Frequently Asked Questions About Moab

The landscape of southeastern Utah is like no other place on Earth.  The ruggedly spectacular desert landscape and remote location of the adjoining towns often generates quite a few questions from first-time visitors.  The following list was compiled from some of the most frequently asked questions.

Are there any airports located near Moab?

Moab Airport is located 18 miles north of Moab.  Great Lakes Airlines currently provides scheduled daily flights to Denver, Colorado. The closest major airport to Moab is located in Salt Lake City (236 miles from Moab). Currently there are 9 major air carriers and 2 commuter airlines flying into Salt Lake City International Airport.  Walker Field, located in Grand Junction Colorado (110 miles from Moab), contains a small airport with daily commuter flights with United Express/Air Wisconsin, Skywest/Delta, and America West Express/Mesa Airlines.  Contact information for all of these airlines is located on our Airline Page.

Can I see Arches and Canyonlands National Park in a passenger car?

Yes, Arches National Park and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park contain paved scenic drives which go to all of the major viewpoints in the park.  The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park contains a short scenic drive, with the rest of the park accessible via backcountry hiking trails and 4 wheel drive roads.

How long should I allow to see Arches and Canyonlands National Parks?

The answer to this question depends upon what specific activities you are interested in doing. The scenic drives at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks (Island in the Sky District) can be driven in a few hours each.  Therefore, if you have a limited amount of time to stay in the area, you can get a good sample of both parks in one day.  However, it is advisable to spend at least a full day at each park so you can enjoy a few hikes to better experience the parks.  Several days can be spent at each park if you enjoy hiking many of the longer trails, and Canyonlands National Park contains enough backcountry to keep dedicated hikers and backpackers busy for years!

Is it worth visiting both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park?

Yes!  Arches and Canyonlands National Parks provide completely different experiences.  Arches National Park contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone openings.  The park provides visitors with an up-close experience of an unearthly, yet hauntingly beautiful, red rock landscape.  In contrast, the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is located atop a 1000 foot mesa with viewpoints that encompass thousands of square miles of ruggedly spectacular canyon country.  Because of the varicolored landscape of southeastern Utah many people feel that the views from the Island in the Sky actually surpass those seen at the Grand Canyon!

Is the heat unbearable in the summer?

Actually, the heat isn't as intense as you may have been led to believe.  This region is considered to be a high desert - ground level in Moab is 4000 feet and the surrounding National Parks reach elevations of over 6000 feet.  During the summer months there is very little cloud cover and our humidity is extremely low which results in remarkably cool and comfortable evenings.  As a result of that cooling, the morning temperatures are quite comfortable.  Getting an early start in the morning provides hikers and bikers many hours of comfortable temperatures.  The warmest part of the day is usually from 1pm-4pm.  Summer visitors to southern Utah often spend the morning enjoying the physical activity of their choice, and then spend the afternoon pursuing more relaxing activities such as scenic drives, horseback rides, or jetboat rides. Check out or Weather Page for a list of daily temps in the Moab area.

Where can I find more information about the other National Parks in Utah?

Information relating to all of the National Parks in southern Utah can be found on www.fiveutahparks.com

Is there public internet access in Moab?

Yes, Internet access is fairly common in many of the local lodging establishments, and at numerous restaurants around town. Internet access is denoted in our accommodation listings. The Grand County Library, (257 East Center St, Moab 435-259-1111) offers internet access for library card holders only.

Are there any supermarkets in Moab?

Yes, Moab has 2 full size grocery stores, both containing a deli and bakery:

City Market
425 S Main Street

Village Market
702 South Main Street

Are there any general merchandise stores in Moab?

Yes, Moab has several:

ALCO
1145 S. Highway 191
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-7707

Dollar General
835 S. Highway 191
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-8784

Family Dollar
702 S Highway 191 Ste 4
Moab, UT 84532-2943
(435) 259-0491

Walker Drug
290 S. Highway 191
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-5959

Is there a hospital in Moab?

Yes there is. In February, 2011 the new Moab Regional Hospital opened its doors to patients, replacing the 54-year old Allen Memorial Hospital. The new hospital is a 17-bed critical access hospital. Services include a full-service emergency room, general and orthopedic surgical services, primary care physicians, obstetrical services, and a wide-range of other specialists.

Moab Regional Hospital
450 Williams Way
Moab, UT  84532
(435) 259-7191

Is there a recycling center in Moab?

Yes, it is located at 1000 Sand Flats Road (on the way to the beautiful Slick Rock Bike Trail). The center is staffed Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at 259-8640.

Items accepted are: Corrugated cardboard, green, brown and clear glass jars and bottles, aluminum cans, steel (tin) cans, any color see-through #1 plastic bottles or container (like most soda/sport drinks bottles. Some strawberry-type containers/laundry scoops are #1 plastic too), newspaper, white and mixed office paper.

Recycling saves water, creates jobs, lowers pollution rates, preserves natural areas and promotes responsibility. Recycling matters!

Recycling Directory for Moab

Are there any Automated Teller Machines in Moab?

Yes, Moab contains quite a few ATMs. In addition to ATMs at Wells Fargo Bank and Zions National Bank, the supermarket and quite a few convenience stores also contain ATMs.

What Gas Stations are located in Moab?

Moab contains numerous gas stations including Shell, Phillips 66, Maverick, Black Oil, and Chevron.

Are there any public tennis courts in Moab?

Yes. The tennis courts at Grand County High School (608 South 400 East) are open to the public.

Can I hike with my pet?

NATIONAL PARKS
Activities with pets are very limited within the National Parks of southern Utah.  Pets are prohibited from the backcountry as well as on trails.  Pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle and may be walked only on roads or in parking lots.  Pets may accompany visitors in campgrounds.

PUBLIC LANDS
Generally, pets may accompany you as you hike on public land in Canyon Country.  (Check out our Moab Brochure Rack for a downloadable brochure with some popular Moab area hikes.)  For the safety of your pet (there are many shear drop-offs in Canyon Country) and other hikers, pets should be kept under verbal control at all times.  Be aware that other wildlife may be encountered along trails. Please note that heavily traveled areas may have additional regulations regarding pets.  For exact regulations regarding the specific area you will be visiting, contact the appropriate Bureau of Land Management office:

Moab BLM Office (Moab Area)
435-259-2100

Price BLM Office (North of Moab)
435-636-3600

San Juan BLM Office (South of Moab)
435-587-2141

Please remember that the climate of southeastern Utah is considered to be an arid desert. Summertime temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach life threatening levels in a short period of time.  Therefore, it is not recommended that you leave your pet in a vehicle. 

There are several kennels with boarding services in Moab:

Karen's Canine Campground
2781 S. Roberts
(435) 259-7922

Moab Veterinary Clinic
2575 Spanish Valley Drive
(435) 259-8710

Desert Doggie Daycare
4890 Sunny Acres Lane
435-259-4841

Pet supplies can be purchased at the following businesses:

• ALCO Discount Store, 1145 South Hwy. 191
• City Market, 425 South Main
• The Garden Center, 240 West Center
• Moab Barkery - 82 N Main Street
• Spanish Valley Feed Store, 2728 S. Hwy. 191
• Village Market, 702 S Main Street
• Walker Drug, 290 South Main

Why are the trees along the Colorado River turning brown and what are those tiny beetles near the river?

Those trees are actually tamarisk, an invasive and non-native plant. Riparian lands in the Western U.S. have been severely impacted by many human-related actions, but none so much as the introduction of tamarisk. The Colorado River Corridor is an ecosystem that has been out of balance for several decades, and now the tamarisk has spread to such an extent that it has effectively altered the natural functions and processes of the ecosystem.

In an effort to control the problem, the harmless tamarisk or saltcedar leaf beetle (Diorhabda elongata) has been released along the Colorado Riverway. Beetles are an effective biological control used to reduce or eradicate tamarisk. The beetles are a natural control agent from areas in the world where tamarisk originated. After much study, the beetles were brought to the U.S. in an attempt to stem the tide of the tamarisk invasion.

For more information on the tamarisk and beetles, click here.

How complete are your listings of accommodations, campgrounds and tour operators?

Our listings are 100% complete.  This website is produced by the Moab Area Travel Council in Moab, Utah.  One of our main duties is to represent every business in town.  Unlike other Moab websites, on which listings must be purchased, we include listings for all businesses operating within our county.  As a result, our site is the only major Moab website featuring complete listings of local accommodations, campgrounds, and tour operators.

Are there any health food stores in Moab?

Yes - Moonflower Market - located on 100 North, across from the Post Office.  They can be reached at (435) 259-5712.

Is there any live music at night in Moab?

Yes!  The following establishments often feature live entertainment on the weekends.  Check with each establishment for their current schedule.

Rio Colorado
200 South 100 West
(435) 259-6666
Rock/Blues/Reggae/Alternative

Frankie D's Bar & Grill
44 West 200 North
(435) 259-2654
Karaoke

Woody's Tavern
221 South Main
(435) 259-9323
Rock/Blues/Alternative

What are the current road conditions in southern Utah?

24-hour automated road condition information can be accessed using any Utah-based phone by simply dialing 511. Outside Utah, you can access the same information by dialing toll-free 866-511-UTAH (8824). You can also access this information via the Internet at the following address:

http://www.dot.utah.gov/index.php/m=c/tid=9

I've been backcountry camping for over a week.  Can I get a shower in Moab?

For a small fee a few of the local campgrounds allow visitors to come in and take a shower.  Check out the following page for a complete list:

Where can I get a shower?

Is there anywhere in Moab to rent a satellite phone or 2-way radio?

Yes, WF Communications rents satellite phones and commercial grade 2-way radios. You can contact them at (800) 717-1895, (435) 259-8240, or visit their website at www.wfcommunications.net.