Itinerary: Adventure Maximizers
Your return date is the only thing you'll regret.
This is Moab at full throttle. You’re here for iconic experiences that encourage high energy desert exploration — you’ll do one signature effort each day, with supplemental activities in-between. This itinerary requires technical know-how if you’re bringing your own gear, but it’s easy to replicate with local guides!
Day 1: Arrive in Moab
Morning
Fly directly into Moab at Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) and rent a car to get into town (15 minutes), or drive 2 hours from Grand Junction, 4 hours from Salt Lake City, or 6 hours from Denver and Las Vegas.
Afternoon
Check in to your accommodation, then head into town to stock up: You’ll need lots of snacks and sunscreen! Stop by the Moab Information Center for printed trail guides, and a cycling shop to tune up your bike (or to rent desert-capable gear).
Evening
Warm up to mountain biking in Moab at the Moab Brands/Bar M Trail System. This versatile system just north of town has a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert loops, perfect for stretching the legs after traveling. Plus, you’ll spy views of Arches National Park.
Day 2: Mountain Biking + Climbing
Morning - option 1
If you’re here in winter, spring, or fall, start the day by ticking off a Moab rite-of-passage: the Slickrock Trail. This 10.5 mile loop is one of Moab’s most famous trails, consisting almost entirely of petrified sand dunes. Skip it if you’re here in the summer; the trail sees a lot of sun exposure.
Morning - option 2
Or, catch a shuttle to the Mag 7 route. This 20-mile downhill route links multiple trails for an epic and customizable ride.
Afternoon
Refuel with a midday break in town, then head back out to spend the afternoon rock climbing at Wall Street. The road-side crag is a 15-minute drive from town and offers bolted routes at varying difficulties. If you haven’t climbed on sandstone before, you’re in for a unique treat. Trust your feet!
Evening
A full day outdoors calls for a toast. Head to the Moab Brewery, Proper Brewing & Burger Co., or Spitfire Smokehouse for a beverage — or if you need a sugar hit, head to Lops Pop Stop for dirty sodas or Milts for a milkshake.
Day 3: Mountain Biking + Canyoneering
Morning
Start your day with the HyMasa/Captain Ahab mountain biking loop. You can expect technical climbs, exposed ledges, tight switchbacks, and jaw-dropping views over the course of the 9-mile loop — or, if you want a break from biking, this makes for an excellent hike or trail run.
Afternoon
Take a guided canyoneering tour of Morning Glory Bridge (also called Morning Glory Arch) after your ride. The tour includes one of Moab’s biggest rappels, and offers a new way to hike in the popular Grandstaff Canyon.
Evening
Grab a bite in town for a post-adventure recovery before an earlyish bedtime to be rested for your biggest day on the trails yet.
Day 4: One Last Ride
Morning - option 1
You’ve spent the last three days working up to this: The Whole Enchilada. Hire a shuttle to take you up to the highest accessible point (Burro Pass is usually only fully rideable from July to October due to snow) and enjoy descending from the La Sals to the Colorado River.
Morning - option 2
If your legs aren’t feeling up for it, or if weather conditions aren’t favorable, opt for the Raptor Route. Designed as an alternative ending to the Whole Enchilada, the route links four flowy, fun trails in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Snag a shuttle to simplify the logistics.
Afternoon and Evening
After your big ride, grab an early dinner in town. Then, round out your long day on the trails by catching sunset at Dead Horse State Park. Start at the visitor center to explore the mixed-use Intrepid Trail System, or head straight to the end of the road to take in the iconic view.
Day 5: Hiking + Off-roading
Morning
Let yourself sleep in, then drive out Potash Road to hike to Corona Arch. The trail is 3 miles round trip with some steep inclines (including a section where you’ll need to use a safety cable and ladder), and ends at a stunning arch.
Afternoon
You’ll try off-roading today: link up with a local outfitter for a rig and a guide. Many offer guided, you-drive tours. You stay behind the wheel and get the added benefit of local knowledge and know-how.
Head to the Sand Flats Recreation Area to explore Hell’s Revenge or the Fins and Things trails, depending on what level of thrill you’re looking for. Hell’s Revenge is an intense, exciting trail not for the faint of heart — and Fins and Things offers tremendous, rollercoaster-like fun.
Evening
Top the day off with food, drinks, and live music at one of the restaurants in town.
Days 6 & 7: Whitewater Rafting
All Day
A one- or two-day trip through the thrilling whitewater of Westwater Canyon is a journey with roaring rapids, deep wilderness, and captivating geology. Run it in late spring to catch the runoff and expect Class II to Class IV rapids — or go in high summer for slightly less rowdy, but still exciting, water.
Several outfitters in town offer this trip. In addition to the whitewater, you can expect riverside meals, short side hikes, camp on gorgeous sandy beaches, and great local color from your guides.
Evening
Once you’re back on terra firma, close out the week with one final chef’s kiss: sunset at Arches National Park. Head to The Windows to soak up the last rays of the day and snap one last photo. Bring it back into town for dinner and drinks to celebrate an incredible trip.