There’s no single way to do this place well.
Four things put Moab on the map: hiking, mountain biking, river running, and off-roading. Every one of them runs from beginner-friendly to seriously committing, and most of the trailheads are twenty minutes from Main Street. That’s the part people underestimate — you can ride slickrock in the morning and be on the river by two. Hiring local guides is the best way to go for any activity. Then there’s the rest of it: dark skies, sandstone towers, and a Main Street full of people who make things. Stack a few and you’ll see why almost everyone leaves saying they should’ve stayed longer.
Hiking
Moab hiking runs from twenty minutes to all day. Park Avenue in Arches or Mesa Arch in Canyonlands give you big rock for very little effort. Fisher Towers or the Syncline Loop in Canyonlands will take your whole day and most of your water. Start early whatever you pick.
Mountain Biking
The Slickrock Trail put Moab on the map in 1969 and it still humbles people. The community has spent fifty years building out from there. Klondike Bluffs and Bar M are flowy and forgiving. Captain Ahab and the Whole Enchilada are not. Rentals and shuttles are easy to come by, and guides are here to help you progress.
River Activities
The Colorado runs right past town, and there’s a version of it for everyone. The Moab Daily is a half day of splashy, family-friendly whitewater. Westwater Canyon is a serious overnight adventure. The calm water above town is made for a paddleboard and an afternoon. Most trips run spring through fall, and outfitters handle the gear, the shuttle, and the permits.
Off-Roading
Moab's 4x4 trails started as mining roads and became the reason a lot of people come here. Hell's Revenge and Fins & Things are close to town and genuinely steep. Gemini Bridges and Long Canyon are doable in a stock high-clearance rig. You don't even have to be the one driving. Outfitters run guided tours in open-air side-by-sides and big safari rigs, with somebody at the wheel who's run that line a thousand times.
Visiting the Parks
Four parks, four completely different days. Entry rules, hours, and seasons shift, so check before you drive. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Utahraptor State Park are all only about half an hour outside of downtown Moab. That means in a few days time you can explore the largest concentration of natural arches in the world, gaze upon the remote Maze district, and visit one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the United States. Even though the parks are all accessible in a day’s time, you could spend countless trips seeing all that the parks have to offer.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park has the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches on Earth. With over 2,000…
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands, Utah’s largest national park, offers an astonishing array of natural wonders. For an easy and…
Dead Horse Point State Park
The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet…
Utahraptor State Park
This new park has one of the largest dinosaur bone beds in North America. Over 5,500 bones representing more than…
STARGAZING
Arches and Canyonlands are International Dark Sky Parks, and Moab itself is a certified Dark Sky Community, which makes this corner of Utah one of the densest concentrations of protected night sky on the planet. You’ll see plenty just by looking up. You’ll see a lot more on a ranger-led program or a guided night out with a telescope, where an expert astronomer points things you’d never find alone.
Main Street
Main Street is the hub of a working downtown. Galleries, art studios, and shops full of handmade goods sold by the local people who made them. Pottery, jewelry, prints, leather, and gear built by folks who actually use it out here. The arts scene runs year-round, and a lot of what you’ll find is one of one. It’s the easiest way to spend an afternoon when your legs are done, and what you spend stays in town.
Climbing and Canyoneering
Sandstone made Moab a climbing town long before it was a biking town. Wall Street runs right along Potash Road, close enough that you can belay from the pullout. The Big Bend boulders are fifteen minutes up Highway 128. And canyoneering is the one worth stretching for even if you’ve never tried it before — rappelling into slot canyons most visitors never see, with guides who take first-timers down every week.
Scenic Drives
Some of the best country here is visible from a paved road. Highway 128 follows the Colorado River through red rock canyon for miles and miles. The La Sal Loop climbs from desert to aspen and back in about three hours. Both are worth doing on a day you don’t feel like hiking to the view.
Events and Art
After an evening spent in town it’s apparent how inspired, artistic, and passionate the locals of Moab are. Outdoor art exhibits are shown at nearly every street corner, and concerts, festivals and other events are almost always within reach. Yearly events like the Moab Folk Festival are a great way to experience Moab’s strong sense of community, a community that knows the importance of protecting their home so everyone can enjoy it for years to come. So, during your next vacation plan to save an evening for an art stroll or an event.
More Activities in Moab
Accessible Adventures
These areas are accessible to wheelchairs. All toilets in the park are accessible. Some trails are considered barrier free, which may contain minor obstacles, steeper grades…
Ballooning
Imagine ascending to greet the sunrise as you drift among geologic wonders created when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Behold the fragile sandstone formations of Arches National Park…
Bird Watching
Among the canyons, arches, river and mountains that surround Moab, is an abundant wildlife offering living wonders as graceful and beautiful as the scenery. Bird watching in Moab…
History, Arts & Culture
What kind of artists inspire you? What kind of art catches your eye? In Moab you will find a vast variety of art and artists. From landscape painting and photography to jank art…
City Recreation
During your visit to our area allow some time to experience the City of Moab. In addition to our shops, restaurants and galleries, there are numerous recreational facilities and…
Rock Climbing & Canyoneering
Discover why people from around the world come to experience rock climbing and canyoneering in Moab, Utah. Moab has many professional guides and outfitters to help you find the…
Mountain Biking
Welcome to Moab, home to some of the best mountain biking trails on the planet. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned biker, there’s something for everyone here. With…
Road Biking
The secret is out…and skinny tires are in! Whether you ride for fun or like to push the pace for training, Moab has some of the best road bike riding in the West. Our paved…
Fishing
Are you a fishing enthusiast? If so, let’s talk about your preferences. When it comes to trout or catfish, Moab has something for everyone. If you’re up for the…
Golf
Nestled in the heart of Moab lies a hidden gem that beckons to all golf enthusiasts. Since 1960, Moab’s breathtaking and challenging golf course has been attracting golfers…
Group Tours
Visit the only Utah destination where you can experience two of The Mighty 5® National Parks from one convenient location. The city of Moab’s backyard contains Arches and…
Hiking
From cool stream-side hikes to spectacular sandstone arches, the Moab area is full of exciting day-hikes outside of the national parks.
Horseback Riding
This page is designed to give you general information on equestrian trails. It also gives approximate time needed for each trail. The estimated times do not allow for side trips…
Motorcycle Road Touring
Sweeping curves, twisting turns, and scenery that takes your breath away. Could you ask for more? If so Moab, Utah will deliver with arches, canyons, red rock formations, the…
Night Life
After a full day of hiking, biking, rafting, 4-wheeling or sightseeing, take some time to relax in the town of Moab. Moab has a surprising variety of nighttime activities that are…
Beyond The Parks
Past the park boundaries there’s public land in every direction. BLM country and national forest, holding some of the most-loved places around Moab. Sand Flats, Corona Arch…
Photography
The Moab area is truly a photographer’s paradise, offering a wealth of captivating landscapes waiting to be captured through the lens. With its ever-changing light…
More River Recreation
If you’re looking to sit back, relax, and just go with the flow, there are also several ways to get out on the water. From jet boats and cruisers to paddle boards and…
Scenic Flights
The untamed wilderness of southern Utah encompasses some of the most rugged and challenging terrain in the nation. Those who venture to this remarkable region are immediately…
Skydiving, BASE jumping, Rope Swing
For many, skydiving is a once in a lifetime adventure. Others continue on to become licensed skydivers that jump all over the US and the world. In either case, making that first…
Scenic Byways
Three state scenic byways run out of Moab, and any one of them is a half day well spent. Highway 128 along the river is the one locals send people on first. The La Sal Loop climbs…
Stargazing
While you’re sure to experience epic views of unique rock formations and panoramic vistas during the day, these scenes set the stage for a completely different kind of…