Ultimate Guide to Visiting Moab
M.O.A.B- Majestic, Outdoors, Arches, and Boundless
Corona Arch
So, you're telling me there’s a town with two national parks AND some of the coolest hikes outside of them? Sign. Me. Up.
Moab is an adventure waiting to happen. Whether it’s hiking, biking, ATV rides, swings, or canyoneering, this place is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It's home to some of the best outdoor activities you can imagine, and it also serves as the perfect hub for two national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—making it ideal for both families and adrenaline junkies alike.
Canyon near Corona Arch
There’s so much to do in this town that if you love exploring, Moab might just be your forever happy place. From hiking trails that lead to jaw-dropping canyons and arches to off-roading routes made for the wild at heart, Moab’s got something for everyone. Not to mention rock climbing, bungee jumping, canyoneering, and even rafting the Colorado River. So, yeah, adventure ON.
The town of Moab sits at the very border of Utah and Colorful Colorado. It's pretty much a one-street kind of town, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty of awesome food and fun to be found here. Some of my personal faves? Canyon Pizza (you've GOT to try the cinnamon twists with frosting!) for a casual slice, and Moab Brewery for a chill vibe and great drinks. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for Mexican, don’t miss Quesadilla Mobilla—seriously, it’s SO good.
Where to Stay
If you're looking for a cool place to crash, ULUM Under Canvas near Moab is an absolute gem. Think glamping but way cooler. If you want something a little more hotel-like, the Marriott is awesome, with a great pool and a location that's 5 minutes from Arches and super close to Canyonlands. But honestly, Moab is packed with hotels and Airbnbs to suit any budget.
Camping in Moab
Moab is a camper’s dream! From established campsites to BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, you’ve got options. The BLM spots are free but can be harder to get to—just remember to practice Leave No Trace. If you want to stay inside the parks, the campsites in Arches and Canyonlands are popular but require booking ahead (especially Devil’s Garden Campground in Arches). First come, first served? That's the Canyonlands way! And don’t forget to check out our guide for more details on the best camping spots around Moab.
Camping near the Colorado River
Let us get to what Moab can offer as a hiking town. So with the numerous hikes there let’s do a top 5.
Corona, Pinto, and Bowtie Arch Hike
This is THE iconic hike outside Arches National Park. At 2.3 miles roundtrip, it's short but filled with excitement. You’ve got everything from blue trail lines to chains and ladders! No, seriously—chains to help you scramble up slick rock (don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds). The final stretch has you climbing about 8-10 feet of slick rock using chains, followed by a small ladder. Just take it slow—there's no crazy exposure here, unlike, say, Angels Landing. At the top? You get two stunning arches—Corona Arch and Pinto Arch—plus killer views. Bring plenty of water because there’s no shade, and the sun is relentless.
Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Another Moab classic. This 4.3-mile hike follows a stream, which means water crossings (yay!) but also poison ivy (boo!). Stay on the trail and watch your step! The hike is shady, making it perfect for hot summer days. And if you're into canyoneering, bring your gear—Morning Glory Bridge is an epic spot for rappelling. But only attempt it if you know what you're doing.
Cowboy Jacuzzi
Cool down with this 1.6-mile roundtrip hike that leads you to a swimming spot near a waterfall. It’s perfect for families, and kids will love watching off-road vehicles tackle the slick rock at the start of the trail. You’ll need to cross a stream to reach the swimming hole, so be prepared to get your feet wet. Totally worth it, though!
Fisher Towers
Technically just outside Moab, but worth the drive. This 4.2-mile hike takes you through towering red rock formations known as the Titans. There's a ladder section and some minor exposure on cliffs, but nothing too crazy. You can also catch climbers scaling the famous Ancient Art spire—and if you’re lucky, you'll see them BASE jump off the top! If you’ve got a 4x4 vehicle, you can also check out the nearby Onion Creek Trail, a fun off-roading spot with a 12-mile roundtrip route that’s easy but super scenic.
Funnel Arch
Short and sweet with a little adrenaline kick! This hike is about 0.8 miles roundtrip and involves an easy Class 4 scramble to get up to the arch. It’s a quick adventure with amazing photo ops—just be ready for a tiny climb.
More Things to Do Around Moab:
Mountain Biking:
Moab is a mountain biker's paradise. Slickrock Trail is the most famous, with 10.5 miles of heart-pumping rock riding. If you’re new to mountain biking, check out Klondike Bluffs for a more moderate ride with stunning views of Arches. For the seasoned pros, there’s The Whole Enchilada, a whopping 26.5-mile trail that descends from the mountains to the desert—adrenaline junkies only!
Rock Climbing:
Moab is world-famous for rock climbing. Some of the most popular climbing spots include Wall Street, where climbers can scale the cliffs right next to the road, and Fisher Towers for more advanced climbs. Beginners can find guides in town to show them the ropes—literally!
Canyoneering:
If you’re up for some serious adventure, Moab’s canyoneering scene is unmatched.
Granary Canyon: A stunning adventure with non-technical rappels and breathtaking views. This is a great intro to canyoneering in Moab and is perfect for a full day of exploring.
Entrajo Canyon: For something shorter, this canyon offers 3-4 hours of fun with rappels, slot canyon sections, and some water crossings. It’s great for beginners or those with limited time.
Rock of Ages Canyon: This one's for the experienced canyoneers. Featuring big rappels, a natural arch, and challenging terrain, it’s a full-day adventure worth every minute.
Elephant Butte: One of Moab’s most popular canyoneering routes, known for its big drops and epic views. The 360-degree views from the top are a huge payoff for your efforts.
Canoeing & Rafting:
The Colorado River flows right through Moab, making it a prime spot for water activities. Whether you want a peaceful canoe trip or an exciting rafting adventure, the river offers plenty of options. Half-day and full-day rafting trips are available, or rent a kayak and paddle along at your own pace.
Stargazing:
Moab is known for its incredible night skies. With minimal light pollution, the stars here are unreal. Head out to Dead Horse Point State Park for some of the best stargazing in the area. Bring a blanket and gaze up at the Milky Way—you won’t regret it.
Shopping in Downtown Moab:
Downtown Moab is full of quirky shops, outdoor gear stores, and art galleries. You can pick up some unique souvenirs, like locally made crafts or prints of the stunning red rock scenery. If you're into crystals, dreamcatchers, or just looking for cool gifts, this is the place to explore.
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park:
This is a fun, family-friendly spot where you can see life-sized dinosaur replicas and learn about the area’s prehistoric history. It’s a great stop if you’re traveling with kids or just a dino lover at heart.
Potash Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks:
If you’re into history or geology, check out the Potash Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks. It’s an easy roadside stop where you can see ancient rock art and dino footprints right in the stone. It’s a quick but fascinating trip back in time.
Scenic Drives:
If you want a more relaxed adventure, Moab’s scenic drives won’t disappoint. Highway 128 offers breathtaking views along the Colorado River, with plenty of pullouts for photos and picnics. Or take a drive along Potash-Lower Colorado Scenic Byway for a view of towering red cliffs and historical markers.
Final Thoughts on Moab:
Moab isn’t just a town with two national parks—it’s a hub for outdoor adventure. From jaw-dropping hikes and canyoneering to biking, climbing, and river rafting, there’s no shortage of things to do here. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding trek or a leisurely float down the Colorado, Moab offers the best of everything. The red rock landscapes, endless trails, and unforgettable sunsets make this town more than just a destination—it’s an experience. So, lace up those hiking boots, grab a bike, or hit the water, and get ready to experience Moab like never before.