Things to do in Moab (Comprehensive Travel Guide)

Planning a visit to Moab this year? Check out these epic Things to do in Moab before you go!

Moab is one of those places you’ve got to visit at least once. In half an hour from town you’ll find two national parks, a state park, the Colorado River, a mountain range, and plentiful camping!

Whether it’s the towering sandstone arches, snow capped mountains, wide vistas, river canyons, or outdoor adventures calling your name, there’s something for everyone.

Now, this ultimate list of Things to do in Moab will show you the top places to visit + tips and tricks for your trip to Utah. Plus, you’ll learn some money saving tips and tricks to make your visit a little more affordable!

So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out more about Moab below…

Things to do in Moab

#1: Corona Arch

Just a few miles outside of Moab is Corona Arch. This fun, not overly strenuous hike will take you over railroad tracks, scrambling over sandstone, and even climbing some ladders!

After all of that, you’ll reach the epic 105-foot tall sandstone arch! Not part of any national or state park, visiting Corona Arch is free as well.

#2: Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs

While driving to Corona Arch, you’ll pass the Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs. This epic site unsurprisingly is home to both dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs, a testament to the former civilizations that lived here.

Of course, like anywhere in the Southwest, having access to water is vital, and that’s why you’ll find cliff dwellings and pueblo ruins near water sources like that. In the case of Moab, it’s the Colorado River.

#3: Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

Starting at the northern end of Moab, Highway 128 winds along the banks of the Colorado River for 44 miles. Along the way you’ll pass towering red sandstone cliffs, scenic campgrounds, numerous hiking trails, views of the snow-capped La Sal mountains, and more!

If you’re driving in from Colorado, just take the exit for highway 128 off I-70, and enjoy the scenic alternative drive into Moab.

#4: Dead Horse Point State Park

Be prepared to be met with sweeping views over the Colorado River, sandstone mesas, and the La Sal mountains when you visit Dead Horse Point State Park! Hike along the Rim Trail and take in the breathtaking views.

#5: La Sal Mountain Drive

Taking three to four hours to complete, the paved La Sal Mountain Drive will take you above the high desert into the famed mountain range near Moab. Be prepared to be met with sweeping views over the red rock countryside, as well as alpine lakes, forests, and more!

Things to do in Moab: Arches National Park

#6: Delicate Arch

Moab’s Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic scenic sites in all of the US. The short 3-mile roundtrip hike will take you up to the base of the towering red sandstone arch, which frames the rugged Utah countryside and snow capped La Sal mountains in the distance.

#7: Devil’s Garden Trail

At the northern end of Arches National Park, the Devil’s Garden Trail will take you by a few epic arches. Two of these include Landscape Arch, one of the longest in the world, and Double O Arch – two arches stacked on top of each other.

The trail gets a bit more strenuous after Landscape Arch, with some rock scrambling, so keep that in mind if you’re not a frequent hiker or have kids!

In all, the trail is about x miles roundtrip from the trailhead to Landscape Arch and back, or x miles roundtrip if you hike to the end.

#8: Double Arch / North and South Window Arches

These two arches have very short trails, and are accessible from the same parking lot. Double Arch is an impressively tall arch duo, while the North and South Windows offer greater views. In all, this short stop is definitely worth your time in Arches!

#9: Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch

A very short, flat, sandy trail will take you through a canyon to Sand Dune Arch, one of the less popular spots in the park. But don’t let that fool you! This beautiful hidden away arch is most certainly worth the visit, especially at sunset, when the red rock seems to glow.

For more on Arches, go check out this epic list of Arches National Park Hikes + travel tips.

Things to do in Moab: Canyonlands National Park

#10: Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch frames the wide expanse of the Colorado River-carved canyons, and La Sal Mountains in the distance, creating a breathtaking view that has to be seen to be believed. A short 0.5 mile hike will take you to this epically beautiful site.

#11: Shafer Canyon Overlook

From this viewpoint you can see the delicately-draped Shafer Canyon Road wind down the sandstone cliff walls to the valley floor. To the East you’ll find even more sweeping views, like with Mesa Arch. Visit at sunrise for a truly terrific view!

#12: Grand View Overlook

This is by and far the most epic park of Canyonlands! The wide expansive canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers combine to create dozens of miles of rugged sandstone terrain, all hundreds of feet below you. On a clear day without thunderstorms (which are common in Moab!), you have unbelievable views in three directions.

Where to Stay in Moab

So now that you’ve seen the best things to do in Moab, you’re probably wondering where to stay. Unfortunately, as Moab is fairly isolated, small, and popular, the hotels in town tend to be a bit pricey for what you pay. For those reasons, it’s important you go check out these Hotel Hacks to Save Money if you want to make your trip a little more affordable.

Now if you’re a true outdoorsman or woman, the the sound of a cushy hotel sounds unappealing, you’ll be happy to know there’s plenty of camping in Moab, too!

North of Moab: Goose Island Campground, Drinks Campground, Hal Canyon Campground, Oak Grove Campground, and Upper Big Bend Campground

South of Moab: Moab KOA Holiday, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land for boon docking

Arches National Park: Devil’s Garden Campground

Canyonlands National Park: Horse Thief Campground

Dead Horse Point State Park: Kayenta Campground, Wingate Campground

Not satisfied with just Moab? Go check out this epic list of the 52 Best Campgrounds in the US for even more outdoors fun!

How to Get to Moab

Driving is probably the easiest way to visit Moab, unless you take one of the prepackaged tour buses. But in all, driving will give you the flexibility to explore Moab on your own terms once you arrive! Not to mention, by taking some trip details into your own hands, like transportation, accommodation, etc, you can save a lot of money in comparison to the tours.

Now, you’ll want to check out these tips for How to Plan a Road Trip on a Budget before you go for money saving tips, practical advice, and more!

Nearby Destinations to Moab

Grand Junction, Colorado (1 hour 45 minutes)

Why you should visit: right outside of town is Colorado National Monument, with red rock canyons, a scenic drive, hiking and more.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Why you should visit: the Hickman Bridge Trail will take you to the base of an epic arch. Also, don’t miss the apple orchards in the small town of Fruita.

Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona

Why you should visit: epic vistas await in this famed Southwest destination. Go visit the filming site of countless films, straddling the Utah and Arizona state line.

Planning a big road trip through the region? Go check out this ultimate 14-day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary from Las Vegas, which includes Moab, the Grand Canyon, and more!

So, now that you’ve seen this Moab Travel Guide, go check out even more epic Southwest destinations below…

Arches National Park Hikes

Arches is an incredible park and a can’t miss destination on your Southwest road trip! Here you’ll find the best Arches national park hikes + tips on What to Bring, Day Trips from Moab, and even tips to outsmart the ever-changing weather!

Bryce Canyon Travel Tip

These Bryce Canyon Travel Tips will show you the best Bryce Canyon hikes, viewpoints, day trips, tips for your visit to Bryce + more!  But remember: after you visit once, you’ll already be booking your second visit before you return home!

Zion National Park Hikes

However, because there is so much to do, it can be a bit tricky trying to narrow it all down.  Don’t worry, though: these Zion National Park Hikes will show you the most scenic trails + tips on when to visit and what to bring to Zion!

Arizona Grand Canyon Travel Guide

Now if you’re wondering how to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you have come to the right place!  In my free Arizona Grand Canyon Travel Tips you’ll find the best hikes, South Rim viewpoints, exactly what to see in grand canyon in one day + more!

Flagstaff Arizona Travel Guide

This comprehensive Flagstaff Arizona Travel Guide will show you the best things to do in Flagstaff including hiking, shopping, historic destinations, and more! All around, it’s a great place to spend the warm summer months, or even to take advantage of the skiing in wintertime.

Petrified Forest Things to do

Hidden away in an isolated and windy corner of Northern Arizona, this lovely park is a hidden gem waiting for you to discover it! If multicolored petrified logs sprinkled about the arid, colorful Painted Desert are calling your name, then you should start planning your visit!

Bucket List Trips

If you’re not quite decided on where to go, don’t worry!  Based on the places I’ve visited, these Bucket List Trips will show you what I believe are some of the most incredible destinations across America and around the globe!

Don’t miss out!  Follow along with Never Ending Journeys for more fun Travel Tips and Insider Tricks!

So, have YOU ever been to Moab? What are your favorite things to see and do there?

Leave a comment and share!