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Moab Information Center
Welcome to Moab
Once you arrive in Moab, your first stop should be the Moab Information Center (MIC). Conveniently located at the corner of Main and Center Street in Moab, the MIC offers information on recreational opportunities and visitor services throughout southeastern Utah. Allow some time for the interpretive displays and large gift shop featuring guide books, maps, videos, videos, postcards, and much more.
Arches National Park
The world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches.
Timed Entry Reservation System Update for 2024
Between November 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, timed entry tickets will not be necessary to enter the park.
Between April 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024 Arches National Park is implementing a Pilot Timed Entry Reservation System. This system provides reliable access to the park and results in a higher quality visitor experience. Prior to this system there was no guarantee of access to the park during the peak season. With a little advanced planning visitors enjoyed a stress-free visit to one of the most beautiful national parks in the nation. Read more…
Located just 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, you will discover the awe-inspiring Arches National Park, boasting the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches on Earth. With over 2,000 arches scattered across its vast 76,518-acre expanse, this park is a treasure trove of geological wonders. Towering sandstone fins, majestic balanced rocks, and soaring pinnacles and spires dominate the landscape, leaving visitors in awe as they explore the park’s numerous viewpoints and hiking trails.
Embarking on a scenic drive along a paved route, visitors can easily access the park’s key viewpoints, allowing them to soak in the breathtaking vistas. However, Arches National Park offers more than just stunning arches. Its rock formations captivate the imagination of both children and adults alike. Families can venture out of their vehicles and embark on easy trails, providing kids with the perfect opportunity to intimately experience the arches up close.
For avid hikers seeking a deeper connection with this natural marvel, the park offers an array of trail options. Whether you prefer a leisurely twenty-minute stroll leading to some of the largest arches in the park or an adventurous trek into lesser-explored areas, Arches National Park caters to all levels of hiking enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Arches National Park, where nature’s artistry unfolds at every turn.
Arches National Park’s Twitter page is a great source of up-to-the-minute park information. Check it out here.
Mailing Address
Arches National Park P.O. Box 907 Moab, UT 84532Visitors Center GPS Coordinates
38.616391, -109.620345Website
www.nps.gov/archMailing Address
Arches National Park P.O. Box 907 Moab, UT 84532Visitors Center GPS Coordinates
38.616391, -109.620345Websites
www.nps.gov/arch/
Please note that food is not available within the park. The closest restaurants are either in the town of Moab, at Dead Horse Point State Park, or at the dinosaur museum at the intersection of Highways 191 and 313 (entrance fee is not required to access the restaurant).
People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors’ to-do lists. In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park.
Learn More About Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
A short paved trail leads visitors to the base of Balanced Rock. The landform’s total height is 128 feet, with the huge balanced rock rising 55 feet above its base.
The longest natural rock span in the world, this arch’s opening is 306 feet wide – 6 feet longer than a football field. A nine story building would easily fit beneath this thin span. In 1991, a massive slab of rock fell from its underside, resulting in an even thinner ribbon of rock.
April and May bring a variety of desert wildflowers to Arches.
Located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park, Double Arch was used as a backdrop for portions of the 1988 movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Numerous other movies have been filmed in Arches National Park, including Thelma and Louise in 1991.
From Park Avenue parking area, the trail descends steeply into a spectacular canyon and continues down the wash to Courthouse Towers. If you have a shuttle driver, you can begin at one point and be picked up at the other. For round-trip hiking, retrace your steps along the trail rather than walk along the park road.
Winter brings a blanket of pristine snow to Arches, providing dramatic contrast to the surrounding red rocks.
There are many family friendly hikes in Arches, including the hike to Turret Arch in the Windows Section.
Your help is crucial in preserving our trails and protecting the fragile soil that sustains the desert ecosystem. The biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, serves as the foundation for desert plant life. This unique black, knobby crust is composed of diverse living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert environment.
However, this soil crust is exceptionally delicate and can take several decades to regenerate. Even a single footstep can cause irreparable damage that can persist for years, impacting the entire ecosystem. We urge you to stay on designated roads, routes, and trails to ensure the preservation of this fragile life. In areas where hiking trails are not established, it is advisable to hike on sandy washes or bare rock surfaces to minimize the impact on the soil.
By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of the desert ecosystem and help safeguard its natural beauty for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep all of our trails open and protect the invaluable biological soil crust.
Try not to limit your creativity by simply capturing images of iconic places using the same composition as countless photographers before you. Arches National Park contains thousands of arches and vast expanses of breathtaking scenery just waiting for you to introduce your own personal style and interpretation. For those seeking solitude, Arches has much to offer beyond its iconic places. For example, consider a hike to Double O Arch, returning via the Primitive Trail, for some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. Just remember to bring enough memory cards to capture all of the great views!
| Early Morning | Late Afternoon |
| Moab Fault | Park Avenue |
| The Three Gossips | Courthouse Towers |
| Sheep Rock | Petrified Dunes |
| The Great Wall | Balanced Rock |
| Turret Arch | The Garden of Eden |
| The Spectacles | North and South Windows |
| Double Arch | Delicate Arch (at end of main trail) |
| Cache Valley | Fiery Furnace |
| Wolfe Ranch | Skyline Arch |
| Landscape Arch | Fins in Devil Garden |
| Double O Arch | Tower Arch |
Dead Horse Point State Park
The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world.
32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Millions of years of geologic activity created the spectacular views from Dead Horse Point State Park. Deposition of sediments by ancient oceans, freshwater lakes, streams and wind blown sand dunes created the rock layers of canyon country. Igneous activity formed the high mountains that rise like cool blue islands from the desert below.
The legend of Dead Horse Point states that in the late 1800’s the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa top. Cowboys herded them across the narrow neck of land and onto the point. The neck was then fenced off with branches and brush. One time, for some unknown reason, horses were left corralled on the waterless point where they died of thirst within view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below.
There are miles of pet-friendly developed hiking trails in the park, including a paved trail which provides easy access to some of the most scenic views. Mountain Bikers will love the new Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point. With slickrock sections, looping singletrack, sandy washes, and incredible scenery, the Intrepid Trail System provides a great taste of what Moab mountain biking is all about. This is the perfect ride for families and offers spectacular views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
Mailing Address
Dead Horse Point State Park
P.O. Box 609
Moab, UT 84532
Visitors Center GPS Coordinates
38.487767, -109.735997
Website
Mailing Address
Dead Horse Point State Park
P.O. Box 609
Moab, UT 84532
Visitors Center GPS Coordinates
38.487767, -109.735997
Website
Eight miles of pet friendly hiking trails in the park include two joining loops around the rim and several spurs to beautiful viewpoints.
The Intrepid Trail System has three hiking and biking loops ranging from one to nine miles with varying degrees of difficulty.
Nine yurts are available for overnight use and are available by reservation. Open year-round.
Dead Horse Point’s combination of breathtaking scenery and easy accessibility has made it a must-see for visitors to the Moab area.
Dead Horse Point State Park, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, is one of the most active and accessible areas to stargaze in the Moab area. Its high plateau location, mountains far in the distance and cities out of sight yields a nearly full view of celestial sphere. Park staff routinely provide programs celebrating the night sky, from walks under the full moon to gazing through telescopes at objects millions of light years away. Whether you want to enjoy by yourself or join a ranger, Dead Horse Point State Park is a premier spot to see the skies our ancestors wondered over and survived with.
Download Dead Horse Point State Park’s Dark Sky Brochure to learn more.
Your help is crucial in preserving our trails and protecting the fragile soil that sustains the desert ecosystem. The biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, serves as the foundation for desert plant life. This unique black, knobby crust is composed of diverse living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert environment.
However, this soil crust is exceptionally delicate and can take several decades to regenerate. Even a single footstep can cause irreparable damage that can persist for years, impacting the entire ecosystem. We urge you to stay on designated roads, routes, and trails to ensure the preservation of this fragile life. In areas where hiking trails are not established, it is advisable to hike on sandy washes or bare rock surfaces to minimize the impact on the soil.
By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of the desert ecosystem and help safeguard its natural beauty for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep all of our trails open and protect the invaluable biological soil crust.
Canyonlands National Park
The largest national park in Utah, with diversity that staggers the imagination.
Canyonlands, Utah’s largest national park, offers an astonishing array of natural wonders. For an easy and rewarding experience, head to the Island in the Sky District, a mere 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab. Along the paved scenic drive you’ll find numerous pullouts that grant magnificent views of the park and surrounding public lands. Adventurers can also venture into the backcountry using hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads for day trips or overnight stays.
Perched atop a towering 1500-foot mesa, the Island in the Sky truly lives up to its name. With 20 miles (32.2 km) of paved roads, this district unlocks some of the most breathtaking vistas in Canyon Country. From these elevated viewpoints, visitors can often see over 100 miles (161 km) in any direction, revealing panoramic scenes that stretch across thousands of square miles of canyon country. Take a brief day-hike or unwind during a serene late afternoon while basking in the beauty of a sunset. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, the Island in the Sky guarantees an unforgettable experience for the whole family, immersing you in the wonders of Canyon Country.
Phone: General Info
(435) 719-2313Backcountry Information
(435) 259-4351Mailing Address
Canyonlands National ParkDay-Use Permits
You must have a day-use permit for four-wheel-drive, motorcycle, and bicycle travel on:
Overnight Permits
River Permits
Horseback Riding, and Pack- and Stock-Use Permits
Phone: General Info
(435) 719-2313Backcountry Information
(435) 259-4351Mailing Address
Canyonlands National ParkNearby Campgrounds
In addition to the campground located within the park, there is a great selection of additional campgrounds in the surrounding area. Moab has many commercial campgrounds with RV hookups in addition to a huge assortment of BLM public campgrounds in extremely scenic locations. Click here for a complete list of all the camping options available in the Moab area.
Where to Stay
No lodging is available within the park. The closest lodging is located within the town of Moab, just 5 miles south of the entrance to the park.
Moab has hotels & motels, bed & breakfasts, resorts and a large variety of guest houses and condos. Several property management companies can even take the hassle out of finding the right accommodations. Click here for a complete list of all the lodging options available in the Moab area.
Day-Use Permits
You must have a day-use permit for four-wheel-drive, motorcycle, and bicycle travel on:
Overnight Permits
River Permits
Horseback Riding, and Pack- and Stock-Use Permits
Please note that food is not available within the park. The closest restaurants are either in the town of Moab, at Dead Horse Point State Park, or at the dinosaur museum at the intersection of Highways 191 and 313 (entrance fee is not required to access the restaurant).
The Green River meanders beneath the Island in the Sky, as seen from the Green River Overlook. A paved walkway leads right up to the overlook.
A great hike for families with small children, the .5 mi (.8 km) round trip hike to Mesa Arch rewards visitors with a naturally framed view of canyon country.
The Shafer Trail descends from the Island in the Sky to the White Rim. A high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. For current conditions check at the visitor center or call 435-259-4351.
Located in Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon contains fourteen miles of rapids ranging in difficulty up to Class V.
Indian Paintbrush are just one of the many wildflowers that populate the Island in the Sky in the Spring (April-June).
Canyonlands National Park, which contains some of the darkest night skies in North America, is a popular destination for stargazers. Click here for the latest sunrise/sunset and moon phase information for Moab.
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, particularly for the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island in the Sky. The Maze also offers some multi-day trip possibilities, though the logistics and roads are more difficult (for the support vehicles, not the bikes).
The Colorado and Green rivers wind through the heart of Canyonlands, cutting through layered sandstone to form two deep canyons. Both rivers are calm upstream of the Confluence, ideal for canoes, kayaks and other shallow water craft. Below the Confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a world-class stretch of white water.
Your help is crucial in preserving our trails and protecting the fragile soil that sustains the desert ecosystem. The biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, serves as the foundation for desert plant life. This unique black, knobby crust is composed of diverse living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert environment.
However, this soil crust is exceptionally delicate and can take several decades to regenerate. Even a single footstep can cause irreparable damage that can persist for years, impacting the entire ecosystem. We urge you to stay on designated roads, routes, and trails to ensure the preservation of this fragile life. In areas where hiking trails are not established, it is advisable to hike on sandy washes or bare rock surfaces to minimize the impact on the soil.
By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of the desert ecosystem and help safeguard its natural beauty for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep all of our trails open and protect the invaluable biological soil crust.
With hundreds of miles of four-wheel-drive roads, Canyonlands offers ideal terrain for multi-night mountain bike trips. Most groups travel with vehicle support to haul water and gear since there are few reliable water sources along these roads. For the truly adventurous, self-supported trips with panniers and trailers are also possible. Bikes must remain on designated roads: there are no single-track trails in the park.
Things to Know
Where Can I Ride My Bike?
You can ride a bicycle on any public roadway in the park. Some roads are better for cycling than others. Check at visitor centers for recommendations and road conditions.
Paved Roads
You can ride on paved roads at the Island in the Sky. You must must ride single file. There are no road shoulders or bike lanes; please be aware of passing vehicles.
Backcountry Roads
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain, particularly for the 100-mile White Rim Road at Island in the Sky. The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Bicycle trips usually take three to four days. Overnight and day-use permits are required.
Do I Need a Permit?
During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, especially to bike and camp along the White Rim Road, we recommend making reservations well in advance. You can reserve overnight permits up to four months in advance of the start of your trip. Day-use permits are available up to 24 hours in advance of your trip.
Mountain bike groups must travel single-file, remain on established roads, and camp in designated sites. There is no single-track riding in the park. We recommend a support vehicle for all multi-day bike trips: there are no water sources along most of the roads. Guided trips are available for many destinations within Canyonlands.
On August 30, 2019 the National Park Service announced a new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy for national parks, expanding recreational opportunities and accessibility. The policy supports Secretary’s Order 3376, signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on August 29, 2019, that directs Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus to create a clear and consistent e-bike policy on all federal lands managed by the Department.
Beginning October 1, 2019, visitors to Southeast Utah Group parks (Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments) will be allowed to use e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed. Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on paved and unpaved roads that are open to the public. Bicycles and e-bikes are not allowed on any trails in the parks.
There are no charging stations in the parks. Generators are not allowed in the backcountry. This change in e-bike policy applies to private and commercial use in the parks.
The National Park Service announcement and the agency’s new e-bike policy are available online at www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/ebikepolicy.htm.
Canyonlands is a paradise for photographers. Under conditions of constantly changing light, the varicolored landscape provides limitless photographic opportunities. Often, the difference between an average photograph and an exceptional photograph is good lighting. Low sun angles at sunrise and sunset can add brilliant color to the rock. Scattered clouds can also add depth to an image and a passing storm can provide extremely dramatic lighting.
A Holiday Guide to Moab
‘Tis the season to revel in the joy of Christmas in Moab! With off-season rates making our hotels irresistibly affordable, and an array of retail shops and restaurants welcoming visitors year-round, there’s no better time to bask in the festive atmosphere. The natural wonders of our national and state parks, as well as the myriad hiking and biking trails, remain open year-round for those seeking adventure amid the scenic beauty.
Hiking & Biking in Winter
Moab Arts & Recreation Center – 111 East 100 North, Moab
Many people are surpised to discover that a large number of Moab’s retail shops and galleries are open throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring locally owned boutiques, outdoor gear stores, or artisanal shops, the diverse selection reflects the adventurous spirit of Moab, making it an ideal destination for those seeking gifts that align with the town’s rugged and vibrant character.
The holiday season transforms Moab’s retail and gear shops into festive havens. Decorated storefronts and a generally welcoming atmosphere contribute to a magical ambiance that enhances the joy of gift hunting. Choosing to support local businesses in Moab not only ensures you find distinctive and purposeful gifts but also contributes to the sustainability and vitality of the community.
Retail Shops Open Year-Round
Retail Shops Not Quite Open Year-Round
Note: All shops may be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. This list may not yet be 100% complete. We are still in the process of reaching out to our local businesses.
Holiday hours for restaurants in Moab can be a challenge, but fortunately, numerous dining establishments in Moab remain open throughout the year, albeit with modified schedules.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve
Arches Thai • Bangkok House Too • Bon Jour Bakery Cafe • Canyon Steak & Waffle House • Cafe Italiano • Cowboy Grill at Red Cliffs Lodge • Domino’s Pizza • El Tapito • Gloria’s Cafe • Fiesta Mexicana • Josie Wyatt’s Grille • McDonald’s • Moab Brewery • Moab Coffee Roasters • Moab Grill • Pasta Jay’s • Pizza Hut • Proper Brewing/Package Agency • Red Rock Bakery • Singha Thai • Snake Oil Coffee Company • The River Grill at Sorrel • Spitfire Smokehouse • Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro • Thai Bella • The Spoke on Center • Wendy’s • Zax Restaurant
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Arches Thai • Bangkok House Too • Bon Jour BakeryCafe • Cafe Italiano • Cowboy Grill at Red Cliffs Lodge • Gloria’s Cafe • Josie Wyatt’s Grille • Moab Grill • Singha Thai • Spitfire Smokehouse • Moab Chevron/Stu’s Deli • Thai Bella • The River Grill at Sorrel
Restaurants Open on New Year’s Eve
Arches Thai • Bangkok House Too • Blu Pig • Canyon Steak & Waffle House • Cowboy Grill at Red Cliffs • Domino’s Pizza • El Tapito • Fiesta Mexicana • Gilberto’s • Gloria’s Cafe • Josie Wyatt’s Grille • McDonald’s • Moab Coffee Roasters • Moab Brewery • Moab Grill • Pasta Jay’s • Pizza Hut • Proper Brewing Co. • Red Rock Bakery • Singha Thai • Snake Oil Coffee Company • Spitfire Smokehouse • Thai Bella • The River Grill at Sorrel • The Spoke on Center • Village Market • Wendy’s • World Famous Woody’s Tavern • Zax Restaurant
Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day
Arches Thai • Bangkok House Too • Blu Pig • Canyon Steak & Waffle House • Cafe Italiano • Dave’s Corner Market • Domino’s Pizza • El Tapito • Fiesta Mexicana • Gilberto’s • Gloria’s Cafe • Josie Wyatt’s Grille • McDonald’s • Moab Brewery • Moab Coffee Roasters • Moab Diner • Moab Grill • Pasta Jay’s • Pizza Hut • Proper Brewing • Cowboy Grill at Red Cliffs • Singha Thai Cuisine • Spitfire Smokehouse • Thai Bella • The River Grill at Sorrel • Spoke on Center • Wendy’s
Moab’s Electric Light Parade on the first Saturday on December
Embarking on an off-season escape to Moab promises to be an unforgettable experience, where each decision made unfolds into a tapestry of indelible memories. The allure of Moab, set against the stunning backdrop of southern Utah’s landscapes, ensures that every moment becomes a treasure trove of exploration. Whether you opt for an exhilarating adventure, taking a leisurely stroll through festively adorned streets, or basking in the warmth of local hospitality, Moab presents endless possibilities. As you uncover our vibrant local culture, festive events, and community celebrations, Moab’s winter becomes a time of warmth and camaraderie. Discover our city’s rich history, seasonal festivities, and relish the cozy comforts of local eateries. Your winter visit to Moab is not merely a journey; it is an odyssey into the realm of unforgettable moments that leave an indelible mark on your soul, where the beauty of nature converges with the warmth of community. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun!
Responsible Recreation Training for Moab Businesses
Grand County Economic Development is partnering with local businesses to help educate visitors about responsible recreation practices in the Moab area. From our iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, to the vast expanse of public lands that extends well beyond these borders, the Moab area stands as a testament to the magnificence of Nature’s Masterpiece. Our rugged landscapes are a true treasure, yet they also reveal a surprising vulnerability. Even unassuming desert potholes cradle a vibrant array of creatures, each as exceptional as the grand landscape that envelopes them. The living biocrust that delicately covers our desert terrain stands as a cornerstone of a thriving ecosystem, deserving of our utmost care.
At the heart of the Moab Steward Business Training Program lies a mission to educate front-facing personnel about responsible and respectful recreation practices, and to empower them to impart this wisdom to the public. The program’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding our environment resonates strongly. They firmly believe that every individual possesses the capacity to contribute to a sustainable future for our planet. In this rallying call, they extend an open invitation to all Moab businesses, urging them to unite in the shared endeavor of preserving these natural marvels for generations to come.
Partnering businesses will receive:
Moab businesses can participate by:
For more information contact Anna Sprout at asprout@grandcountyutah.net.
2023 Annular Eclipse
Tips for viewing the October 14, 2023 eclipse in Moab.
Moab will be in the path of a Partial Annular Solar Eclipse on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 between 9:10 am and 12:00 pm, with maximum occurring at 10:31 am. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” around the Moon. Although not in the direct path, Moab will still experience up to a 90% partial eclipse. This will present once in a lifetime photo opportunities at Delicate Arch and other well known locations in our area. As a result, there is a very strong potential for increased visitation during this already busy time of year during the days surrounding the eclipse.
There are two main types of solar eclipses: a total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness in the area under its path; and an annular solar eclipse, where the Moon appears smaller, leaving a ring-like shape of the Sun visible around its edges.
Due to an expected increase in visitation in southeastern Utah during the days surrounding the eclipse, there may be a strain on local resources. Be prepared for the following:
The only safe way to look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers that comply with the transmission requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun because they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes. During a partial solar eclipse there is no time when it is safe to look directly at the Sun without eye protection.
Because of the expected influx of additional visitors to view the eclipse, it is extra important to follow these guidelines to help preserve this fragile area.
Fire Safety
For additional fire safety information visit utahfiresense.org.
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Stay on the Trail
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Protect the Past
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Leave Rocks as you See Them
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Pack out Trash
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Be Responsible with Human Waste
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Respect Community, Trail Users and Wildlife
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Dogs on Trails
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If you’re planning a trip to Moab, you’re likely aware of its status as an oasis for outdoor recreation. But the city of Moab has a lot to offer when it comes to dining, arts, and culture, too. Read on for your guide on how to make the most of a three-day trip to the Moab area.
Morning: Canyonlands National Park
Start your day at Canyonlands National Park. Roughly 30 miles outside Moab, the Island in the Sky District provides sweeping canyon views and stunning red rock panoramas. In a few hours’ time, you can drive the park’s 20 miles of paved roads to Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Upheaval Dome and hike the Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, and Upheaval Dome Overlook Trails. Get up early to beat the crowds and catch sunrise at the Mesa Arch or any of the viewpoints inside the park.
Mesa Arch
Green River Overlook
Lunch: Dead Horse Point State Park
On your way back from Canyonlands, don’t miss Dead Horse Point State Park. Head to Dead Horse Point Overlook to take in the view of the Colorado River and the surrounding pinnacles and buttes that make up one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Enjoy a picnic lunch and stop in the Visitor Center.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park
Afternoon: Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park
Fun for the whole family, Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park is the first of its kind worldwide! Take a journey back through time with a 3D cinema experience and a half-mile trail featuring more than 130 full-size reconstructions of dinosaurs and their tracks. Inside the Tracks Museum, you’ll find interactive learning touch screens, games to play, and visually stunning educational exhibits. These exhibits also include insights into the history and prehistory of the Moab area and windows into Moab Giant’s research labs.
Evening: Dinner in Town
After a full day of exploring, head into town to refuel. Moab is home to a variety of cuisines and local eats. For family-friendly dining, try Moab Diner or Moab Grill. To enjoy a local brew with your meal, visit Moab Brewery or Proper Brewing Moab.
During the Day: Choose Your Own Adventure
Spend the day recreating in Moab’s red rock wilderness. Thanks to the numerous local guides and outfitters, visitors of all ability levels can enjoy their favorite activity to the fullest, or try something new. Some popular options include:
Bar-M Trail
Scenic Flight
In the Evening: Wind Down
Toast to a day well spent at Moab’s own local winery. Visitors may be surprised to learn Moab’s long growing season, coupled with its fertile, sandy soils, has resulted in delicious white German-varietal wines. Spanish Valley Vineyards & Winery specializes in these single-vineyard estate-bottled wines, which means they grow the grapes, ferment, and bottle the wine all at their single location. Stop by to enjoy the sunset with a tasting or tour.
Morning: Experience History
After back-to-back adventure-filled days, sleep in and grab a leisurely breakfast. For a full spread, visit Jailhouse Cafe. If you’re in need of a quick bite, grab coffee and one of the deliciously inventive doughnuts at Doughbird.
To learn more about Moab’s beginnings, join the historical walking tour led by Moab Museum staff. This one-mile guided tour focuses on Moab’s fascinating and seldom told pre-uranium history and delves into the agricultural history of canyon country.
Historical Walking Tour
Arches National Park
Afternoon: Arches National Park
Next, make your way to Arches National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of sandstone arches located just five miles from downtown Moab. You can drive the entire park in three hours with 10-minute stops at each viewpoint and a short hike at the Windows section of the park. If you’re planning to visit between April 1 and October 31, plan ahead, as a timed entry reservation is required.
Evening: Art and Souvenirs
For a unique dinner option, visit the Moab Food Truck Park. With 14 different food trucks offering a variety of options, there’s something to please everyone’s palate. Spend the rest of the evening wandering the shops and art galleries on downtown’s Main Street, where you’ll find everything from landscape paintings and photography to jank art (sculptures made from desert finds) and locally made goods. Then, end your trip on a sweet note with dessert at Crystal’s Cakes and Cones.
Downtown Moab
Moab Art
Moab Area Transit
Moab’s New Fare-Free Transit System
The Moab Area Transit (MAT) pilot program is a new, fare-free, transit service in Moab. MAT provides residents and visitors with more options for day-to-day transportation in Moab. Transportation will be provided using comfortable MAT-branded 13-passenger vans.
MAT includes an on-demand microtransit service providing door-to-door transportation to and from any location within the broader service area. Download the MAT app on your phone to schedule rides.
March 16 – October 15
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
October 16 – March 15
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
MAT also includes a fixed-route service that will bring riders to predetermined destinations along Main Street. This route will provide regular stops between the Fairfield Inn north of town to the Utah State University Moab campus at Aggie Boulevard.
One goal of the fixed route is to reduce downtown traffic congestion by providing a transportation option that encourages visitors to leave their vehicles at their hotels and instead travel downtown for shopping and dining via the MAT 13-passenger vans. Residents are also invited to take advantage of the fixed-route service for quick travel along Moab’s Main Street.
March 16 – October 15
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
October 16 – March 15
No fixed-route service
Download the MAT App by visiting your favorite app store or by scanning the QR Code above.
For more info or to request a ride by phone call 1-833-628-3733.
