With some of the best National Parks and plenty of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, Moab is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. No matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to explore. With a vibrant downtown filled with great restaurants and shops, this area is a desert oasis after a day of exploring. Here are a few of my favorite things.
Let me start with the National Parks. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are both located in Moab. Both offer incredible yet different landscapes with plenty of hiking.
Give yourself at least one full day to visit Arches. I would suggest a minimum of two. Delicate Arch is the most visited landmark which is accessed at Wolfe Ranch. It is a 3- mile roundtrip hike. If you wish, you can achieve a distant view of the Arch from the Upper and Lower Viewpoints located one mile from the Wolfe Ranch parking lot.
As we had plenty of time to enjoy this park (2.5 days), we took a .5 mile hike on the Park Avenue trail, this provides a unique perspective of the canyon walls. Even though there were no arches to be seen, the views were stunning!
If you camp or have an RV, try to get a coveted campsite in Devils Garden Campground for an unforgettable experience. Reservations are required from March 1 to October 31 and can be made six months in advance. Reservations fill within minutes of being released.
Canyonlands consists of three districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, and The Needles. Island in the Sky district is about 30 miles from Arches and is probably the most popular. This district offers easy access to several overlooks off the main road. Stop at Shafer Canyon Overlook for a view of Shafer Trail Road that weaves down into the Canyon. If you are brave enough, rent a Jeep and drive it. Another popular spot, possibly the most photographed, is Mesa Arch, an easy half-mile hike from the parking area. If you are looking to take that perfect sunrise shot, be prepared, you will not be alone.
Island in the Sky district can be seen in one day, given an early start. If you wish to hike, plan ahead. Determine which hikes are most important, be sure the Grand View Point Trail is on that list, and take the day as it comes.
The Maze district is pretty remote, while the Needles district is about a 1.5-hour drive from Moab. If you have extra time and the right vehicle, be sure to visit.
Not a National Park but certainly worth your time is Dead Horse Point State Park. With close to seven miles of hiking trails, Yurts, and two campgrounds, this should not be overlooked. There is a $20 entrance fee and the views at Dead Horse Point Overlook are worth the cost. As the Park is on your way to Canyonlands, it is a must-stop. You can easily spend a few hours hiking and taking in the views. The campground was pretty impressive. I added it to my bucket list for when I return.
- Arches National Park is just 5 miles from the center of downtown Moab
- Canyonlands National Park is 30 miles from downtown
- Dead Horse State Park is 33 miles from downtown
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is everywhere. Consider riding the Bar M Trails, which offers 30 miles of single-track loop trails north of Moab or head to Slickrock Bike Trail outside of town. You will also find several bike paths, one of which can be accessed at Lions Park north of town called Moab Canyon Pathway. This bike path runs along the Colorado River and north along Highway 191. Forgot your bike? You can rent one from one of the many outdoor shops in town. We rented from Poison Spider Bicycles.
Off Road Expeditions
I am no expert on this subject but can say there are plenty of trails to enjoy. One of the busiest times of the year to visit Moab is during the annual Easter Jeep Safari. When one reads “come prepared for plenty of traffic-packed campgrounds and hotels”, they mean it. I can only assume this is a pilgrimage for all Jeep owners. During our stay, we took an ATV tour and enjoyed every minute. These provided an excellent way to see Moab as Moab should be seen: from an off-road vehicle.
As you visit the many overlooks in any of the Parks, you will see miles of roads deep in the canyons that appear to go on forever. What better way to explore these areas than in a Jeep or OHV.
Hiking – Outside the National Parks
So many trails, not enough time! Download AllTrails and filter based on your interests. Two we enjoyed during our last visit were Fisher Towers and Corona/Bowtie Arch.
River Activities
The Colorado River runs through Moab providing plenty of options for kayaking, rafting, and boating. I have yet to do any, but all are on my list for when I return. You will find several tours available within the town of Moab. Time permitting, consider adding this to your bucket list.
Downtown Restaurants
There are plenty of dining options in downtown Moab. Certainly more than I could have eaten at within our one-week stay. Here is a list of a few favorites:
Moab Brewery – Located just outside of downtown, they offer specialty craft beers, burgers, and more. This is a popular spot so arrive early.
The Spoke on Center – Located in the heart of downtown, this is a bike-themed restaurant serving excellent burgers and fries. There always seems to be a line to get in so be prepared for a wait.
Moab Diner – I have three boys and Diners are known for big portions making this a must-stop. Extensive menu, reasonable prices, and Milk Shakes!
Singha Thai Cuisine – Need a break from burgers and fries? We enjoyed dinner here for authentic Thai food and left satisfied.
Doughbird – My wife has a gift, finding the best doughnut shops wherever we travel and this one was tops!
Have extra time? Consider a visit to Needles and Anticline Overlook for great views from the eastern side of the Colorado River. This offers a unique perspective as you are outside the Park looking in. Read more about this on my blog titled Needles District.
What are some of your favorite things to do while visiting Moab? Let me know in the comments section below.
Savvy-Traveler 
Was there in November. Loved it
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There’s no place like it!
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