Top 5 Things To Do In Moab, Utah
If you love the outdoors, you’ll never run out of things to do near Moab, Utah. In fact, there’s SO much to do that planning a visit can become a little overwhelming!
There are two breathtaking national parks - Arches and Canyonlands - and numerous state parks and national monuments near Moab in the southeast corner of Utah. Plus there are endless hiking and exploring opportunities outside of these protected areas as well.
There’s mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, or just hanging out at camp enjoying the incredible beauty of the area. The 4x4 scene is also incredibly active, with miles of off-road trails available at all difficulty levels.
But today, we’re just going to highlight the top five recommendations for things to do in Moab when on a short family vacation - and we’ll include an itinerary for fitting everything into a relaxed 3 day time period.
First let’s talk about the best time to visit:
When to Visit Moab, UT:
Best Season to Visit Moab-
Spring and Fall are beautiful times to visit southern Utah. The weather is more comfortable for being outdoors with cool mornings and moderate temperatures all day.
Summers get very hot; it is the desert after all. When we’ve been in this area over the summer months, we’ve found ourselves skipping over those only-in-direct-sunlight hikes and therefore missing out on some seriously good stuff. Here’s a few tips on camping in the heat if this is your situation!
Winter gets pretty cold, and snow and ice cause many hiking trails to become dangerous. If you do brave a winter trip, be sure to check out our cold weather camping tips.
But no matter the season, dress in layers so you can easily adapt to the changing weather. Both the wind and sun can be fierce. Which can be tricky if the wind is keeping you cool, as you might not realize you’re getting a sunburn! So don’t forget that sunscreen and hat!
Best Time of Day to Visit Moab Attractions-
With the popularity of this area rising, you might find yourself fighting crowds, especially in Moab over the weekend and in Arches National Park. Of all the recommended stops we give, Arches is the most popular.
If you can be flexible, hit Arches up during the week, and to avoid waiting in traffic or circling for a parking spot, arrive before 9 am or during late afternoon/evening.
Save the less crowded stops for the weekend; Canyonlands (especially if you head down to the Needles District), scenic drives, and the hikes we recommend on BLM land won’t be nearly as crowded.
Where to Stay in Moab:
If you’re set up for camping, we hands-down recommend that you find some free camping during your stay at Moab. Camping for free is the only first-hand experience we have when staying near Moab.
Check out these 7 free camping areas near Moab!
And here’s a guide on how to easily find free camping all over the U.S.
There are, of course, tons of other accommodations in and around Moab, from inns, B&Bs, ranches, rental homes and apartments, to hotels and motels, and from bare-bones to luxury campgrounds. When deciding where to stay, outside of looking at your budget of course, we suggest you consider your daily drive time to get to the locations you’re trying to visit, as drive-time to and from your rental can come as a surprise!
Save Money on Entrance Fees at Moab, utah attractions:
There are a couple ways to save money on entrance fees to the parks near Moab.
Entrance to Arches for 7 days is $30, and the same is true for Canyonlands.
Another option, if this is the only chance you’ll get to visit any national parks within the year, is to purchase the Southeast Utah Parks Pass. This pass is $55, lasts for the year, and includes entrance to these two national parks as well as two nearby national monuments (Hovenweep and Natural Bridges).
Or! If you’ll be visiting more national parks within the year, check out the America the Beautiful Pass. The cost is $80 and you’ll have free entrance to all national parks and monuments for the year.
Either pass can be purchased online in advance, or at the entrance booth or visitor’s center of the national parks.
And hey - depending on the direction you are coming from, you might go right by Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Basin, Grand Canyon, Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon, or Zion National Parks! Want to see all of the national parks on a map? Here’s one you can download and print for free:
Things to do in moab: a 3 Day Moab Itinerary
Here’s a recommended time frame and order for hitting up all five of these must-do things near Moab. Plus there’s some room built-in to explore a few places more thoroughly.
Day One
Explore Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park
Watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park (Must Do #1)
Camp at either Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, or this free camping spot on BLM Land right in between the two.
Day Two
Drive part of the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park to get below the mesa top (Must Do #2)
Hike Corona Arch Trail (Must Do #3)
Eat Dinner at Quesadilla Mobilla in Moab (Must Do #4)
Stay anywhere in Moab, or camp for free here (and it’s just down the road from where you need to be early tomorrow morning!)
Day Three
Get an early start to explore Arches National Park
Hike to Delicate Arch at sunset (Must Do #5)
Wanting to camp another night in the Moab area? Consider the Manti La Sal National Forest.
Alrighty! Onto the top 5 things to do in Moab! Plus a bonus, just because.
#1 Thing to do in moab: Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Where: Off SR 313 about 32 miles/45 minutes west of Moab
(GPS Coordinates: 38.470311, -109.739675)
When: Anytime, but especially at sunset
Why: The views! Oh my! They are, in our opinion, even better than those at the neighboring Canyonlands National Park, minus the crowds.
Who: No hiking required for the main viewpoint so very accessible, pets welcome on a leash
Cost: $20/vehicle, valid for 3 days (national parks pass doesn’t cover you, as this is a state park)
Required Time: 30 minutes to just take in the views up to several hours if hiking/picnicking
Note: Before leaving Moab, fill up your gas tank to get you through the next couple recommendations!
This stop is close to Canyonlands National Park, so it makes sense to visit this state park when visiting the national park.
There are multiple places to picnic and several short hiking trails around the rim, but even just a visit to Dead Horse Point Overlook is worth the entrance fee (and we’re as budget-conscious as they come).
You’ll be out on a point that juts out into the canyon and looking down at millions of years worth of geologic activity and the Colorado River twisting around 2,000 feet below. And see that road WAY down below? Driving on that is our next recommended thing to do in Moab!
#2 Thing to do in Moab: Drive a section of the White Rim road
Where: Island in the Sky Section of Canyonlands National Park, and ending in Moab
(GPS Coordinates: 38.471451, -109.811433)
Cost: $30 entrance fee into the national park, valid for 7 days (or free entrance with National Parks Pass); free day use permit required to drive below the mesa top
When: Start in the morning and take your time!
Why: This is an easy and unique way to get away from the crowds and get a different breathtaking look at Canyonlands.
Who: 4WD is always recommended, but for this section of the road we saw people driving 2WD vehicles - check at the visitor center. (To do the entire 100 mile White Rim Road, you’d need 4WD, 2 or 3 days, and pay-for overnight camping permits.)
Required Time: at least 3 hours
We loved this scenic drive in Moab! When on the mesa top looking down at the road, the vehicles look like SO tiny. To get down there and be one of them brought a whole new perspective and appreciation for just how gigantic this place is.
When you’re driving on the road you can look up at the mesa top towering above, but you’re still able to look WAY down at the Colorado River - it makes you realize just how tiny you are!
First, stop at Canyonlands National Park Visitor Center to check on road conditions and get your free day use permit to drive the road. Or you can reserve it up to 24 hours in advance at https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
From what we were told, this section of the road is very accessible and getting that permit in advance is usually unnecessary.
Then turn off 313 onto Shafer Trail/Shafer Canyon Road. You’ll immediately hit breathtaking views and incredible switchbacks - be sure to cheer on any cyclist on their way UP!, and continue on to White Rim Road. You’ll be wanting to jump out of your vehicle to take in the expansive views multiple times, but your first official stop is Gooseneck Overlook.
This is a .6 mile (1km) walk out to a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River. This area seems completely untouched by humans with no fencing and minimal signage, and we saw only two other people while exploring here.
Then back to your vehicle to continue on to Musselman Arch. This is an even shorter walk from the parking area, and again, we saw very few signs of civilization. The average time to get to Musselman Arch from the mesa top is about an hour.
This is where we turned around. Backtrack on White Rim Road and this time turn right onto Potash Road (eventually called 279) towards Moab, Utah. Remember the road you were looking at from Dead Horse Point Overlook? You’re on it!
Take your time and enjoy this scenic route! Potash Road is 28 miles long but expect to spend over an hour driving it.
You’ll pass the Potash Plant and the road eventually turns to pavement. For the rest of the drive you’ll be paralleling the Colorado River, which adds to the beauty. A few more miles and you’ll go past the Corona Arch Trail (which is the next top thing to do in Moab).
Closer to Moab you’ll also pass some petroglyphs, a few more campgrounds, other hiking opportunities, and will likely see some rock climbers practicing on what they call “Wall Street.”
#3 Thing to do in moab: Hike the Corona Arch Trail
Where: BLM Land off SR 279 (also called Potash Road); 10 miles west of Hwy 191; clear signage marks the trailhead
(GPS Coordinates: 38.574474, -109.632385)
Cost: Free!
When: NOT on a hot and sunny summer afternoon - there’s NO shade on this trail
Why: This is an amazing hike and arch, and very few people are on this trail as compared to the trails inside the national parks
Who: Must be in decent shape and have appropriate footwear; dogs are permitted
Required Time: under 2 hours
We really enjoyed this one! It’s a 3 mile (4.8 km) round trip hike with 440 ft (134 m) elevation gain. With views of various red rock landscape, one short section with a safety cable and rock steps carved into the sandstone, a 4 foot ladder, and cairns leading your way across slickrock, you’ll have plenty to look at!
We did this hike with our three year old, although she was in a hiking carrier for much of the trail. If you have a child who’s experienced at hiking and want to take the time and energy to stay right on top of them, a carrier may not be necessary. (We just wanted to walk at a normal pace and relax for a few minutes)
Once you get up the ladder, keep your eyes open for Corona Arch. And once you spot it, look to the left in search of Bowtie Arch - a pothole arch that’s also spectacular and fun to explore.
Be sure to hike under Corona Arch and view it from all sides. The opening is 140 by 105 feet, and getting right up to it brings a greater appreciation for its massive size!
Worth noting, much of the trail is walking against a slickrock incline so hiking boots with good ankle support, though not necessarily required, will definitely be much appreciated.
Then it’s back to your vehicle, heading towards Moab on Potash/279 again. Next stop: Dinner! You deserve a delicious meal after that hike.
#4 thing to do in moab: Eat at Quesadilla Mobilla
Where: Just off Main Street in Moab
(GPS Coordinates: 38.574707, -109.551016)
Cost: About $9/ quesadilla
When: 11 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week (at the time of this writing)
Why: Because it’s delicious and you don’t want to make dinner
Who: Everyone!
Required Time: Service was fast even with a line
This place is SO good, and it’s come to be a bit of an iconic thing to do in Moab.
Quesadilla Mobilla is a locally owned food truck that serves, you guessed it, quesadillas. But not just any quesadilla. These things are deluxe, and if you’re in Moab, you’ve gotta try one for yourself! Each one is huge and more than filling, so younger kids could easily split one.
The service is quick and there are a few tables around the food truck if you’re eating there. Plus vegetarian and vegan options are available if that’s your thing.
If you’re arriving for dinner, make it an early one as they close at 6. To double check current hours and take a look at their menu, visit their page.
#5 thing to do in moab - Hike to Delicate Arch
Where: Arches National Park
(GPS Coordinates: 38.735757, -109.520826)
Cost: $30 entrance fee, valid for 7 days (or free entrance with National Parks Pass)
When: NOT on a hot and sunny summer afternoon - NO shade on this trail; many avoid summer and/or aim for sunrise or sunset
Why: Because it’s the “world’s most famous arch”! Really, it does live up to all the hype.
Who: Any healthy adult or kiddo; no dogs on the trails in Arches National Park
Required Time: 2-3 hours gives you plenty of time to explore
Just stopping by the Delicate Arch Viewpoints when visiting Arches National Park isn’t enough! You’ve really got to get up close to truly appreciate the beauty of this thing, which is why everyone says this hike is a top thing to do in Moab!
And although rated as a difficult trail at 3 miles round trip (4.8 km) with 480 feet (146 m) elevation change, we really didn’t find it to be so. Unless you try to hike this thing on a summer afternoon with zero cloud coverage. Please, don’t do that to yourself.
Lots of people do avoid the heat and hit it up at sunset for the unique lighting (or go at sunrise to avoid the heat and crowds while still enjoying that unique lighting) - and if that’s your plan be sure to pack a headlamp.
But this trail isn’t only about seeing Delicate Arch. It’s about the entire hike. Starting out at the old Wolfe Ranch Cabin and some petroglyphs not too far off the main path, there’s so much to see and explore. Much of the hike is across a slickrock slope where cairns will guide your way (and all the other hikers as this is a busy trail).
Don’t forget to keep turning around to take in the views as you climb higher and higher!
Towards the end of the hike, you’ll walk along a ledge for about 200 yards with a wall of red rock along your right. Then you turn the corner, and surprise! There’s Delicate Arch.
The opening is 64 feet (19 m) high and 45 feet (14 m) wide, which puts it at the largest free-standing arch inside the national park.
Don’t forget to explore around the arch! Take in the views from the back, admire that bowl formation, look for Twisted Doughnut Arch (through an opening along that ledge just before first seeing Delicate Arch). Move away from the crowded area - even by just a bit - and you might find your own little secluded place from which to admire Delicate Arch.
We saw multiple kids of all ages on this trail. There are some areas with severe slopes and narrow paths so you’ll want to stick together, or might even opt to put your youngest hikers back in the hiking backpack, but do not shy away from this trail just because of having kids along! Totally doable, and they’ll love it.
Although this trail will probably be crowded, we hope you find it as worthwhile as we did!
And if you are looking to slow down and get off the beaten path while in Arches National Park, read on.
Bonus - Take Your Younger Kiddos to Sand Dune Arch
Where: Arches National Park
(GPS Coordinates: 38.764753, -109.583619)
Cost: $30 entrance fee, valid for 7 days (or free entrance with National Parks Pass)
When: Anytime, as there’s almost always shade
Why: To relax with younger kids!
Who: People with little kids and extra time; no pets allowed on trails in Arches National Park
Required Time: 15 minutes to see it, but little kids could pass hours here
If you’re with a group of adults or older kids this is skippable if you’re short on time, as the actual arch is nothing terribly spectacular.
But if your group wants to split for a more strenuous hike, leaving little ones behind with an adult or two, this is the perfect place to land.
The hike to the arch is really just a walk, at .3 miles (.5 km) round trip. It is level, and much of the walk is through soft sand between towering sandstone fins. Those fins can make you feel like you’re in your own little secluded haven in this busy national park, and they’re also useful in providing shade at almost all hours because of their enormous height.
So gather a few toys appropriate for sand play (even a few plastic cups or spoons will do the trick!), pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water, take your shoes off, and enjoy! If you’re the adult in charge, you might even bring a book for yourself in case the kids get so enamored by their “giant sandbox” that they forget you exist for a time!
And just in case you have time, here are a few more things to do in Moab:
Canyonlands National Park
Whale Rock Hike
Mesa Arch Hike
Arches National Park
Get out of your vehicle! Many of the formations can be seen from your car, but walking right up to them brings a greater appreciation
Devil’s Garden Trail - escape the crowds on this primitive trail
Double Arch Trail - we can’t get enough of this one for some reason!
Do another scenic drive, possibly in a rented 4X4 or off-road vehicle
Scenic Route 128 - especially if you’re leaving Moab on I-70
Gemini Bridges Trail
Raft part of the Colorado River
Do some mountain biking
Camp up in the Manti La Sal National Forest and enjoy a day of sitting and taking in the views
A trip to Moab and the surrounding area will not disappoint! And hopefully this list of the top 5 things to do in Moab helps you plan your own Moab, Utah adventure!
Have any must-do recommendations near Moab? Let us know in the comments!
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