Moab, Utah is one of those destinations that truly feels like an outdoor adventure playground. From magnificent red rock arches to sweeping canyon views, there is no shortage of incredible things to do in Moab, Utah.
I have been to Moab a couple of times and I truly love the area. It’s a great base camp to explore the surrounding area. It doesn’t matter if you are coming to Moab for a few days or a longer stay. There is something to do for every type of traveler, from families and couples to solo travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill seekers.
In this guide, I’m sharing a variety of the best things to do in Moab, Utah, including national and state parks, hiking, 4×4 and off roading adventures, scenic drives, aerial experiences, water activities, and world class mountain biking.
The price range for most of the tours and activites in this guide range from $100 to $250 per person. There are a few that are below and above that range.
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⭐ Want to include Moab in a larger trip? Take a look at my 15 day out west road trip itinerary to see how it fits into a full western U.S. adventure. ⭐
Table of Contents
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Scenic Drives
- Off Roading
- Aerial Adventures
- Water Activities
- Mountain Biking
1. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is located just north of Moab and is one of my favorite national parks. The park consists of the highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world with more than 2,000. You have a variety of things to do in the park including: hiking, taking a scenic drive, stargazing and more.
Popular Hikes in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch is a stunning free-standing arch and the most recognized symbol of the Utah desert. You can reach this spectacular site via a moderate three mile round trip trail that offers breathtaking views of the arch.
The Windows Primitive Loop consists of one of the most beautiful locations in the park because of the high concentration of arches. In the easy one mile loop, you can view the North Window, South Window, Double Arch and Turret Arch.
If you want a more challenging hike, then traversing the Fiery Furnace is for you. There is a labyrinth of narrow passages between towering sandstone walls. During the sunset, the rocks look like they are glowing.
The Park Avenue Trail is a two mile trek that showcases some of the park’s most impressive scenery. This hike leads you between massive, towering sandstone walls and offers spectacular views of iconic rock monoliths.
Balanced Rock is a staggering 128 feet high and is one of the most iconic features in the park. It can’t be missed since it sits right on the main road that travels through Arches.
Take a short and easy trek through a narrow rock passage to discover the unique Sand Dune Arch. The trail leads you through thick red sand to an arch nestled in a cool, shaded area.
Located at the far end of the park, you can take an easy hike of 1.8 miles to view the impressive Landscape Arch. The total expanse of the arch is 306 feet long making it the longest natural arch in the United States .
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Best Tours in Arches National Park from Moab
If you want a different type of experience, there are numerous tours that you can take to see Arches National Park. The following are some of the more popular tours that you can enjoy.
Arches National Park Sightseeing Tour from Moab
Enjoy seeing Arches in a glass enclosed van that gives you unobstructed views of the beautiful surroundings and it can even be turned into an open top vehicle. There are a few short walks to enjoy and snacks are provided.
Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab
The tour is 4 hours long and enters the park through the back door of the park via Willow Springs Road. You will see some of the major attractions in the park, as well as some dinosaur tracks.
Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab
Explore the backcountry of Arches on this 5 hour off-road tour. Navigate steep sandstone walls and deep dunes to reach iconic landmarks like Eye of the Whale Arch and Tower Arch.
2. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is the largest national park in the state of Utah and is truly a hidden gem. Rivers divide the park into 4 distinct areas with no roads in the park that connect them. The 4 areas include: the Needles, the Island in the Sky, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. In the park you can hike, take a scenic drive, star gaze and more.
Popular Hikes in Canyonlands
This is an easy and popular .6 mile round trip hike to Mesa Arch. There are excellent views of the canyon and the La Sal Mountains. If you are looking for a great spot to see the sunrise, this hike should be at the top of your list.
If you are looking for a trail that is less traveled with great views of the canyon, then the 1.8 mile White Rim Overlook Trail should be on your list of hikes to do.
Grandview Point Trail is a stunning 1.8 easy hike that gives you magnificent views of the corrugated canyons, features in the Needles, the Maze and the distant mountains. There are two different viewpoints to soak up the views.
Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail
Tackle the moderate 1.2 mile Crater View Trail. There is an initial climb to the first of two overlooks that looks down into the mysterious and colorful three mile across crater.
Experience a blend of history and scenery on this 1.4 mile moderate trek. The trail climbs toward the summit of Aztec Butte, passing ancient Puebloan storage structures (granaries) along the way.
Conquer the Gooseberry Trail which is a strenuous 4.6 mile hike that takes you from the top of the mesa to the canyon floor. There is over a 1,500 foot elevation change that you will navigate on the hike.
Chesler Park Loop Trail is located in the Needles District. The hike takes you over slickrock sandstone and slot canyons. The hike is 10.6 miles long and is considered hard.
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Best Tours in Canyonlands National Park from Moab
Considering the size of Canyonlands National Park, and how rugged the terrain is in the park it can be daunting to see on your own. You may want to consider taking a tour to see the park. The following tours will show you the park in a way that you couldn’t do on your own.
Canyonlands National Park Backcountry 4×4 Adventure from Moab
Capture the stunning red-rock formations of Moab’s backcountry from a specialized 4×4 vehicle. This guided excursion takes you past the bright blue Potash evaporation ponds and the famous “Thelma and Louise” point.
Canyonlands National Park Half Day Tour from Moab
Take an adventure with this half day tour that will show you the rugged beauty of the Island in the Sky district and the stunning Gooseneck Overlook. Your experienced guide will navigate all of the tight switchbacks on the White Rim Road.
Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4×4
Adventure deep into Canyonlands National Park on this 9-hour guided 4WD tour along the White Rim Trail. You’ll see the park from 1,000 feet below the mesa top, visiting exclusive sites like Lathrop Canyon and Musselman Arch.
Travel Story
While exploring Canyonlands, our family had two rental cars. One of the rental cars had 19 miles of gas left in the tank with the nearest station 30 miles away. Lesson learned: always check the gas gauge before heading into the park. You can read about what happened here.
3. Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park has over 5,300 acres that is truly beautiful. The park is a high desert, mesa top park that rises 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. At the park you can mountain bike, hike, enjoy beautiful sunsets, stargaze, and more.
Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail
The trail is located at the end of the park. It is a short paved walkway that is 400 feet round trip. You have wonderful views of the valley floor. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Visitor Center Natural Trail
Not only can you stop to explore the visitor center but you can also take an easy but beautiful hike. The trail is a ¼ mile and it gives you great views of the canyon, Chimney Rock and the La Sal Mountains.
Desert View Overlook
Perfect for a quick excursion, this trail offers stunning glimpses of the Colorado River and the vibrant blue Potash evaporation ponds. Traveling along the east rim, it provides a unique vantage point of the canyon bottom.
East Rim Trail System
East Rim Trail provides an alternative to driving the park’s main road. The trail begins on the south side of the visitor center and travels towards Dead Horse Point. There are gorgeous views of the canyon, the La Sal Mountains, and the Behind the Rocks area.
West Rim Trail System
Discover a more primitive less traveled trail that hugs the west rim. There are fantastic views of the Shafer Canyon and the Colorado River while you traverse the 5-7 miles in length trail.
Bighorn Overlook Trail
As the most isolated hike in Dead Horse Point State Park, this 3 mile trail offers a rare sense of quiet. You’ll navigate a moderate path across slickrock and desert flora to reach an overlook that rivals the park’s main viewpoint, providing sweeping, private vistas of Shafer Canyon.
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Best Tours in Dead Horse Point State Park
E-Bike Sunset – Dead Horse Point E-bike Mountain Bike Tour
This 3 hour private experience is suited for various skill levels. Your guide will take you on various trails and you will experience the sunset in the park.
Exclusive Half Day Dead Horse Point Guided Mountain Biking Tour
On this 4 hour tour, you will be taken by an experienced tour guide where you’ll experience fantastic views of Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, the La Sal Mountains and more.
E-Bike Private Half-Day Dead Horse Point Mountain Biking Tour
On this tour, you’ll get to experience the park up close and personal, while the guide shares all kinds of information about the park and surrounding area.
⭐ trip planning help ⭐
💡If you are looking for more detailed planning ideas, I share in depth coverage of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park in a 16 day Arizona and Utah road trip that my family and I did.💡
4. Take a Scenic Drive Near Moab
Just about any road you drive around Moab could be considered a scenic drive, thanks to the area’s dramatic red rock landscapes. From riverside routes to towering canyon walls, some of the most beautiful scenic drives in Utah can be found right here. The following three scenic drives near Moab stand out as the best of the best, and driving even one of them is well worth your time.
Potash Road Scenic Drive
Potash Road, which is UT 279, is a 17 mile stretch of road located 4 miles outside of downtown Moab directly off of UT 191. The road goes right beside the Colorado River and the high red sandstone cliffs which are known as Wall Street.
Some of the more popular places to stop along Potash Road include:
Mile 3.8 – Portal Overlook Trail
Here you’ll find the Portal Overlook Trail which climbs nearly 2.5 miles and gives you a fantastic view of Moab and the Colorado River.
Mile 4.3 – Wall Street Climbing Area
This stop is where you can try your hand at climbing the sandstone walls.
Mile 5 – Petroglyphs
Just down the road from Wall Street at mile marker 5 there is a small pulloff with a bunch of petroglyphs to enjoy.
Mile 5.9 – Poison Spider Trailhead and Dinosaur Tracks Viewpoint
At this stop, you can look through metal viewing tubes to see dinosaur tracks.
Mile 10 – The Corona Arch Trailhead
The hike to the Corona Arch is 3 miles round trip and has excellent views along the way to the arch.
UT 128 Scenic Byway
Utah State Route 128 is often considered one of the most scenic drives near Moab and one of the most beautiful river roads in the Southwest. Personally, it is one of my favorite scenic roads in the U.S.
The road is nearly 45 miles long and connects Moab to I-70.. The road hugs the Colorado River giving you spectacular views of the red cliffs, La Sal Mountains, and more.
⭐ Travel planning help ⭐
💡I have a detailed guide to driving UT 128 that walks you through the best stops along the way. 💡
Shafer Trail 4 x 4 Scenic Drive
If you are the more adventurous type, then the Shafer Trail will be well suited for you. This trail can be accessed at the end of the Potash Road but it is recommended that you start from within Canyonlands National Park near the Sky Visitor Center. You will get the most dramatic views doing it this way.
This route should only be attempted in dry conditions and with a properly equipped vehicle. On the road, you’ll descend 1,500 feet on a road that features tight, unrailed switchbacks and steep cliffs. It is well worth your time, if you can stomach it.
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5. Go Off Roading
Off-roading is one of the most popular things to do in Moab, thanks to the area’s slickrock terrain and iconic trails like Hell’s Revenge and Fins N’ Things. The following are some of the more popular tours that you can take in the area. Just hold onto your hat and try not to scream.
U-DRIVE Moab Hell’s Revenge UTV Off-Road Adventure
Soak up views of the La Sal Mountains, the Colorado River, and the sandstone cliffs of Echo Canyon on this UTV tour. You’ll conquer the slickrock ledges and sandstone domes of Hell’s Revenge.
Hell’s Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab + Dinosaur Track
What could be better than tackling the likes of Hell’s Revenge as you drive some of the best UTV/ATVs and seeing dinosaur tracks? There isn’t much. You’ll also have stunning views as you explore the area.
You-Drive 4×4 UTV Adventure–Hell’s Revenge & Fins N’ Things, Moab
Get behind your own UTV as you take on Hell’s Revenge and Fins N’ Things just outside of Moab. Along the way, you will climb steep petrified sand dunes, view the wondrous Echo Canyon and the majestic Colorado River.
⭐ Rated 5 out of 5 stars ⭐
6. Do an Aerial Adventure Over Moab
You may be someone who likes to get your feet off of the ground. If that is the case, the following activities will do just that. From zip lining to taking a hot air balloon ride, these aerial adventures offer a completely different perspective on Moab’s red rock landscape.
See stunning views of the Moab red rocks, Hell’s Revenge, Arches National Park, and the La Sal Mountains, as you fly across 6 zip lines. You also will take an ATV ride, cross a 100 foot suspension bridge, and do a little hiking.
⭐ travel planning help ⭐
💡 A friend and I did this zip line adventure and we had a blast. I have a post where I share all about doing the Raven’s Rim Zipline course.💡
You’ll definitely get an adrenaline rush when you step off a 400 foot cliff with the only thing holding you is a rope. You can rest easy since you will be in the latest and safest gear.
Private Half-Day Canyoneering Tour in Moab
Get away from the crowds and discover a Moab canyon with this half-day private canyoneering experience. It doesn’t matter how much canyoneering experience you have. If the 15 foot repel isn’t enough, you have the option to do a 90 foot repel.
Experience the Moab area from above; a Red Rock Balloon ride is the perfect way to take in the scenery. You will have awesome views of Canyonlands, Arches, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Rides typically last from 45-90 minutes.
⭐ rated 4.9 out of 5 on trip advisors ⭐
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7. Enjoy a Water Activity
Water activities are some of the most relaxing and family friendly things to do in Moab, especially during warmer months. Most experiences take place on the Colorado River, offering a unique way to see the red rock scenery.
Moab, Rivertrippers Rafting Castle Valley Half Day Colorado River
This is a great introduction to rafting in Moab, especially if you’re traveling with kids or first timers. There are class I and II rapids on the tour. You’ll have long scenic stretches to enjoy the red rock cliffs and Colorado River view.
Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show
You’ll first enjoy a cowboy style Dutch oven dinner in a dining room overlooking the Colorado River. Next, you’ll get in a boat and cruise down the peaceful Colorado River. Once the sun sets, you’ll experience a wondrous light show on the canyon walls.
Moab Morning Half Day Rafting Trip – Colorado River
This is an easygoing rafting option that still delivers great scenery. It’s a solid choice if you want to get out on the river in the morning and still have time later in the day for hiking or exploring town.
Flatwater Fun: Stand Up Paddle boarding on the Colorado River
If you’re looking for something calm and peaceful, paddleboarding on the Colorado River is hard to beat. It’s beginner friendly and gives you a totally different perspective of Moab’s red rock landscape.
8. Go Mountain Biking
Moab is often considered the mountain biking capital of the world with over 900 miles of trails to select from. If you want to take your bike out and bike on your own or with some friends the following places are some of the more popular places to go.
A world renowned 27 mile advanced ride that descends more than 7,000 feet from alpine terrain to desert slickrock.
The iconic 10-mile loop on grippy, steep sandstone, famous for its intense, natural roller-coaster terrain.
A popular 17.4-mile loop offering a mix of flowy singletrack and red rock, suited for intermediate riders.
The trailhead contains 6 trails with 5 of them being singletrack nonmotorized trails. You have wonderful views of Kane Creek, Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, and the Colorado River.
The trail is a double black diamond single track known for its technical rock gardens and spicy drops.
This trails inside the park feature scenic, intermediate level trails with dramatic views of the Colorado River and the canyon below.
⭐ rated 4.9 out of 5 on trip advisor ⭐
➡️ Book Exclusive Half Day Dead Horse Point Guided Mountain Biking Tour Here
Mountain Bike Tours Near Moab
There are numerous tours that you can take while mountain biking. The following are some of the more popular mountain biking tours that you can enjoy.
Exclusive Half Day Dead Horse Point Guided Mountain Biking Tour
You have the option to pick between morning or afternoon rides on this 4 hour tour. This ride offers big views with an unforgettable ride. You will ride along the rim of Dead Horse Point with a guide who knows the terrain.
Private Group Half-Day Moab Brand Trails Guided Mountain Biking Tour
This is a great option if you want a fun, customizable ride without the crowds. The Moab Brand Trails are smooth, scenic, and perfect for a wide range of skill levels, making this an easy win for families or groups riding together.
Private Half Day Guided Mountain Bike Tour in Moab
If you’re not sure where to ride or want something tailored to your ability, this tour is a solid choice. Your guide helps pick the right trails, sets the pace, and lets you focus on enjoying Moab’s world class biking without the stress of planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Moab
The best time to visit Moab is spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are comfortable and ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are quieter but still beautiful.
Yes, Moab is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a unique mix of natural beauty and adventure activities that you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S., making it a top destination for outdoor lovers and photographers.
Most visitors need at least 3–4 days to experience the best things to do in Moab. This allows time to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, enjoy a scenic drive or two, and fit in an adventure like rafting, off-roading, or mountain biking.
Moab is best known for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, world-class off-roading trails, mountain biking, and its dramatic red rock scenery. It’s also a hub for outdoor adventure in southeastern Utah.
Yes, there are plenty of things to do in Moab besides hiking. Visitors can go whitewater rafting, take scenic drives, explore off road trails, enjoy aerial adventures, or relax along the Colorado River.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Moab
Moab is one of those places that truly has something for everyone, whether you are traveling as a family, visiting as a couple, or planning an adventure packed road trip with friends.
From hiking in Arches and Canyonlands to scenic drives, rafting the Colorado River, and exploring the backcountry by four wheel drive, it is easy to see why Moab continues to be one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Utah.
Personally, I love the Moab area. Moab was also my family’s favorite location that we visited on our 16 day family trip that we took. We loved the mix of big adventure days with the slower ones.
No matter how long you have, these are some of the best things to do in Moab to help you build an unforgettable trip.
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