Planning a trip to Moab, Utah? You’re in for a treat.
This red rock paradise sits between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offering some of the best outdoor adventures in the southwest.
I’ve spent years exploring Moab with my family, and I know how hard it can be to pick what to see first.
That’s why I put together this guide with 21 Moab Utah things to do that work for families, photographers, and outdoor lovers.
You’ll find hiking trails, scenic drives, river activities, and kid-friendly spots.
Let’s plan your perfect trip.
Why Moab is a Must Visit Destination
Moab sits in southeastern Utah near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The landscape features sandstone arches, deep canyons, and the Colorado River.
Sunrise and sunset paint the rocks in orange and pink. Families enjoy short trails, river rafting, and the dinosaur museum.
Activities include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking. The town has restaurants, shops, and accommodations from campgrounds to hotels.
21 Things to Do in Moab
This section covers hiking, scenic drives, water activities, and family attractions across Moab’s parks and surrounding desert areas.
1. Hike to Delicate Arch
This 3-mile round trip hike takes you to Utah’s most famous arch. The trail climbs over slickrock with minimal shade and 480 feet of elevation gain.
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light with fewer crowds at sunrise. Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller since the path crosses bare rock. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
2. Visit Double Arch
A short 15 minute walk from the parking lot brings you to this impressive formation where two arches connect to form a natural window.
Kids love the flat, easy path. You can walk right up to the base with shaded relief on hot days. The smooth rock makes a great spot for family photos.
3. See Balanced Rock
This massive boulder sits balanced on a narrow pedestal. A paved 0.3-mile loop circles the formation. The quick walk works perfect for a road trip stop.
You can complete it in 15 minutes. Strollers and wheelchairs can access the path. Come back at night for stargazing. The rock creates a dramatic silhouette against the Milky Way.
4. Visit Fisher Towers
This moderate 3 hour round trip winds between tall sandstone towers with incredible desert views. Kids who like climbing will enjoy the ladder sections with metal rungs.
The towers rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor. Bring sun protection and water since the trail has little shade. Go in spring or fall for comfortable temperatures.
5. Raft the Colorado River
A 7-mile stretch of calm water flows perfect for families with gentle current and minimal paddling. Local companies like Wild West Voyages rent rafts and kayaks.
Half day trips work great with young children. You’ll float past red rock walls and sandy beaches. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water shoes.
6. Try Bouldering at Big Bend
Free-range climbing covers the boulders here with routes for beginners and experienced climbers. Bring crash pads for safety.
The sandstone offers good grip when dry. Kids can scramble on easier problems while adults tackle harder climbs. Avoid wet rock as it becomes slippery.
7. Mesa Arch Sunrise
A 5 minute walk from the parking lot leads to this famous arch. Sunrise lights up the underside with an orange glow.
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to get a good spot. The arch frames distant canyons and mountains. The short distance makes this accessible for everyone.
8. Shafer Canyon Overlook
Pull over at this roadside viewpoint on the way to Canyonlands. The overlook shows deep canyons cutting through layers of rock.
This stop takes just a few minutes with no hiking required. Stand at the edge and take in the massive landscape. The view extends for miles in every direction.
9. Hike Corona Arch Trail
This 2 hour round trip leads to a massive 140 foot arch. The trail includes ladder climbs and sloped rock sections with cable handrails.
Dogs can come on leash. The arch stays hidden until the final corner. Wear shoes with good traction and bring water. The hike feels moderate but rewarding.
10. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
This state park offers 360-degree views of canyons and the Colorado River from 2,000 feet above. Golden hour creates amazing photo opportunities.
Easy walking trails connect different viewpoints. Bring layers since wind picks up at the rim. The visitor center has exhibits about local geology and restrooms for families.
11. Go Mountain Biking on Slickrock Trail
This challenging 10.5-mile loop crosses bare sandstone with steep climbs and descents, testing your technical riding skills. Beginners should try the 2.3 mile practice loop first.
The rock surface provides great traction when dry. Rent bikes in town, bring lots of water and salty snacks. The exposed trail gets hot in summer.
12. Visit La Sal Mountain Loop Road
This 62-mile scenic drive climbs from desert floor to mountain peaks. Aspen groves and pine forests replace red rock as you gain elevation.
Watch for deer, elk, and wild turkeys. Multiple pullouts offer photo opportunities. The loop takes 2-3 hours without stops. Pack a lunch for a mountain picnic with cooler temperatures.
13. Potash Road Scenic Drive
This paved road follows the Colorado River past climbing areas and petroglyphs. The 17-mile route ends at the potash mine. Stop to see ancient rock art along the cliff faces.
Pull over at river access points for wading or picnics. The road stays relatively flat and easy to drive. Look for climbers on the Jug Handle Arch wall. The route works well for a sunset drive.
14. Horseback Riding Tours
Guided rides take you through canyons and desert landscapes on local trails. Most tours last 1-3 hours. All ages can participate on gentle horses.
Guides share stories about the area’s geology and history. You’ll see viewpoints inaccessible by car. Book ahead during peak season. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
15. Sand Dune Climbing
The sand dunes near Highway 191 offer free outdoor fun. Kids can run, jump, and roll down the slopes. Visit early morning or evening to avoid scorching sand.
Bring water and shade. The dunes provide a different landscape from the red rocks. Take silly photos and let loose. Just shake out your shoes before getting back in the car.
16. Visit Moab Giants Dinosaur Park
Life size dinosaur replicas line a 1.5-mile outdoor trail. The 5D Paleoaquarium shows prehistoric marine life. Kids go crazy for the massive models.
Indoor exhibits explain what lived here millions of years ago. The gift shop sells fossil-themed souvenirs. Plan for 2-3 hours to see everything. Shade covers parts of the outdoor trail.
17. Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding
Calm river sections near town work great for paddling. Daily Rentals let you visit at your own pace. Guided tours teach basic techniques and take you to scenic spots.
The water stays relatively flat, good for beginners. You might spot great blue herons and beavers. Wear a life jacket and bring waterproof bags for phones and keys.
18. Rock Climbing Routes
Climbing routes range from easy top-ropes to challenging multi-pitch climbs. Local guide services offer instruction and gear. Beginners should hire a guide for safety.
Popular areas include Wall Street and Ice Cream Parlor. Climb in spring or fall when temperatures stay moderate. Summer heat makes rock too hot to touch.
19. Visit Downtown Moab
The main street has local shops, art galleries, and restaurants selling outdoor gear and handmade jewelry. Stop for ice cream after a hot day on the trails.
Cultural events and live music happen throughout summer. The bookstore stocks regional guides and maps. Small town charm meets outdoor recreation culture.
20. Visit Local Parks and Playgrounds
Harmony Park and Lions Park offer playgrounds, grass, and shade trees. Kids can burn energy while adults relax. Picnic tables and bathrooms make these spots convenient.
The parks provide a break from hiking and driving. Let children play on familiar equipment. These free spaces work perfect for downtime between activities.
21. Night Sky and Stargazing
Dark sky preserves at Dead Horse Point and Arches protect night visibility. The Milky Way stretches clearly across the sky. Bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision.
Use a tripod for long-exposure photos. The lack of light pollution creates incredible viewing conditions. Download a star map app to identify constellations. Watch for satellites and shooting stars.
Planning Your Moab Trip
Plan 2-5 days to visit Arches and Canyonlands, book lodging early, rent a vehicle, and prepare for desert heat.
- Plan 2-5 days. Two days covers Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point. Three to four days adds Canyonlands and rafting. Start early to beat crowds and heat.
- Book lodging several months ahead for spring and fall. Options include Airbnbs, campgrounds, budget motels, or higher-end resorts.
- You need a vehicle since distances span many miles. Most roads stay paved. Fill your gas tank in town.
- Heat poses the biggest risk. Bring extra water, wear sun protection, and download offline maps. Avoid narrow canyons during monsoon season storms.
- Pack water, sunscreen, hats, layers, hiking shoes, first aid kit, snacks, camera, and headlamp.
Conclusion
Moab gave me some of my best family memories. Watching my kids scramble over red rocks and splash in the Colorado River reminds me why I love this place.
These 21 Moab Utah things to do give you options for any trip style. Mix challenging hikes with easy scenic drives. Balance national park visits with downtown breaks.
I recommend spending at least three days here. You’ll have time to see the major sites without rushing. Start planning now so you can experience this amazing desert landscape yourself.
What Moab activity are you most excited about? Drop a comment below and share your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Moab?
Spring March-May and fall September-November offer perfect weather. Summer gets extremely hot, while winter brings cooler temperatures. Plan around crowds and temperature preferences.
How many days do you need in Moab?
Three to four days lets you see major highlights without rushing. Two days works for a quick trip. Five or more days gives time for deeper exploration and relaxation.
Is Moab good for families with young children?
Yes, many activities work great for kids. Short trails, calm river floats, and the dinosaur park keep children entertained. Just bring plenty of water and plan around nap times.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Moab?
Not for most popular sites. Paved roads reach all major viewpoints and trailheads. Backcountry exploring requires high clearance or 4WD for rough terrain.
Can you see Arches and Canyonlands in one day?
You can hit highlights from both parks in one long day. However, this approach feels rushed. I recommend dedicating separate days to each park for a better experience.