Itinerary: Family Adventure Planners
Pulled in with a full calendar. Forgot what you were in a hurry about.
For families who want the full “we did that” version of Moab. Come during summer break for early starts and more time on the river, or spring and fall school breaks for cooler temps. Whatever the time of year you visit, make Moab the family vacation they’ll ask to do again and again.
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 or Las Vegas. Break up the drive with stops at goofy roadside gas stations, and treat the family to slushies.
Afternoon
Get checked into your accommodation, then head into town. Grab a bite to eat along Main Street, then walk to the Moab Information Center (for maps, personalized recommendations, and National Park passes) and Back of Beyond Books (for field guides and locally-written books).
Evening
Take an evening walk or bike ride along the Moab Canyon Pathway starting from Lions Park to get the travel wiggles out. Kids can also play on the kid-friendly bouldering park.
Day 2: Arches National Park
Morning
Grab a picnic lunch in town, then head to Arches National Park. Start your visit at the visitor center, where kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and parents can grab maps and fill up water bottles.
For the iconic, “pinch me” activity of the day, hike to the Utah licence plate: Delicate Arch. This hike is 3.2 miles round-trip. There is also an easier option to see the arch from afar at the lower viewpoint.
Afternoon
Stop for lunch at Balanced Rock. Then, explore The Windows and Park Avenue, which offer easy viewpoints and short trails.
Evening
Head back into town for a quick dinner, then to the park again for another Arches memory. After the sun sets, a new type of scenery unfolds. Rangers often lead stargazing programs, or you can join a tour with an outfitter in town. If you opt to go on your own adventure, areas off the main park road will offer the best views. Head to Panorama Point and watch the night sky show off.
Day 3: 128 River Corridor
Morning - option 1
Get splashy with a half-day guided river float on the Colorado. Trips run April through October, with each season offering its own character. Spring runoff in May and June brings the highest, fastest water, while mid-summer floats slow down enough for swimming breaks.
Morning - option 2
If your family is particularly adventurous, book a guided canyoneering trip to Morning Glory Natural Bridge. With a guide, the route is beginner-friendly if you’re okay with heights — and sure to make memories.
Afternoon
Make your way back into town on Scenic Byway 128, making stops for photo ops along the way. Spend some time recharging at the hotel with a nap or some pool time, capped off by a sweet treat in town.
Evening
For an unforgettable sunset adventure, book a guided tour on the Hell’s Revenge trail, Moab’s most iconic 4x4 route. Most guide companies can take kids, and all you’ll have to focus on is the fun.
Day 4: Canyonlands National Park
Morning
Before you hit the road, pick up a picnic lunch in town. Start your Canyonlands exploration at the visitor center to continue the kids’ Junior Ranger journeys.
Must-see stops from there are Upheaval Dome Overlook (which looks at a bizarre and mysterious crater), Whale Rock, and a hike to the iconic Mesa Arch. Then, stop for a picnic and have a rest at one of the overlooks throughout the park. Some popular spots include Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Shafer Trail Viewpoint.
Afternoon
Spend the rest of the day in town. Visit the Moab Museum to learn more about the history of the people, industries, and landscapes that shaped your adventures — then, head to the Moab Rock Shop to hunt for treasures.
Evening
Bring takeout to Rotary Park to spread out in the grass and play on the playground.
Day 5: La Sal Mountains + Town
Morning
Explore the La Sal Mountains, the closest mountain range to Moab. Drive up to Warner Lake for a cool, high-alpine day (and golden aspen leaves if you go in the fall), or drive the full La Sal Mountain Loop Road to watch the desert transform to mountains. The 60-mile loop takes about three hours to complete, but plan extra time so you can make stops along the way.
Afternoon
Grab a sweet treat in town (ice cream if it’s summer, of course) for a reset. Then get ready for something truly thrilling.
Just outside of town are two peak adrenaline activities: a zip-line adventure and a massive rope swing. It’s the perfect “wow” moment to top off the day, and will leave your family with the photos that you’ll revisit for years to come.
Evening
Plus up the evening’s dinner with some accompanying live music. Multiple restaurants host local artists: Check the Discover Moab website to find a performer the whole family can get excited about.
Day 6: Climbing + Potash Road
Morning
Along Potash Road is an accessible climbing area called “Wall Street.” Guides can take the whole family on your first rock-climbing excursion — and family members who aren’t feeling it can still hang out at the roadside crag.
Afternoon
Continue along Potash Road just a little further to the Poison Spider Trailhead, where you’ll see a petroglyph panel and dinosaur tracks. Enthusiastic hikers can continue along the trail to see Longbow Arch (2.4 miles out and back, with some scrambling). Just a bit further down Potash Road is another petroglyph panel with an interpretive BLM sign: look for a large pull off.
Evening
Wrap up your final day in Moab with some downtime at Moab’s Swanny Park, which has a great playground and a skate park. Then, treat the family to a celebratory dinner in town.