Since you're here, we're going to go out on a limb and assume you're planning a trip to Moab, Utah. If this is your first visit, you'll be surprised by the diverse natural landscapes surrounding the city. Deserts, rivers, forests—it's all there, waiting to be explored.
The Top Things to Do in Moab, Utah
Here are some activities that will make your visit to the Eastern Utah region worthwhile:
Mountain Biking
Moab is a premier mountain biking destination. Its trails are not suitable for newbies, but if you know your way around a bike, you would love exploring these trails. You'll find bike racks overflowing with bikes, riders zipping through town en route to trails, and numerous bike rental shops. Yes, you don’t need to bring your own set of wheels, bike rental in Moab is quite easy and simple.
For those who’ve mastered the basics and are up for some serious mountain biking, Moab's legendary expert trails like the Slickrock Bike Trail, The Whole Enchilada, and Porcupine Rim are an absolute must. If you're a beginner or intermediate rider, the Intrepid Trail System in Dead Horse Point State Park offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and accessible terrain with stunning views of the Colorado River.
For those who’ve mastered the basics and are up for some serious mountain biking, Moab's legendary expert trails like the Slickrock Bike Trail, The Whole Enchilada, and Porcupine Rim are an absolute must. If you're a beginner or intermediate rider, the Intrepid Trail System in Dead Horse Point State Park offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and accessible terrain with stunning views of the Colorado River.
Hiking
Moab has plenty of hiking trails to keep your feet busy, even if you don’t venture into the nearby national parks. Grandstaff and Corona Arch are easy hikes close to town, featuring stunning arches. Be sure to look around, as rock art can often be seen along the canyon walls. Make sure to stay on the designated paths to protect the region’s delicate cryptobiotic soil, which is essential for desert plant life.
This fragile soil is essential for the desert ecosystem, and even a single misstep can result in damage that takes decades to repair. Besides preserving the delicate balance of the environment, there are also hidden hazards off-trail, making it risky to stray from the designated paths. If you're unsure which way to go, look for cairn markers—stone piles placed to guide hikers.
This fragile soil is essential for the desert ecosystem, and even a single misstep can result in damage that takes decades to repair. Besides preserving the delicate balance of the environment, there are also hidden hazards off-trail, making it risky to stray from the designated paths. If you're unsure which way to go, look for cairn markers—stone piles placed to guide hikers.
Stargazing
Moab is a top-tier outdoor destination known for its stunning dark skies. In 2016, local leaders took action to address light pollution by passing an outdoor lighting ordinance, which was updated in 2023. Moab was officially named a dark sky community in 2024.
Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Moab’s location is a paradise for national park lovers, with Arches National Park just 5.2 miles away and Canyonlands National Park a short 30 miles from town. Each park offers so much to explore, you'd need a week at each to scratch the surface. You can enjoy some of the stunning rock formations that make Arches and Canyonlands famous even from the comfort of your vehicle, but to truly experience the parks, it’s best to explore on foot. Key attractions like Delicate Arch and Mesa Arch demand a hike to earn their spectacular views.
Enjoy the Rich Cuisine
Moab has something for every taste, with a variety of eateries ranging from food trucks to fine dining. Whether you’re in the mood for a brewery, pizzeria, boutique café, or diner, you’ll find plenty to choose from. For Thai cuisine, Arches Thai is the spot, offering everything from pho to drunken noodles. For a more affordable option, grab a bite at Tacos EL Gordo at the Main Street street food market. If you're in the mood for something more sophisticated, make a reservation at Desert Bistro for an exquisite glass of Argentinian Malbec.
Go Rafting in the Colorado River
If you’re visiting Moab in the summer, rafting on the Colorado River is an experience you won’t want to miss. With July temperatures soaring past 100°F, cooling off on the water was a refreshing break from hiking the national parks. Plus, you can even take a quick swim in the river! This top-rated rafting tour takes you through some of the river’s wilder sections. It’s an unmissable adventure and one of the best ways to take in Moab’s natural beauty!
Experience Breathtaking Views on Utah’s Scenic Byway 128
Utah State Road 128 might be one of Moab’s best-hidden gems. With its dramatic desert scenery, winding path along the Colorado River, and towering canyon walls, it’s every bit as stunning as the famous Highway 163. While it may not match the Monument Valley Scenic Drive in sheer grandeur, it offers a different but equally unforgettable experience. Even with its stunning scenery and close proximity to Moab, Utah’s Scenic Byway 128 remains surprisingly quiet. You’ll have much of the road to yourself, making it a peaceful escape into nature. Covering 46 miles from Cisco to Moab, the journey takes about an hour—but with views this good, you may want to linger.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Moab?
Winter is an ideal time to visit Moab for a quieter, more intimate experience. Wander through stunning red rock landscapes, chase the snow in the La Sal Mountains, and make the most of the town’s vibrant shops and restaurants. But overall, Moab in spring and autumn offer the best experience. Temperatures range from the 70s to low 80s°F.
Winters can be chilly, with January lows in the 20s, while summer brings scorching heat over 100°F. Snow does fall in Moab, but it rarely lingers, and though heavy storms in March and April are uncommon, they do happen. When it rains, the slickrock lives up to its name, becoming extremely slippery—so check the forecast before setting off on an adventure. Be prepared for any adventure by packing a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, a headlamp, a first aid kit, and more water than you think you’ll need.
Winters can be chilly, with January lows in the 20s, while summer brings scorching heat over 100°F. Snow does fall in Moab, but it rarely lingers, and though heavy storms in March and April are uncommon, they do happen. When it rains, the slickrock lives up to its name, becoming extremely slippery—so check the forecast before setting off on an adventure. Be prepared for any adventure by packing a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, a headlamp, a first aid kit, and more water than you think you’ll need.
Wrap Up: Is Moab Worth Visiting?
Moab is a hidden treasure that has tons of surprises in store for you. A world-class destination for hiking and mountain biking, it also offers breathtaking scenic drives that showcase its stunning natural wonders.
Whether you're seeking thrills on the trails or a peaceful retreat in the great outdoors, Moab promises a refreshingly unique getaway!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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