Moab is Utah’s desert playground, a small-town launchpad for big adventures. All the best things to do in Moab are outside: Spot rock formations in Arches National Park, hike in Canyonlands National Park or join a guided rafting trip down the mighty Colorado River. Other explorers come on two or four wheels. Mountain bikers travel from around the globe to tackle Moab’s challenging slickrock trails, while 4WD enthusiasts seek the wide-open desert terrain of the Hell's Revenge Trail.
Mild, sunny weather and desert wildflowers bursting into bloom makes spring (March–May) one of Moab’s most popular seasons. Daytime temperatures climb well above 100°F (38°C) in June, July, and August, but you can expect trails to be crowded despite the powerful sun. Fall brings colorful foliage to Manti-La Sal National Forest and is a favorite for festivals and events including the Moab Folk Festival, Moab Celtic Festival, and Moab ArtWalk.
Most visitors come to Moab by car, which is the easiest way to access national parks, trailheads, and attractions. While a 2-wheel-drive vehicle is sufficient for many popular destinations, a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is needed for trailheads in The Maze and Needles sections of Canyonlands National Park. Parking is limited in the national parks, so on busy days it’s best to arrive very early, join a tour, or take a shuttle bus from downtown Moab.
A long season of warm, dry weather means that Moab is the perfect place to watch movies outside—open-air cinema is something of a local tradition. Early winter brings classic science fiction to Moab Arts and Recreation Center’s SyFy Movie Nights, and there’s a free summer film series at Swanny City Park. The other outdoor evening entertainment hub is the Moab Backyard Theater, which features weather-dependent music and magic shows.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 15 | Tours 164 | Reviews 15,587 |
Moab has a prime location amid some of Utah’s most spectacular desert scenery. For starters, it’s a gateway to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Ample opportunities for outdoor adventures draw everyone from hikers and bikers to avid four-wheelers, rock climbers, and white-water rafters.
...MoreWith one weekend in Moab, explore its nearby national parks—popular activities in Arches and Canyonlands include hiking, cycling, white-water rafting, photography, and scenic drives. Sandstone scenery in Arches is visible from the park’s 36-mile (58-kilometer) road loop; Canyonlands has mesas and big views of the Colorado River.
...MoreSpring and autumn’s mild weather make these ideal seasons to visit Moab. Winter rains bring desert wildflowers and rushing rivers in April and May, a popular time for white-water adventures. Visiting in September or October means warm days and cooler nights, with lower river levels that invite leisurely float trips.
...MoreMoab plays base camp to nearby desert parks, but there’s also plenty to see downtown. Start by visiting microbreweries, restaurants, shops, and galleries in the walkable center. Then get a taste of local history at the Moab Museum. The nearby Moab Backyard Theater hosts live outdoor music and magic shows.
...MoreMoab was founded in 1855 as a Mormon mission, and the religious group now called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) still has a presence in the city. While survey data show that LDS remains the most prominent religious affiliation in Moab, the community is relatively diverse.
...MoreArches and Canyonlands offer contrasting desert scenery. Delicate sandstone formations and slickrock are the draws at Arches National Park, whose 36-mile (58-kilometer) scenic road loop offers unmatched accessibility. Canyonlands National Park is generally less crowded, with longer hiking trails, open mesas, and expansive views of the Colorado and Green Rivers.
...More
