Moab, Utah, is a desert wonderland that draws adventurers from around the globe. Known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes, Moab is a mecca for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're scaling towering cliffs, navigating the Colorado River, or exploring the vast desert on foot, Moab offers an unparalleled range of activities that let you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the American Southwest. This guide is your key to experiencing Moab like a local adventurer, with insider tips and top adventure spots that will make your trip unforgettable.
Rock climbing on Wall Street just outside of Moab, UT. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Why an Adventure Traveler Should Visit Moab
Moab is more than just a gateway to two of Utah's most iconic national parks—Arches and Canyonlands. It's a destination that epitomizes adventure, offering a unique combination of awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. The striking red rock formations, expansive desert landscapes, and the powerful Colorado River provide a perfect playground for those looking to push their limits and experience nature's extremes. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone who simply loves the outdoors, Moab's varied terrain and endless adventure possibilities make it a must-visit location.
Top Adventures You Don't Want to Miss
1. Rock Climbing
Moab is famous for its world-class rock climbing, with routes that challenge even the most experienced climbers. The towering sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations make it a climber's paradise.
Where to Do It:
Indian Creek: Known for its splitter cracks and challenging routes, Indian Creek is a bucket-list destination for serious climbers.
Wall Street: Easily accessible and perfect for both beginners and advanced climbers, Wall Street offers a variety of routes along the Colorado River.
The Fisher Towers: For those seeking a real adventure, the Fisher Towers offer some of the most iconic and challenging climbs in Moab.
Insider Tips: Early morning climbs are ideal to avoid the intense midday heat. Make sure to bring plenty of water and check route conditions before heading out.
2. Hiking
From short, scenic walks to challenging backcountry trails, Moab has hiking options for every skill level. The landscape's vivid contrasts—red rock formations, green riverbanks, and clear blue skies—create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Where to Do It:
Delicate Arch Trail: This 3-mile round-trip hike in Arches National Park leads to the iconic Delicate Arch, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Fiery Furnace: A labyrinth of narrow canyons and arches, Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park is best explored with a guide due to its complex terrain.
The Needles District: Located in Canyonlands National Park, this area offers a variety of trails that showcase stunning rock formations and expansive views.
Insider Tips: The desert heat can be intense, so hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Permits are required for Fiery Furnace, so plan ahead.
3. Mountain Biking
Moab is one of the world's premier mountain biking destinations, with trails that cater to all skill levels. The combination of slickrock, singletrack, and breathtaking scenery makes for an exhilarating ride.
Where to Do It:
Slickrock Trail: This 10.5-mile loop is one of the most famous mountain biking trails in the world, offering challenging terrain and incredible views.
The Whole Enchilada: An epic, all-day ride that descends over 7,000 feet, taking you from the high alpine down to the desert floor.
Klondike Bluffs: Ideal for intermediate riders, this trail system offers a mix of slickrock and singletrack with stunning views of Arches National Park.
Insider Tips: Make sure your bike is in top condition, as the rugged terrain can be tough on equipment. Spring and fall offer the best riding conditions.
4. Flat Water Kayaking
The Colorado River provides a serene setting for flat water kayaking, with calm stretches that are perfect for taking in the dramatic scenery of the surrounding canyonlands.
Where to Do It:
Colorado River - Moab Daily: This stretch offers gentle rapids and flat water sections, ideal for a relaxing paddle with beautiful views of the red rock cliffs.
Stillwater Canyon: A more remote option, this section of the Colorado River is perfect for multi-day kayaking trips, offering solitude and stunning landscapes.
Green River - Labyrinth Canyon: Known for its towering canyon walls and tranquil waters, Labyrinth Canyon is a peaceful paddling destination.
Insider Tips: Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense. Consider a guided tour if you're unfamiliar with the river's conditions.
5. Backpacking
Moab's vast wilderness offers endless opportunities for backpacking, from desert canyons to high alpine trails. The remote landscapes provide a true escape into nature.
Where to Do It:
Canyonlands National Park - The Needles District: Explore the intricate network of trails and campsites in this remote area, where you can find solitude and stunning vistas.
Arches National Park - Devils Garden Primitive Loop: A challenging but rewarding backpacking route that takes you through the heart of Arches, offering close-up views of its famous formations.
Grandstaff Canyon: A less crowded option, this canyon offers a beautiful overnight hike with plenty of shade and a refreshing creek.
Insider Tips: Permits are required for backcountry camping in the national parks, so plan ahead. Be prepared for limited water sources and pack accordingly.
6. Peak Bagging
For those who love a challenge, Moab offers several peaks that are perfect for bagging, with stunning views awaiting at the top.
Where to Do It:
Mount Peale: The highest peak in the La Sal Mountains, Mount Peale offers a strenuous hike with rewarding views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Castleton Tower: A challenging climb that combines peak bagging with rock climbing, Castleton Tower is one of Moab's most iconic formations.
Mount Waas: Another peak in the La Sal Mountains, Mount Waas provides a less crowded but equally rewarding hike.
Insider Tips: The La Sal Mountains can experience snow well into the summer, so check conditions before you go. Bring plenty of layers, as temperatures can vary significantly.
7. Stargazing
Moab's remote location and clear desert skies make it a prime spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the stars here shine brighter than almost anywhere else.
Where to Do It:
Dead Horse Point State Park: This park is renowned for its dark skies and offers several designated stargazing areas.
Canyonlands National Park: Known for some of the darkest skies in the U.S., Canyonlands is ideal for observing constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.
Arches National Park: The unique rock formations in Arches provide a stunning foreground for night sky photography.
Insider Tips: Check the moon phase before you go—new moon nights are best for stargazing. Bring a star chart or use a stargazing app to identify constellations.
8. Camping
Moab offers a variety of camping options, from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. There's nothing like spending the night under the stars in this rugged landscape.
Where to Do It:
Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park): A popular spot with stunning views and easy access to some of the park’s best hikes.
Willow Flats Campground (Canyonlands National Park): Offering solitude and panoramic views, this campground is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Goose Island Campground: Located along the Colorado River, this campground offers easy access to both Arches and Moab’s famous rock climbing spots.
Insider Tips: Campsites in national parks can fill up quickly, so book well in advance. If you're camping in the backcountry, practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
Other Highlights of the Area
Places to Eat
The Broken Oar: A local favorite for its rustic, laid-back atmosphere, The Broken Oar serves up hearty American fare perfect for refueling after a day of adventuring. Try their famous ribs or the Moab burger for a true taste of the Southwest.
Desert Bistro: For a more upscale dining experience, head to Desert Bistro, where you’ll find a menu inspired by regional flavors. The chef’s specials, like the elk tenderloin or the pecan-crusted trout, are not to be missed.
Quesadilla Mobilla: If you’re looking for a quick, delicious bite, this food truck is a Moab staple. Their inventive quesadillas, packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, make for the perfect lunch on the go.
Must-See Spots
Dead Horse Point State Park: Just a short drive from Moab, this state park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region. The overlook provides a panoramic view of the Colorado River winding through towering red cliffs—perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Arches National Park: Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, this iconic park is a must-visit. Don’t miss Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous formation, and make sure to explore some of the lesser-known trails for a more secluded experience.
Canyonlands National Park: Divided into four districts, this vast park offers diverse landscapes, from towering mesas to deep canyons. The Island in the Sky district is particularly popular for its stunning overlooks and challenging hikes.
Photo Locations
Delicate Arch: As one of the most iconic landmarks in Utah, Delicate Arch is a prime spot for photography, especially during the golden hour when the arch glows in the sunlight.
The Windows Section: Located within Arches National Park, this area features multiple arches, including the North and South Window Arches, which frame the landscape perfectly for dramatic photos.
Corona Arch: Often less crowded than other arches, Corona Arch is a fantastic photo spot. The massive arch offers a striking contrast against the blue sky and red rock landscape.
Best Sunset Locations
Dead Horse Point: This spot is a sunset favorite, offering expansive views of the canyonlands below. The play of light on the red rocks as the sun sets creates a mesmerizing sight.
Mesa Arch: Although popular at sunrise, Mesa Arch also offers incredible sunset views. The arch acts as a natural frame for the canyon below, making it a great location for capturing the setting sun.
The Needles Overlook: Located in the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, this overlook provides a sweeping view of the area’s unique rock formations, which glow vibrantly at sunset.
Great Places to Swim
Ken’s Lake: Just a short drive from Moab, Ken’s Lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The cool waters offer a refreshing break from the desert heat.
Mill Creek: This local swimming hole is a hidden gem. The trail to the creek winds through a canyon, leading to a series of pools and waterfalls that are perfect for a relaxing swim.
Colorado River: While the river is better known for rafting, there are also calmer sections where you can take a dip. Head to Moab’s Lions Park area for a riverside picnic and a swim in the cool waters.
Cultural Highlights
Moab Museum: Dive into the rich history of the area at the Moab Museum. Exhibits cover everything from the region’s Native American heritage to its uranium mining past and role in the development of outdoor recreation.
Moab Art Walk: Held on select Saturdays throughout the year, the Moab Art Walk is a great way to explore the local art scene. Galleries and shops open their doors to showcase works from local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Hole N" the Rock: This quirky attraction is a 5,000-square-foot home carved into a rock, complete with a gift shop and a collection of antique items. It’s a fun stop that adds a bit of offbeat charm to your Moab adventure.
Morning glow upon the structures of Arches National Park. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Moab, Utah, is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of adventure. With its vast, otherworldly landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities, it’s a playground for those who crave excitement and the great outdoors. Whether you're scaling towering red cliffs, navigating the winding Colorado River, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Moab offers endless opportunities for exploration and thrill. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping adventures, the area’s unique dining spots, cultural experiences, and stunning natural landmarks add depth to your journey, making every moment in Moab unforgettable. Pack your gear, embrace the wild beauty of the desert, and immerse yourself in the adventures that make Moab one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the world.