaxing and serene. You’ll see people on river cruises, kayaks, and stand up paddles enjoying the water.

Begin your drive at the Colorado River Bridge in Moab. If you drive to the end in Cisco, you’ll find a ghost town that was used as a water refilling station for locomotives. About 24 miles in, look for the red rock Fisher Towers against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains.

#4. Potash Road/ Route 279/ The Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway

Potash Road is another great drive. Just about four miles north of Moab, turn left onto Potash Rd for more gorgeous scenery.

At 5 miles in you will see ancient petroglyph drawings in the rocks on your right. And if you stop at 5.9 miles to park in the Poison Spider Trail, you’ll find a map to a short trail to dinosaur tracks and more petroglyphs! At 9.9 miles in is another trailhead which will lead you to the famous Corona and Bowtie Arches.

Keep going even further, and you will see 15 miles of sheer Wingate sandstone.  When you get to the Potash boat ramp, you can turn around, unless you have a 4X4 and want to continue onto Shafer Basin Road to find the canyon where Thelma and Louise drove off into the sunset!

#5. Canyonlands National Park

When it comes to the best things to do in Moab, Utah, Canyonlands National Park is at the top. It spans almost 340,000 acres of canyons, rock formations, arches, mesas, and buttes just 33 miles southeast of Moab.

The Green River and Colorado River divide these areas, which makes it difficult to access the districts in single trips. If you’re planning on extending your stay in Moab to see Canyonlands, you’ll need to plan ahead and decide what you have time for. You might just need to return for another trip!

The Island in the Skye district is considered the most accessible and easiest to see in a short trip from Moab. You can enjoy views from a paved highway and find trailheads for great hikes. The other districts require boats, hiking, and four-wheel driving.

#6. Ken’s Lake

Just 11 miles south of Moab on Route 191, is the beautiful Ken’s Lake set against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. It’s a popular campground and swimming lake perfect for cooling off in the desert heat. You can easily walk to the Faux Falls from the campground and enjoy the crisp mountain water.

When is the best time to visit Moab?

Late Spring and Early Fall are great times to be in Moab, the temperatures will be mild (between 60-80 degrees fahrenheit) and the crowds will be small.

The Summer is hot (up to 100 degrees fahrenheit), but that should not discourage you from visiting. If you plan your hikes for early in the morning or later in the day, you should be OK.

The Winter months may be much less crowded, however, some trails may be unsafe to manage in the snow.

What is the best way to get to Moab?

Moab is 234 miles from the Salt Lake City Airport. I recommend you rent a car from the airport and drive the 3.5 hours to Moab. The scenery is exquisite, the two and three lane highway is great, and there’s basically no traffic.

Moab has a small airport, called Canyonlands Field Airport which has flights from Salt Lake City and other international airports.

Where to eat in Moab

Moab has a bunch of excellent restaurants, and many with gluten free options!

The choices range from basic American fare to Italian, Chinese, and Indian food. I can personally recommend:

Zax – for lunches and dinner
Spokes – for lunches and dinner  
Gloria’s Cafe – for lunches and dinner
Love Muffin – for breakfast
Doughbird – for breakfasts

The Best Place to Stay in Moab

→ Best Budget Hotel – The Hampton Inn Moab
Just 8 minutes from Arches, right on the main street, within short walking distance to restaurants and shops. A pool, hot tub, safe, clean, and breakfast included. Prices start at $166.

If you are a camper, then check out one of the many complete guides to campgrounds in and around Moab for help with locations and reservations. Devils Garden Campground within Arches National Park is the only campground actually inside the park.

Some Packing Tips for Moab

When you pack your suitcase, be sure to bring:

• A camera
• Hiking boots 
• A backpack
• Casual clothes
• Exercise clothes
• Bathing suit
• Warm things for the cool evenings
• Have plenty of water with you at all times! It is desert air and very dry. You are not a camel-Hydrate!

Now you have all the details for the 6 best things to do in Moab!

In a nutshell…

Moab, Utah, is an extraordinary destination with a blend of stunning beauty and exciting adventure. Moab was one of our most memorable mother daughter trips ever!

From the natural magic of Arches National Park to the calming landscape of Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab is a nature lover’s dream. You can explore the Colorado River Scenic Byways, discover ancient petroglyphs, and experience the massive Canyonlands National Park.

Moab stands out for me as a must-visit location for an unforgettable adventure in Utah’s incredible outdoors. I can’t wait to go back!

xx,
Carrie