Quick answer: Moab offers far more than Arches and Canyonlands. The best activities outside the parks include off-road UTV tours on legendary trails like Hell's Revenge, rafting the Colorado River, stargazing at certified Dark Sky locations, exploring dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs, scenic drives along Highway 128, and discovering Dead Horse Point State Park's jaw-dropping canyon views.
Most visitors come to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. But here's what the locals know: some of Moab's most memorable experiences happen outside those park boundaries.
Whether you're avoiding timed-entry headaches, looking for activities that don't require hours of hiking in the heat, or simply want something different, this guide covers the best ways to experience Moab's red rock country without a national park pass.
Off-Road Adventures on World-Famous Trails
Moab earned its reputation as an off-road mecca long before the national parks drew millions of visitors. The slickrock terrain here is unlike anywhere else on the planet. These petrified sand dunes offer incredible traction and scenery that makes you feel like you've landed on Mars.
Hell's Revenge Trail
This is the trail that put Moab on the off-road map. Starting at Sand Flats Recreation Area, Hell's Revenge delivers steep sandstone climbs, thrilling descents, and panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains and Colorado River.
What makes it special:
- Gravity-defying slickrock fins and domes
- Views of Arches National Park from above
- Dinosaur tracks visible along the trail
- Accessible via guided UTV tour (no experience required)
Most outfitters offer 2.5 to 4-hour guided tours where you drive a side-by-side vehicle while following an expert guide. At Epic 4x4 Adventures, their Hell's Revenge tours run 3.5 hours and include both morning and sunset departure options. Their guides complete an 8-stage training program, which means you get more than just someone to follow. You get coaching through obstacles and local knowledge about what you're seeing.
Pro tip: Book a sunset tour. The golden light on red rock creates conditions you'll remember and photograph for years.
Fins N' Things
A bit gentler than Hell's Revenge, this trail features rolling sandstone "fins" that feel like nature's roller coaster. Many guided tours combine both trails for the complete Moab slickrock experience. Epic 4x4's Pro R Ultimate Experience pairs Fins N' Things with Hell's Revenge in a single 4-hour tour using the Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate, which features factory-tuned suspension and superior articulation for technical terrain.
Climate-Controlled Options for Any Season
Summer temperatures in Moab regularly top 100°F. If you're traveling with grandparents, young kids, or anyone sensitive to temperature extremes, the heat can turn an adventure into an ordeal.
Epic 4x4 Adventures operates some enclosed, climate-controlled UTVs in Moab. Their Moab Discovery Tour uses the Polaris Xpedition XP5 Northstar, which has full air conditioning and heat. The sealed cab keeps out dust too, so you're not picking sand out of your teeth for the rest of the day. This 4-hour tour visits ancient petroglyph sites, wind caves, towering hoodoos, and panoramic overlooks. It's particularly good for multi-generational groups where comfort matters as much as adventure.
Self-Guided UTV Rentals
If you prefer exploring on your own schedule, several outfitters offer UTV rentals. Epic 4x4 rents premium Polaris Pro-R vehicles with GPS navigation pre-loaded with curated trail routes. Unlike competitors who hand you a photocopied paper map, their system includes trail tips, scenic overlooks, and areas to avoid based on your experience level. Rental periods range from 3 hours to overnight. Note: renters must be 25 or older.
Rafting the Colorado River
The mighty Colorado carves directly through Moab's backyard, offering everything from gentle floats to serious whitewater. No timed-entry reservation required.
Half-Day Float Trips (Best for Families)
The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado is Moab's most popular rafting stretch. Class I-II rapids provide just enough splash to keep things interesting, while the scenery does the heavy lifting. Towering red cliffs, Castle Valley views, and the iconic Fisher Towers in the distance create a backdrop you'll see in your photos for years.
What to expect:
- 3-4 hours on the water
- Fun rapids with names like Onion Creek and Cloudburst
- Swimming opportunities in calm stretches
- Suitable for ages 5 and up (minimum 40 lbs)
Many outfitters include a riverside BBQ lunch, making this an easy full-morning activity that leaves your afternoon free for other adventures.
Full-Day and Multi-Day Options
For more adventure, Westwater Canyon offers Class III-IV rapids about an hour upriver. Cataract Canyon, deep in Canyonlands, delivers some of North America's biggest whitewater on multi-day expeditions. Think Grand Canyon-level scenery with rapids to match.
Summer bonus: When the hiking trails feel unbearable, the river stays cool. June and July bring higher water levels from mountain snowmelt, creating the best rapids and the most refreshing escape from the heat.
Stargazing in Dark Sky Country
Here's something most visitors miss: Moab sits in the middle of some of the darkest skies remaining in the lower 48 states. The area has three certified International Dark Sky Parks, and you don't need to enter any of them to experience world-class stargazing.
Where to Go
Dead Horse Point State Park became the first Utah state park to achieve International Dark Sky Park certification in 2016. Its high plateau location, far from city lights, offers nearly unobstructed views of the celestial sphere. The park hosts regular ranger-led programs, from full-moon hikes to telescope viewing sessions.
What you can see:
- The Milky Way's galactic core (March through November)
- Up to 15,000 stars on optimal nights
- Planets, nebulae, and star clusters through provided telescopes
- The Summer Triangle constellation pattern
Arches National Park received its Dark Sky designation in 2019. Canyonlands National Park holds Gold Tier status, the highest designation for darkness. And in 2024, Moab itself became an official International Dark Sky Community.
Best Viewing Conditions
Plan your stargazing around the lunar calendar. New moon nights (or 2-3 days before or after) offer the darkest skies. Even a thin crescent moon can wash out fainter stars and make the Milky Way harder to see.
Several Moab outfitters offer guided astronomy tours with high-powered telescopes and expert narration. These are particularly worthwhile if you've never seen a truly dark sky. The difference between city stars and desert stars is staggering.
Dead Horse Point State Park
While technically a park, Dead Horse Point often gets overlooked in favor of its national park neighbors. That's a mistake.
Why It Deserves Your Time
The main overlook sits 2,000 feet above a dramatic gooseneck bend in the Colorado River. Many visitors claim this view rivals or surpasses the Grand Canyon. You can see Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district, the river's meandering path, and layered canyon walls stretching to the horizon.
The park is also famous as the filming location for the iconic final scene of Thelma & Louise, as well as scenes from Mission: Impossible II and Westworld.
What to do here:
- Short walks to multiple overlooks
- Mountain biking on the Intrepid Trail System
- Sunrise and sunset photography
- Stargazing programs (Dark Sky certified since 2016)
- Camping with front-door access to trails
Practical advantage: Unlike the national parks, Dead Horse Point rarely has parking issues or crowds. You can show up midday and still find a spot.
Scenic Drives and Roadside Discoveries
Not every Moab adventure requires hiking boots or a helmet. Some of the area's best experiences come from behind the windshield or just off the pavement.
Highway 128 (Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway)
This 44-mile route follows the Colorado River from Moab to I-70, passing through Castle Valley with its towering red rock monoliths. Hollywood discovered this road decades ago. You'll recognize the landscape from countless westerns and car commercials.
Stops worth making:
- Fisher Towers viewpoint and trailhead
- Castle Valley views (the backdrop of Thelma & Louise)
- Matrimony Springs (legend says drinking the water means you'll never leave Moab)
If you want an open-air experience on paved roads, Epic 4x4 Adventures rents Polaris Slingshot SLR three-wheeled roadsters. With 204 horsepower and a premium audio system, the Slingshot is street-legal and can access national parks, scenic byways, and Dead Horse Point. It's a completely different way to experience Moab's paved routes.
Potash Road (Highway 279)
Running along the Colorado River in the opposite direction, this road accesses climbing areas, petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and the start of several popular trails. It's a locals' favorite for road biking and casual exploration.
La Sal Mountain Loop Road
When the desert heat becomes too much, this 62-mile loop climbs to over 10,000 feet into alpine forests. The contrast is striking. You'll go from red rock desert to pine and aspen in under an hour. Visit in fall for spectacular color.
Ancient History: Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks
Moab's story stretches back millions of years, and you can see the evidence without a national park pass.
Petroglyphs
Rock panels etched by ancient peoples dot the landscape around Moab, particularly along Potash Road. These images, some thousands of years old, depict hunting scenes, spiritual symbols, and figures whose meaning we can only guess at. Look for interpretive signs along the highway marking accessible sites.
The Moab Discovery Tour from Epic 4x4 Adventures includes stops at ancient petroglyph sites as part of its 4-hour route. Their guides share the history of these rock panels and what archaeologists believe they represent.
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite
About 15 miles north of Moab, this site preserves tracks from eight different dinosaur species. A boardwalk and interpretive signs explain what you're seeing: footprints frozen in stone from when Utah was part of a vast inland sea during the Jurassic period. It's free, family-friendly, and genuinely fascinating.
What you'll see: Preserved tracks from carnivores and herbivores, with detailed signage explaining what made them and when.
Downtown Moab
After a few days in the backcountry, Moab's Main Street offers a welcome change of pace.
What to Do in Town
- Moab Garage Co: Great coffee, good food, eclectic vibes
- Food truck park: Variety for every taste
- Art galleries and shops: Local artists and gear outfitters
- Moab Rock Shop: A treasure trove of rocks, minerals, and fossils from local discoveries (open since 1960)
- Rotary Park: Playground, basketball court, and musical structures for kids
Moab has evolved into an artistic community that takes its responsibility to the land seriously. You'll find that spirit reflected in the locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and galleries along Main Street.
Planning Your Non-Park Adventures
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures, wildflowers possible, higher river flows for rafting. Book tours early because this is peak season.
Fall (September-November): Similar to spring with cooler evenings. La Sal Mountain Loop offers fall colors.
Summer (June-August): Hot, but ideal for river activities and any tour with climate control. Start early or go late to avoid midday heat.
Winter (December-February): Quieter, cheaper, and surprisingly pleasant for hiking when conditions allow. Some activities are weather-dependent.
Combining Activities
A typical Moab day might include:
- Morning rafting trip (3-4 hours)
- Lunch downtown
- Afternoon off-road tour or scenic drive
- Sunset at Dead Horse Point
- Stargazing after dark
Many outfitters offer package deals combining multiple activities. If you're short on time, these bundles help you experience more without the planning hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do in Moab without going to a national park?
The best alternatives include off-road UTV tours on trails like Hell's Revenge, Colorado River rafting trips, stargazing at Dark Sky locations, visiting Dead Horse Point State Park, exploring dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs, and taking scenic drives along Highway 128 or Potash Road.
Is Hell's Revenge suitable for beginners?
Yes, when done as a guided tour. Professional guides lead you through the trail in modern UTVs, providing instruction and support throughout. You don't need prior off-road experience, just a willingness to take the driver's seat. Guides coach you through obstacles and help you choose appropriate lines based on your comfort level.
What's the best way to beat the heat in Moab during summer?
River rafting is the most popular choice. You'll stay cool on the water while the desert bakes. Climate-controlled UTV tours are another option. Epic 4x4 Adventures offers the only enclosed, air-conditioned UTVs in Moab on their Moab Discovery Tour. Early morning activities and evening stargazing also help you avoid peak heat.
Are there free things to do in Moab?
Yes. Scenic drives on Highway 128 and Potash Road cost nothing. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite is free. Petroglyphs along Potash Road are accessible without fee. Stargazing requires only driving away from town lights (though guided tours enhance the experience). Dead Horse Point State Park has a small entrance fee but is significantly cheaper than national park passes.
How far in advance should I book tours?
During peak season (March-May and September-October), book rafting trips and popular UTV tours at least 2-4 weeks ahead. Summer is slightly less crowded but river trips still fill up. Last-minute availability is possible in winter and early spring.
Can kids do UTV tours?
Age requirements vary by outfitter and tour type. Many guided tours accept passengers as young as 5-6 years old, though minimum ages for drivers are typically 16-21 depending on the company and whether parents are present. At Epic 4x4 Adventures, passengers 16-17 can join guided tours with a parent or guardian present. Drivers must be 18+ for guided tours and 25+ for self-guided rentals.
