Moab, Utah is adventure basecamp for the American Southwest. Two national parks, endless trails, and red rock landscapes make it a bucket-list destination.
Here's everything you can do in Moab.
National Parks
Arches National Park
The basics: Over 2,000 natural stone arches packed into 76,000 acres. Utah's most iconic park.
Must-see spots:
- Delicate Arch - The one on the license plate (3-mile hike)
- Devils Garden - 7 arches in one trail
- Landscape Arch - Longest arch in North America
- Balanced Rock - Perfect sunset spot
- Windows Section - Easy walks, big arches
2025 timed entry: Required April 1-July 6 and Aug 28-Oct 31 (7am-4pm). Book 6 months ahead. No reservation needed July 7-Aug 27.
Pro tips:
- Sunrise at Delicate Arch beats sunset crowds
- Carry 2L water minimum
- Park fills by 9am in peak season
Canyonlands National Park
The basics: Massive wilderness divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Less crowded than Arches.
Three accessible districts:
- Island in the Sky - Easy access, epic overlooks (Mesa Arch sunrise is legendary)
- The Needles - More remote, great hiking
- The Maze - Serious 4x4 territory, permit required
Top experiences:
- Mesa Arch at sunrise
- Grand View Point Trail
- White Rim Road (100-mile 4x4 loop)
- Upheaval Dome hike
No timed entry needed. Grand View Point parking under construction through 2026.
Mountain Biking
Legendary Trails
For experts:
- Slickrock Trail - 10.6 miles of petrified sand dunes. Moab's most famous ride.
- The Whole Enchilada - 26 miles, 7,000 feet of descent. Shuttle required.
- Porcupine Rim - 14 miles of exposure and views
For intermediates:
- Magnificent 7 - 26 miles of fun singletrack
- Klondike Bluffs - Dinosaur tracks and smooth trails
- NEW: Raptor Route Loop - Flow trail with jumps and berms
For beginners:
- Moab Brand Trails - Well-marked loops
- Klonzo Trails - Smooth and scenic
- Dead Horse Point Trails - Easier options with views
Bike rentals: Multiple shops in town. Book ahead in spring/fall.
Off-Road Adventures
UTV/ATV Tours & Rentals
Popular trails:
- Hell's Revenge - Moab's premier slickrock playground
- Poison Spider Mesa - Technical challenges with arches
- Fins & Things - Slickrock fins and Colorado River views
- Kane Creek - Follow the creek through canyons
Tour options:
- Guided tours (you drive with expert guidance)
- Self-guided rentals (GPS included)
- Sunset/sunrise tours
- Multi-day expeditions
New for 2025: Climate-controlled UTVs available - AC in summer, heat in winter, no dust ever.
Jeep Trails
Difficulty ratings:
- Easy: Shafer Trail, Gemini Bridges
- Moderate: Chicken Corners, Dome Plateau
- Difficult: Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider
- Extreme: Pritchett Canyon, Golden Spike
Annual event: Easter Jeep Safari (April) - The ultimate off-road gathering
Rock Climbing
World-Class Destinations
Crack climbing capital:
- Indian Creek - Perfect splitters
- Wall Street - Beginner to moderate routes
- Castleton Tower - Desert tower classic
- Fisher Towers - Soft rock adventures
Sport climbing:
- Wall Street - Bolted routes
- Ice Cream Parlor - Shaded crag
- Potash Road - Roadside classics
Guided options available for all levels. Spring and fall = best conditions.
Scenic Drives
No 4x4 Required
Highway 128 (River Road)
- 44 miles following the Colorado River
- Fisher Towers viewpoint
- Castle Valley views
- Negro Bill Canyon trailhead
Potash Road (Highway 279)
- 17 miles of river canyon
- Dinosaur tracks
- Ancient petroglyphs
- Rock climbing viewing
La Sal Mountain Loop
- 60-mile alpine escape
- Aspen forests
- Wildlife viewing
- Cooler summer temperatures
Dead Horse Point Mesa
- 35 miles to the best overlook in Utah
- Sunset photography mecca
- State park with facilities
River Activities
Colorado River Rafting
Options for everyone:
- Morning half-day - Calm water, family-friendly
- Full-day trips - Rapids and lunch
- Multi-day expeditions - Cataract Canyon wilderness
Popular sections:
- Fisher Towers (scenic float)
- Moab Daily (mild rapids)
- Westwater Canyon (big rapids, permit required)
Season: March through October. Peak flows in late May.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Calm stretches perfect for SUP:
- Mill Creek
- Ken's Lake
- Colorado River flatwater
Hiking
Best Trails by Difficulty
Easy:
- Park Avenue (Arches) - 2 miles through giant fins
- Mesa Arch (Canyonlands) - 0.5 mile to iconic arch
- Petroglyphs Trail - Ancient rock art
Moderate:
- Delicate Arch - 3 miles to Utah's icon
- Devils Garden - Up to 7.2 miles, multiple arches
- Corona Arch - 3 miles to massive arch (dog-friendly!)
Difficult:
- Fiery Furnace (permit required) - Maze of fins
- Syncline Loop (Canyonlands) - 8.3-mile challenge
- Fisher Towers Trail - 4.4 miles through titans
Hidden gems:
- Morning Glory Natural Bridge
- Hidden Valley Trail
- Mill Creek Trail (swimming holes!)
Unique Experiences
Dark Sky Stargazing
Moab = International Dark Sky Community (2024)
Best viewing spots:
- Panorama Point (Arches)
- Dead Horse Point
- BLM land outside town
Events: Southeast Utah AstroFest (June 20-22, 2025)
Dinosaur Sites
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail - Real tracks and bones
- Copper Ridge Sauropod Tracks - Massive footprints
- Moab Giants - Dinosaur museum and trails
Photography
Sunrise spots: Mesa Arch, Delicate Arch, Dead Horse Point Sunset spots: Balanced Rock, Fiery Furnace viewpoint, La Sal Mountains viewpoint Night photography: Milky Way over arches (April-September)
Canyoneering
Technical slot canyon descents:
- Entrajo Canyon - Beginner-friendly
- Medieval Chamber - Rappelling required
- Granary Canyon - Native American ruins
Other Adventures
- Rock hounding - Collect agates and fossils
- Horseback riding - Desert and mountain trails
- Golf - 18-hole course with red rock views
- Museums - Moab Museum, Film Museum
- Hot air ballooning - Sunrise flights
- Skydiving - Jump over canyonlands
- Ziplining - New course at Adventure Center
When to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Perfect weather (60-80°F)
- Wildflowers bloom
- Busy season begins
Summer (June-August)
- Hot (90-105°F)
- Early morning activities best
- River season peaks
Fall (September-November)
- Ideal temperatures return
- Aspen colors in mountains
- Busy season continues
Winter (December-February)
- Cold (30-50°F)
- Snow possible
- Fewer crowds
- Some high elevation areas closed
2025 Events
March: Skinny Tire Festival, Canyonlands Half Marathon April: Easter Jeep Safari May: Moab Arts Festival June: Southeast Utah AstroFest (20-22) August-September: Moab Music Festival October: Moab Folk Festival, Scots on the Rocks (19), Jeep Jamboree (23-25) November: Moab Film Festival
Essential Moab Tips
Always bring:
- More water than you think (1 gallon/person/day)
- Sun protection
- Offline maps downloaded
- Snacks
- First aid kit
Respect the desert:
- Stay on trails
- Pack out all trash
- Don't touch petroglyphs
- Leave no trace
- Check weather for flash floods
Beat the crowds:
- Start before sunrise
- Visit midweek
- Come in shoulder seasons
- Explore lesser-known spots
Book ahead:
- Hotels fill months in advance for events
- Arches timed entry (6 months)
- Popular tours and rafting
- Restaurant reservations
Moab offers adventures for every interest and ability level. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descents, peaceful river floats, or simply want to stand in awe of ancient arches, this red rock wonderland delivers.
435-260-2206 | epic4x4adventures.com
