Moab, Utah is adventure basecamp for the American Southwest. Two national parks, endless trails, and red rock landscapes make it a bucket-list destination.
Here's everything you can do in Moab.
National Parks
Arches National Park
The basics: Over 2,000 natural stone arches packed into 76,000 acres. Utah's most iconic park.
Must-see spots:
- Delicate Arch - The one on the license plate (3-mile hike)
- Devils Garden - 7 arches in one trail
- Landscape Arch - Longest arch in North America
- Balanced Rock - Perfect sunset spot
- Windows Section - Easy walks, big arches
2025 timed entry: Required April 1-July 6 and Aug 28-Oct 31 (7am-4pm). Book 6 months ahead. No reservation needed July 7-Aug 27.
Pro tips:
- Sunrise at Delicate Arch beats sunset crowds
- Carry 2L water minimum
- Park fills by 9am in peak season
Canyonlands National Park
The basics: Massive wilderness divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Less crowded than Arches.
Three accessible districts:
- Island in the Sky - Easy access, epic overlooks (Mesa Arch sunrise is legendary)
- The Needles - More remote, great hiking
- The Maze - Serious 4x4 territory, permit required
Top experiences:
- Mesa Arch at sunrise
- Grand View Point Trail
- White Rim Road (100-mile 4x4 loop)
- Upheaval Dome hike
No timed entry needed. Grand View Point parking under construction through 2026.
Mountain Biking
Legendary Trails
For experts:
- Slickrock Trail - 10.6 miles of petrified sand dunes. Moab's most famous ride.
- The Whole Enchilada - 26 miles, 7,000 feet of descent. Shuttle required.
- Porcupine Rim - 14 miles of exposure and views
For intermediates:
- Magnificent 7 - 26 miles of fun singletrack
- Klondike Bluffs - Dinosaur tracks and smooth trails
- NEW: Raptor Route Loop - Flow trail with jumps and berms
For beginners:
- Moab Brand Trails - Well-marked loops
- Klonzo Trails - Smooth and scenic
- Dead Horse Point Trails - Easier options with views
Bike rentals: Multiple shops in town. Book ahead in spring/fall.
Off-Road Adventures
UTV/ATV Tours & Rentals
Popular trails:
- Hell's Revenge - Moab's premier slickrock playground
- Poison Spider Mesa - Technical challenges with arches
- Fins & Things - Slickrock fins and Colorado River views
- Kane Creek - Follow the creek through canyons
Tour options:
- Guided tours (you drive with expert guidance)
- Self-guided rentals (GPS included)
- Sunset/sunrise tours
- Multi-day expeditions
New for 2025: Climate-controlled UTVs available - AC in summer, heat in winter, no dust ever.
Jeep Trails
Difficulty ratings:
- Easy: Shafer Trail, Gemini Bridges
- Moderate: Chicken Corners, Dome Plateau
- Difficult: Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider
- Extreme: Pritchett Canyon, Golden Spike
Annual event: Easter Jeep Safari (April) - The ultimate off-road gathering
Rock Climbing
World-Class Destinations
Crack climbing capital:
- Indian Creek - Perfect splitters
- Wall Street - Beginner to moderate routes
- Castleton Tower - Desert tower classic
- Fisher Towers - Soft rock adventures
Sport climbing:
- Wall Street - Bolted routes
- Ice Cream Parlor - Shaded crag
- Potash Road - Roadside classics
Guided options available for all levels. Spring and fall = best conditions.
Scenic Drives
No 4x4 Required
Highway 128 (River Road)
- 44 miles following the Colorado River
- Fisher Towers viewpoint
- Castle Valley views
- Negro Bill Canyon trailhead
Potash Road (Highway 279)
- 17 miles of river canyon
- Dinosaur tracks
- Ancient petroglyphs
- Rock climbing viewing
La Sal Mountain Loop
- 60-mile alpine escape
- Aspen forests
- Wildlife viewing
- Cooler summer temperatures
Dead Horse Point Mesa
- 35 miles to the best overlook in Utah
- Sunset photography mecca
- State park with facilities
River Activities
Colorado River Rafting
Options for everyone:
- Morning half-day - Calm water, family-friendly
- Full-day trips - Rapids and lunch
- Multi-day expeditions - Cataract Canyon wilderness
Popular sections:
- Fisher Towers (scenic float)
- Moab Daily (mild rapids)
- Westwater Canyon (big rapids, permit required)
Season: March through October. Peak flows in late May.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Calm stretches perfect for SUP:
- Mill Creek
- Ken's Lake
- Colorado River flatwater
Hiking
Best Trails by Difficulty
Easy:
- Park Avenue (Arches) - 2 miles through giant fins
- Mesa Arch (Canyonlands) - 0.5 mile to iconic arch
- Petroglyphs Trail - Ancient rock art
Moderate:
- Delicate Arch - 3 miles to Utah's icon
- Devils Garden - Up to 7.2 miles, multiple arches
- Corona Arch - 3 miles to massive arch (dog-friendly!)
Difficult:
- Fiery Furnace (permit required) - Maze of fins
- Syncline Loop (Canyonlands) - 8.3-mile challenge
- Fisher Towers Trail - 4.4 miles through titans
Hidden gems:
- Morning Glory Natural Bridge
- Hidden Valley Trail
- Mill Creek Trail (swimming holes!)
Unique Experiences
Dark Sky Stargazing
Moab = International Dark Sky Community (2024)
Best viewing spots:
- Panorama Point (Arches)
- Dead Horse Point
- BLM land outside town
Events: Southeast Utah AstroFest (June 20-22, 2025)
Dinosaur Sites
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail - Real tracks and bones
- Copper Ridge Sauropod Tracks - Massive footprints
- Moab Giants - Dinosaur museum and trails
Photography
Sunrise spots: Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch, Dead Horse Point Sunset spots: Balanced Rock, Fiery Furnace viewpoint, La Sal Mountains viewpoint Night photography: Milky Way over arches (April-September)
Canyoneering
Technical slot canyon descents:
- Entrajo Canyon - Beginner-friendly
- Medieval Chamber - Rappelling required
- Granary Canyon - Native American ruins
Other Adventures
- Rock hounding - Collect agates and fossils
- Horseback riding - Desert and mountain trails
- Golf - 18-hole course with red rock views
- Museums - Moab Museum, Film Museum
- Hot air ballooning - Sunrise flights
- Skydiving - Jump over canyonlands
- Ziplining - New course at Adventure Center
When to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Perfect weather (60-80°F)
- Wildflowers bloom
- Busy season begins
Summer (June-August)
- Hot (90-105°F)
- Early morning activities best
- River season peaks
Fall (September-November)
- Ideal temperatures return
- Aspen colors in mountains
- Busy season continues
Winter (December-February)
- Cold (30-50°F)
- Snow possible
- Fewer crowds
- Some high elevation areas closed
2025 Events
March: Skinny Tire Festival, Canyonlands Half Marathon April: Easter Jeep Safari May: Moab Arts Festival June: Southeast Utah AstroFest (20-22) August-September: Moab Music Festival October: Moab Folk Festival, Scots on the Rocks (19), Jeep Jamboree (23-25) November: Moab Film Festival
Essential Moab Tips
Always bring:
- More water than you think (1 gallon/person/day)
- Sun protection
- Offline maps downloaded
- Snacks
- First aid kit
Respect the desert:
- Stay on trails
- Pack out all trash
- Don't touch petroglyphs
- Leave no trace
- Check weather for flash floods
Beat the crowds:
- Start before sunrise
- Visit midweek
- Come in shoulder seasons
- Explore lesser-known spots
Book ahead:
- Hotels fill months in advance for events
- Arches timed entry (6 months)
- Popular tours and rafting
- Restaurant reservations
Moab offers adventures for every interest and ability level. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descents, peaceful river floats, or simply want to stand in awe of ancient arches, this red rock wonderland delivers.
435-260-2206 | epic4x4adventures.com
Rock Climbing
Moab is a world-class rock climbing destination, offering a variety of climbs for climbers of all levels. From sandstone towers to crack climbs, Moab has something for every type of climber. Some popular climbing areas include Indian Creek, Castle Valley, and Fisher Towers.
Scenic Drives
Moab is surrounded by some of the most scenic drives in the country, including the famous Scenic Byway 128, which winds along the Colorado River and through red rock canyons. Other popular drives include the La Sal Mountain Loop Road and the Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway.
River Rafting
The Colorado and Green Rivers offer some of the best river rafting experiences in the country, with a variety of trips for all levels of rafters. From mild floats to thrilling rapids, Moab has it all.
Stargazing
Moab’s dark skies make it an ideal destination for stargazing. Take a night hike or join a guided stargazing tour to experience the wonders of the night sky.
Moab, Utah offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all interests and ages. From its stunning national parks to its world-class outdoor adventures, Moab is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
