6 Absolute Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah (+Our Tips)
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Planning a trip to Moab, Utah, and wondering what to see and do? This guide covers our favorite places and activities for a first visit, with practical tips and a suggested itinerary for 2 to 3 days.
Moab is a small town in southeastern Utah, best known as a base for visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. But there’s more to see and do nearby, from scenic drives and sunset viewpoints to rafting on the Colorado River.
We visited Moab with our family and combined the national parks with some of these other activities. Rafting was a welcome break from sightseeing in the summer heat, and the scenic drive along Highway 128 was one of the highlights of our trip.
With so many things to do in Moab, you could easily spend a week here. But if your time is limited, this guide focuses on the places and activities we recommend most for first-time visitors.
TIP: Plan at least two full days for the main sights around Moab. Three days will give you more time to explore and add an activity such as rafting or a backcountry tour. Below, you’ll find our recommendations, followed by a suggested itinerary to help you plan your time.
READ ALSO: Best Tours in Moab
Here are the VERY BEST things to do in Moab on first visit:
1. Explore Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States and one of the main reasons people visit Moab. If you only have one day in the area, the best thing to do is to explore Arches National Park.
One full day gives you time to see the main sights and do some short hikes. If you want to explore more trails, consider spending an extra day in the park.
Start with the Arches scenic drive, stopping at Balanced Rock and the Park Avenue viewpoint, and taking short walks to Double Arch and The Windows. If you have time for a longer hike, we recommend the Delicate Arch Trail. It takes you to the park’s most famous arch, with a short detour to see rock art along the way.
TIP: Want to see more of Arches and get off the beaten path? This highly rated backcountry 4×4 tour takes you off the paved roads to explore parts of the park most visitors miss, with an experienced guide doing the driving.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Arches NP
Good to know: Check the official park website for current entry requirements before your visit. Arrive early to avoid the longest entrance lines and find parking at popular trailheads. In summer, plan longer hikes early in the morning, before it gets too hot.
2. Visit Canyonlands National Park
The nearby Canyonlands National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks and one of the best places to visit near Moab. It’s well worth the short drive!
Canyonlands is huge and divided into several districts, so it’s important to choose which area to explore.
Island in the Sky is the closest and easiest to visit from Moab, about 30 miles or a 40-minute drive away. With half a day, you can drive the scenic roads, stop at the main viewpoints, and take the short hike to Mesa Arch. The vast canyons remind us of the Grand Canyon, and the views are impressive even if you don’t do any longer hikes.
READ ALSO: How to Visit Canyonlands & Arches in One Day
If you have more time, you can easily spend the whole day in this section of Canyonlands National Park. There are so many stunning viewpoints and lots of short, easy hikes. At the Island in the Sky Visitor Centre, you can find all the information about the best hikes in this area. For more information, see our detailed guide below.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
TIP: If you don’t feel like driving and want to experience the best of the Island in the Sky area (the most popular part of Canyonlands), I recommend this highly rated 4×4 backcountry adventure. This tour runs from Moab and takes just half a day, making it a great addition to your itinerary.
The Needles district is farther from Moab, about a 1.5-hour drive each way. You can visit its main sights and hiking trails independently by car, while a guided 4×4 tour takes you deeper into the backcountry.
READ ALSO: Best Places to Stay near Canyonlands National Park
3. See the Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best places to watch the sunset near Moab. It’s about 32 miles or a 45-minute drive from town, close to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. You can easily combine the two parks in one day, ending with sunset here.
The main overlook, Dead Horse Point, is at the end of the park road, just a short walk from the parking area. From here, you can see the Colorado River winding through the canyons far below. There are also rim trails connecting other viewpoints if you have more time to explore.
We loved the views here, and the sunset was a beautiful way to finish a day of sightseeing around Moab. Arrive a little early so you have time to walk around and choose your favorite spot.
Good to know: This is a state park, so your National Park Pass doesn’t cover admission. Check the official park website for current fees and opening hours.
4. Go Rafting on the Colorado River
Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the best things to do in Moab in summer. From gentle float trips to more adventurous whitewater rafting, there are options for different ages and comfort levels.
Since we were visiting with young children, we opted for this family-friendly half-day rafting tour and had the best time! With temperatures well over 100°F in July, being on the water was a welcome relief from exploring the national parks on foot. When conditions allow, your guide may also let you jump in for a short swim.
The scenery along the Colorado River is spectacular, and seeing the canyon walls from the water gives you a different perspective than driving or hiking.
Want more action? Consider this Westwater Canyon rafting tour, which tackles Class III–IV rapids. It’s a more adventurous option, but you’ll need to set aside a full day.
Prefer a relaxing evening on the river? Check out the Sound and Light Show with Dinner. It’s a slow-moving evening boat ride on a calm stretch of the Colorado River near Moab, followed by a light show on the canyon walls.
READ MORE: Rafting in Moab
5. Drive the Scenic Utah Byway State Route 128
Utah State Route 128 is one of the most scenic drives near Moab, following the Colorado River between towering canyon walls. We found parts of it just as impressive as the famous Highway 163 through Monument Valley, although the Monument Valley Scenic Drive remains a favorite for its very different scenery.
We arrived from Colorado and left Interstate 70 at Cisco. At first, it’s just a regular road with not much to see. But the closer you get to Moab, the better it gets, with so many places where you’ll want to stop for pictures. Despite the beautiful scenery and its proximity to Moab, we hardly saw any cars when we drove here.
Good to know: The drive from Cisco to Moab is approximately 46 miles and takes about an hour without stops. Allow extra time for photos, and use designated pullouts to stop safely.
This was one of the most scenic roads we’ve driven worldwide. If you can include it in your route to or from Moab, we highly recommend it!
6. Outdoor Adventures & Fun Activities
Moab is known for its outdoor adventures. If you have more time after exploring the national parks, consider adding an activity that lets you see the area in a different way.
In addition to rafting, here are a few options:
- Off-road UTV tours. These tours take you over rocky terrain and steep slopes that you wouldn’t tackle in a regular rental car. Choose between driving a UTV yourself or riding with a guide, depending on the tour and your comfort level.
- Mountain biking. A great option if you enjoy being active and want to explore beyond the roads. Check the difficulty before booking, as some Moab trails require technical riding skills. Look for a beginner-friendly tour if you’re new to mountain biking.
- Canyoneering. Combining hiking, scrambling, and rappelling, this is worth considering if you want something more adventurous. Check the route’s physical requirements and whether it’s suitable for beginners, especially if you’re visiting with children.
- Helicopter tours. For aerial views without any hiking, consider a scenic flight over the surrounding canyons and rock formations. Compare routes as well as flight times, since each tour covers a different area.
For families with younger children, Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is another option, with life-size dinosaur models along an outdoor trail and indoor exhibits. Check opening hours before heading out.
TIP: Choose activities based on your group’s interests and comfort level, and check age restrictions before booking. For more ideas, see our guide to the best tours in Moab.
Suggested Itinerary for the Best of Moab in 2-3 Days
Below is a simple Moab itinerary for 3 full days, combining the national parks with scenic drives and outdoor activities. With just 2 days in Moab, follow Days 1 and 2 to see the main sights. If arriving or leaving via Cisco, include Highway 128 on your drive to or from Moab.
Day 1: Arches National Park. Start with a morning backcountry 4×4 tour, or explore independently, including a walk to Landscape Arch (with an optional extension to Double O Arch). Drive the entire scenic road, stopping at Balanced Rock, Double Arch, The Windows, and the Park Avenue viewpoint. Take a break during the hottest hours. End the day with a hike to Delicate Arch for sunset. Set off well before sunset and bring a headlamp for the walk back.
Day 2: Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point. Explore the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, stopping at the main viewpoints and taking the short hike to Mesa Arch. For a different perspective, consider this half-day Canyonlands backcountry tour. Finish the day at nearby Dead Horse Point State Park, allowing some time to explore before sunset.
Day 3: Rafting & outdoor adventures. Take a half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River and spend the rest of the day driving part of scenic Highway 128 or trying another activity, such as a UTV tour. If you prefer more adventurous rafting, set aside the whole day for Westwater Canyon instead.
LEARN MORE: Moab Itinerary Suggestions for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Days
Moab FAQs
Here are some popular questions that our readers ask:
- Where is Moab? Moab is in southeastern Utah, in the western United States. The town sits near the Colorado River and is a popular base for visiting Arches National Park and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.
- What is Moab known for? Moab is best known for its nearby national parks, natural sandstone arches, and red rock canyons. It’s also a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, rafting on the Colorado River, and off-road adventures.
- Is Moab worth visiting? Yes, Moab is absolutely worth a trip, especially if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The town is a convenient base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, but there’s much more to see and do nearby, from scenic drives and sunset viewpoints to rafting and off-road adventures.
- How many days to spend in Moab? We recommend at least 2 full days (3 nights): one for Arches National Park and one for Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district and Dead Horse Point State Park. With 3 full days (4 nights), you’ll have more time for rafting, scenic drives, or other outdoor activities. If you enjoy hiking and exploring, you could easily spend a week in Moab!
- What is the best time to visit Moab? Moab is a year-round destination. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for hiking and sightseeing, but they are also popular times to visit. Summer can be extremely hot, so plan hikes early and take a break during the hottest hours.
- Where to stay in Moab? Stay in downtown Moab if you want to walk to restaurants and shops. There are also hotels along the main road just outside the center, plus more secluded accommodations farther from town. If you’re visiting in summer, we recommend choosing a hotel with a pool for a break after sightseeing. See our hand-picked selection of the best Moab hotels and accommodations for all budgets.
More travel inspiration for the Moab area:
- Arches:
- Canyonlands:
- For a complete overview, please see our Moab, Arches, Canyonlands – travel guide.
Places often visited in combination with Moab:
- Utah: Best Things to Do in Utah
- Zion NP: Best hikes in Zion NP & Where to Stay near Zion
- Zion + Bryce: Zion to Bryce Canyon Drive & Itinerary
- Grand Canyon NP: One Day in Grand Canyon & Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon Itinerary & Grand Canyon in Winter
- Arizona: Best Places to Visit in Arizona & Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary
- Sedona, AZ: Things to Do in Sedona & Sedona Day Trip
- Las Vegas, NV: Best Things to Do in Las Vegas & Las Vegas Travel Tips & 1-day LasVegas Itinerary & Best Places to See near Las Vegas
- Aspen, CO: Maroon Bells and Crater Lake Hike & Best Things to Do in Aspen
- Rocky Mountains: Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary & Denver to Rocky Mountain NP Day Trip
TIP: Save this guide for later, share it with your friends, or pin it to Pinterest so you can easily come back to it when planning your trip.
I love the Arches Park, it is so beautiful! We camped just outside of Moab right next to the river.The sun heated up the clay soil so that kept us toasty warm. The sound of the river and the beautiful stars were just magical! Waking up to the sun bouncing of the red cliffs was breathtaking. I want to go back so bad! It is one of my most favorite places I have ever been❤️
Sounds like a wonderful experience, Mechelle! Hope you get to visit again!
Happy travels.
Hey there! Just want to say Thank You for all this information! We will be visiting Moab and the information that you provided here is fantastic!
Glad to help, Steve. Have a great trip!
Hello. Unfortunately, we don’t have a printable of this article. Advertising is what pays for our hard work running this blog so that we can continue to provide truly useful information to our readers free of charge. Most of our readers can appreciate that.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your trip!
Hello, I’m preparing an itinerary for a south Utah trip in late August. Your recommendations for Moab and surroundings are excellent! I’m setting 3 days for these area. We have a week to visit Moab (Arches, Canyon lands), Zion, Bryce Capitol Reef. Wondering if you have some more tips for all these other parks? do you have an article already on it? Are we going to need more time, etc? Thank you for your time and great website.
Hi Alex, glad you found this useful. 3 days is indeed a good time for a short visit to Moab and Canyonlands and you can allocate the rest of the time for the other parks. In Canyonlands, half a day is enough for the highlights of the Island in the Sky section. Get a map at the visitor’s center and make sure to stop at all the lookouts next to the road. Don’t miss Mesa Arch (easy short hike). You can do one other short hike if you feel like and if it’s not too hot.
Bryce – half a day/ one day is enough for the highlights and you can visit it on the way to Zion. I have no articles about Bryce, but have a guide with the best hikes in Zion and also where to stay near Zion NP. I think it’s nice if you can spend 2 days in Zion. It’s well worth it. I haven’t been to Capitol Reef, but one day should be fine from everything I heard. Pick one or two really nice shorter hikes there.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
Hi! What’s Moab’s biggest secret? It has the most active charitable organizations per capita than any other town in the U.S. So, I suggest visitors make time to visit WabiSabi nonprofit thrift store in order to get the authentic taste of what Moab is like at its heart. They sell items donated by natives, then donate all profits to local charities. In 2019, WabiSabi donated more than $88,000 to a dozen local charities and fed 700-800 locals at their Community Thanksgiving Celebration. You cannot claim to know Moab like a local without hunting treasure at Wabi!
That looks like an interesting concept, Rebecca. Not immediately a place that many tourists would visit, but since it’s for a good charitable cause, I’ll leave your comment here for those who might be interested. Thanks for sharing.
@Jurga, @Rebecca Hudson,
Thank you both for your invaluable shares. The universe is speaking to me through your posts. Blessings to your way.
Enjoy Moab, Nahid! It’s a very unique place.
Considering Moab as a summer vacation spot for a family of 4. (2 teenage boys – age 17 and 19 -and parents ). Mid July 2020.
Are most businesses and outdoor parks open? Specially the national parks and adventure tours..
How about the weather? Is it tolerable mid July?
What airport would we fly into? We are coming from Ohio.
Thank you!!
Hi Kim, at this moment, most places in Arches National Park are open (the roads, trails, etc). For more info and updates, please check the official website of the National Parks Service.
The weather in Moab in July is hot, really hot. We visited mid-July and it was over 100°F every day. You can still do a lot, but have to try to do as much as possible in the morning, before 10-11 AM and then again in the late afternoon. During the hottest hours, you can go back to the swimming pool of your hotel (more info – Moab hotels). Rafting is another top experience in Moab in summer (more info – Moab rafting).
As for the airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport (Colorado) is one of the closest (115 miles – 1h45). Otherwise, Salt Lake City, UT (230 miles – 4h). The closest local airport is Canyonlands Field Airport, but it doesn’t have many flights. If I’m not mistaken, you can fly there from Salt Lake City.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your information. Could you clarify what you mean by at the end of the road for sunset viewing at Dead Horse State park?
Hi Gail, there’s just one road -#313 – going through the Dead Horse Point Park. At the end of that road, there is a parking area and some nice views. Here you can see it on the map.
On that same road, a bit before you reach the end, is another nice viewpoint. Also popular for sunset.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
Folks: please be aware that the health department has closed area campgrounds , hotels, bars, etc. This follows the Moab Hospital asking visitors to stay home for now. It’s time to cancel trips. It will still be there when we get past this.
Thanks for a local update, Digs. It’s indeed not the time to travel anywhere at the moment. Let’s hope this is over soon and stay safe!
The 3 of us (from Colorado) plan to go over spring break – my husband, 16yo daughter and me. My husband disc golfs, backpacks, bikes, 4×4, etc. My daugher would like to adventure as well. Unfortunately, although I LOVE adventure – my body doesn’t (back, hip, knee issues). Love all the advice – seems like there’s some doable hikes. Would you have advice for us – like maybe we drive to a certain point where they can bike or hike and I can still enjoy the view and read or something? Or are there museums I could enjoy while they 4×4… welcome any tips!
Hi Terri, there are many beautiful viewpoints along the scenic road in Arches NP and most of them don’t require much hiking in order to enjoy some of the most amazing views. Please check our article about Arches NP with kids and you’ll find quite some suggestions for easy things to do.
Also outside the park, there are quite some interesting places to see – dinosaur museums and similar. You can find the complete selection of sights and activities on the Discover Moab website.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your time in Moab area!
I am thinking of going to Moab in February. Do you reckon it’s a good time to visit?
Hi Flora, I think that winter in Moab area can be magical. No crowds and beautiful landscapes covered with a tiny layer of snow (depends on the weather, of course)… I’m not sure how hiking paths will be in February, but from what I saw, people go hiking in the Arches NP in winter as well. So I’d say go for it!
Canyonlands National Park is also on my radar, but I didn’t know where to start. This helped me decide where to go. Thank you, Jurga!
Glad to help. We only spent half a day in Canyonlands though, but it was really nice and well worth it. Enjoy your trip!
Are all the national parks and trails open in Moab now??Planning a trip Sept.15th,2020
Hi Dawn, yes, at the moment all the roads and most trails in Arches NP are open (see the official NPS website for the up-to-date info). The same in Canyonlands National Park (more info here).
Have a nice trip.
Zion National Park is really an incredible place.
Hi Aaron, yes, it definitely is. Just as all the National Parks in Utah, actually. 🙂
Jurga, many thanks for your post. Last minute as we were driving we had read this post and diverted onto 128 and we were blown away how beautiful it was on the drive. Amazing, just as you said. Thank you for that recommendation. Another Thanks for the Dead Horse at sunset. Another awesome recommendation. We appreciate your time in putting all this great information into one place. Moab was fantastic!
I’m always so happy to hear feedback like this, Julie. It sounds like you had a great trip to Moab and it’s nice to know that our tips made it a bit more special.
Happy travels!
Thanks so much for the article. We are planning a relatively unhurried 3-day trip to southeastern Utah in the first week of November, and I am wondering if making Moab a base for two nights would work. Basically wondering if I should make the effort to add Capitol Reef or some other points further south on US 191 in the trip. Or is there enough in a ~1.5-2 hr distance to make it worth our while. We have to be back in SLC on the third night to catch a red-eye east. Thanks again for the tips!
Hi Rick, if you have just 2 full days in Moab, I’d just stay there and explore the area. You can see our itinerary suggestions in this article.
It’s more than 2hours (one way) just to drive to Capitol Reef and it also means that you would have to skip other nice places next to Moab (which would be a pity since you’re already in that area). I think you’ll enjoy your trip more if you don’t try to ‘see it all’ in such a short time.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi we are thinking of visiting at the beginning of April. What will the weather like. And is it a good time to visit the area.
Hi Elizabeth, I think that it’s a very nice time to go as it will be much cooler and also much less busy. I think that majority of Utah’s National Park are much better visited in the Spring or in Autumn and not in summer as it gets so hot there.
As for the exact temperatures, I have no idea. Why don’t you google what the average temperatures in the area are in April…
@Jurga, Hello, just a comment as I live in Moab. APRIL is a horrible time to come here as it is the time of Jeep Safari; every year after/around Easter, the town and trails are inundated with jeepers and mayhem. NO rooms, lines and high traffic, parks are jammed packed. I was reading all the comments, and didn’t see this mentioned once, it is a formidable time to be here and travelers may be disappointed as this event is NOT representational of this beautiful area. More like spring break in Fort Lauderdale…
Hi Nancy, wow, it does sound very busy indeed. Thanks for sharing this; I’m sure it will be helpful to some of our readers. It seems that Easter holidays are getting busier and busier everywhere and there’s just no way to avoid the crowds at any of the popular destinations anymore…
Staying in Moab for a week in late October. Thanks for your “must do’ list. It’s very helpful! Wondering what your thoughts are on taking a day trip to Monument Valley, or should we stick closer to our home base? Also, if you were to bring one lens with you, what would it be? I’m considering purchasing a 14 mm f2.8 for this trip.
Hi Lee, I think that Monument Valley is a bit far for a day trip. We considered going to Mesa Verde (about 2hrs drive) and even then decided it was too much of a drive. But, of course, it depends on how you feel about it. If you don’t mind spending 7 hours driving up and down there and it’s on your bucket list, then you could do it. But I think, I’d recommend staying at least one night there if you decide to go.
As for the lens, I used Canon 24-70 f2,8 for this trip and it was ok. I now have 16-35mm f4 lens and love it for travel as well. There are definitely many advantages of having a wide-angle lens at times, but I also prefer to have at least some zoom and flexibility. I think the lens you are considering is also a good choice, but there might be moments you’ll want to have more flexibility, so if you have that kind of a budget, Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L might be a good alternative.
Good luck with a choice, it’s not an easy one as no one lens will be perfect for all situations.
Have a nice trip!
Thank you so much Jurga.
You have helped me enormously preparing our itinerary for Moab and Yellowstone. We are all ready to go now!! I can’t wait!!
Glad to hear that, Monserrat. Enjoy your trip!
Truly you shared all these alluring places that are the best in the area. I have a good experience of Arches National Park because I have been there many times in my whole life and every time I had huge fun there.
It’s such an amazing area, indeed. Glad to hear your confirmation that this selection includes all the very best places near Moab. We always try to provide the most comprehensive destination guides to our readers.
Happy travels!
Hi I will be coming from the UK on my own and I am desperate to get back to the area. Will there be tours that will go to Monument Valley as well as other place. Thanks. PS I cant drive by the way. Julia.
Hi Julia, there are all kinds of tours from Moab, but most of them focus on the places that are really close by. Here you can find some of the most popular tours from Moab.
If you don’t have a car, then you might be better off taking some multi-day tours in the area, but that would depend on where you fly to I suppose. For example, there are many multi-day tours from Las Vegas, and some of them visit places like Moab and Monument Valley, but the choice of similar tours from smaller places is rather limited.
Hope this helps.
Hi!!! Jurga ! ? My name is Marcelo, I will go to travel to Moab in May 19, With my dog, She is very friendly and quite !!! like a service dog…. like emotional support…. but when I was reading restrictions to dog and definitions of service dog in Moab parks, I was unhappy…. I would like to ask to you advice to enjoy the Archers park, Canyonlands parks, and Moab with my dog…. She is my baby and I would like to spend the time in Moab with her… Not leave her alone in the hotel…. Thanks So Much!!! Marcelo.
Hi Marcelo, I really can’t help you with this as I have no experience with traveling with dogs. I’m sure there are many nice areas (at least outside the parks, not sure about the rules in the National Parks) that can be explored with a dog.
I encourage you to check the official websites of Arches NP and other places you are planning to visit for more information.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Jurga,
Great post!
By the way, just wanna ask is it okay to go in Arches National Park with a 1 year old baby? My husband and I plan to go this year either last week of May or 1st week of June. Then maybe we just stay in Moab 1 day, actually we came from Arizona visits our family.
Hi Grace, I wouldn’t know why not. Just dress for the weather conditions and foresee some shade for the baby. I would think May-June will be warm, but not as hot as it was in July. I think it’s a beautiful time to visit. Just make sure you have plenty of water with you and also some snacks/ baby food.
You can’t do a lot with a stroller (just drive the scenic loop and stop at the main lookout points), but if you are prepared to carry the baby (use a baby carrier like this or something like this), you can also do some hiking. If you do just one hike, I suggest the Delicate Arch. Also Landscape Arch is a relatively easy hike if you have more time.
PS I strongly suggest you stay at least two nights in Moab – one full day is really the minimum in Arches. Here you can find some suggestions on the best places to stay near Arches NP. Also the nearby Canyonlands NP is well worth a visit.
Enjoy your trip!
This is such a helpful resource – I was just looking for some new things to do when I’m out in Moab, we visit at least once a year and just came across it.
I’d love to add that anyone who is an adventure seeker should totally check out canyoneering. Next time you’re out in Moab, you should try this for something unique.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your experience, but we don’t allow any advertising on our website. We get so many comments with company mentions and it’s impossible for us to know how genuine it is… So I edited your comment and linked to all the canyoneering tours that I found in Moab. That way our readers can decide for themselves if it’s something they like to try.
Thanks for your understanding.
HI, loved your recommendations, wonder if you could give me some advice, I have a trip to Utah planned in Sept 2019, my plan includes all 5 parks, with at least 3 nights w/ 2 full days in each, with the exception on Capital reef national park, For the Moab area (seems to be a lot to do) we will arrive Thur afternoon have all day fri, sat, sun and leave very early on Monday to head to SLC for a flight. Im trying to decide if I should do a one of the 4×4 excersions. (Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4×4) or Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD, I know I really want to plan a night to do the boat ride during sunset. I just was thinking after hitting zion, brcye, capital reef, we might want to take a day not walking or hiking so much. Any places that are total must see and do
Do you mean these two tours, Teresa? Canyonlands NP Needles District 4×4 tour vs. Canyonlands White Rim Trail by 4WD? We haven’t done any of these two, but saw the White Rim Trail from above. My first impression is that the Needles District is a bit more special in terms of landscape. I’m sure they are both excellent tours and the reviews are great for both.
And yes, it might be nice to do something different than hiking for a change.
For Arches NP, you can find some suggestions here. Make sure you don’t miss the Delicate Arch trail! And if you are looking for accommodation ideas, please check this post for the best Moab hotels.
Enjoy your trip!
HI Jurga,
Planning a long trip out West and (since I’m “sort of” in the area) I must stop at Arches NP. I am trying to squeeze in a lot and I wanted your advice on this area. Do you think 2 days is enough to explore Arches? I have been to the Western side (Bryce/Zion) but really want to explore Arches. The plan would be to continue on to Wyoming after Arches so I don’t really want to venture too far. Thank you in advance for your advice.
Cheers,
Jannette
Hi Jannette, yes, you can definitely see the highlights of Arches NP in two days (and also at least some of these other places nearby). It sounds like you are doing (partially) similar trip to what we did, so you may find some inspiration in our American road trip itinerary that includes Arches and Yellowstone.
Please also check this post about visiting Arches NP – we did it with kids, but it covers all the main places, so should help you just as much.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga. I found your post above l very, very interesting and helpful. Thank you!
I am flying into Utah with my wife and two teenage kids in July and we plan to spend eight days (including flights in and out). We enjoy driving, sight-seeing, biking and leisure hiking (if there is such a thing). We’ve also done some water rafting. We’re interested to see nature but also the friendly little old towns of Utah. Given all this, may i ask your advise on how we may maximize our time and see the very best of this state which were visit g for the for the time?
Looking forward to your tips! Thanks a lot!
Hi Dennis, sounds like you are planning an amazing trip with your family! Utah is amazing, just keep in mind that it will be VERY hot in July.
As for the itinerary, sorry, but I really have no time to give tips for individual itineraries. You can find some suggestions for Moab area in this article. Please also check our guide to Arches National Park with kids. Please also read the comments of other readers and our answers – maybe that will give you more ideas of how to spend your time in Utah. I think that you can easily spend 3-4 days in Moab area (Arches and Canyonlands NP – check this guide for the best places to stay in Moab) and then maybe also 2 days for Zion and 1 day in Bryce Canyon. In addition, you could maybe try to add the Monument Valley to your itinerary.
Hope this helps a bit. Have a great trip!
HI Dennis,
I hope you don’t mind if I “chime in”…………I’ve been to Bryce Canyon and really wanted to see Arches but ran out of time. I am travelling back this year to see Arches. I will tell you, it’s quite a long drive (at least 5-6 hours) from Arches to Bryce Canyon BUT if you have the time, I promise it’s worth it!! It is nothing short of extraordinary!! Bryce Canyon is super easy to get around in, well paved roads to the different look-out points, and the canyons can be hiked all you want. If you still have time after Bryce, keep driving to Zion. It is beautiful as well. I personally liked Bryce more because you can drive all through that area. Sadly, Zion you cannot. You have to park in town and walk to an area where you catch a shuttle. You have to depend on that shuttle all through the park. It’s very HOT and crowded there in July and being stuffed in a shuttle was not fun. Angels landing is super cool BUT very dangerous to hike. Hope this helps!! Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
Two couples planning Utah trip early May. Suggestions on what part of Utah to stay to be in area convenient to see most parks and scenery. One week stay.
Hi Kathy, not sure what you are planning to see during this trip. Utah is huge, so it’s a bit difficult to advise.
If you are planning to visit some of Utah’s most known National Parks (Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef) I think that you better stay in 2-3 different accommodations, otherwise you’ll end up driving too much. One week is also a bit limited time if you are going to all the 5 parks, on the other hand if you don’t plan to hike a lot, you can definitely see all the Utah’s Big 5 in a week. Your trip could look something like this for example:
Hope this helps a bit. I’d first try to decide what exactly you want to see, then check Google Maps for driving distances and times between the parks, and book accommodations accordingly.
If you don’t like to drive a lot and just want a nice vacation, then Moab is definitely a place where you could spend a week as well. There is a lot to see and do in the area.
Can you recommend some full hookup campgrounds in Moab 30 foot 5th wheel . My husband will be mountain biking so near trail heads? Thanks in advance
Carol
Hi Carol, unfortunately I don’t have any experience with campgrounds in Moab. I found a bit more info on the local tourism website, check it out: https://www.discovermoab.com/campgrounds/
Hope this helps.
We are flying to Denver for a week renting a car and we would like to spend time in Moab and end up in aspen for a few days any. Thoughts we would love to hear from you.
Hi Julie, our recent American road trip started in Denver, Rocky Mountain NP, Aspen, and then Moab. Check it out – it might give you some ideas on how to plan your trip.
My husband and I are going on a river rafting trip in Moab, UT, and we’re looking for other activities to do while we’re there. Your article had some great tips about the best things to do in Moab, and I really liked you point to see the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park, and that its hard to find a bad view of the sunset in this place. Thanks for the helpful post, we’ll be sure to consider these activities.
Good to hear that you found this post useful, Jocelyn. Enjoy your trip to Moab!
We have done Arches. What can you recommend in the area for someone who is fearful of heights?
Hi Gloria, I guess you could still find some suitable hikes in the area, but I am not sure about which ones would be suitable in this case. There are, however, many other activities, scenic drives, rafting trips, biking, horse back riding, etc. There is a Dinosaur Park and also some museums. I think you can find plenty to do for all interests and age groups.
The calm water kayak trip is very good.
Thanks for your recommendation, Fred.
This post is great! I’m going to Utah this summer and will definitely be booking a rafting trip now! Thanks for the advice x
Good to hear you found this useful, Katie. Rafting is a must in Moab in summer, and make sure to jump into the water for a short swim. It’s so much fun for the whole family!
Thanks for the quick and easy tips for visiting Moab. My husband and I will be staying in Moab for 2-3 nights in July and these activities and destinations are just what we’re looking for! I especially like the tip to drive Route 128. In the research I’ve done thus far, I haven’t come across it, but it looks like a must do.
Happy traveling! 🙂
Thanks for your feedback, Candelle, and glad you found this useful. It’s so strange indeed that this beautiful road isn’t mentioned in many travel guides. It starts a bit plain at Cisco, but the further you go, the more impressive it gets. We loved it! Enjoy your trip!
Jurga – I love your blog. We are excited to head to Moab this Friday and hike with our daughters. We will be there week and look forward to exploring. Did you bike while in Moab? My husband is exploring renting Fat Bikes while we are visiting.
Hi Christine, no, we didn’t bike. We just had a few days and it was too hot to even think of something like that:)
If you are unsure about your kids being able to do it, why not just call the tour company and ask their experience and if they have the right size bikes for kids.
We will be staying there 5 days in July and plan to do a river day trip…. and some hikes in the arches and Canyonlands. Any additional must-dos for the time we have? Or specific hikes?
Thanks!
Hi Terri, there are many more things you can do in Moab area. When Discover Moab shared this post on Facebook, people immediately started replying with their favourite things to do in the area. Here are some ideas: Hells Revenge, Negro Bills Canyon, Mickeys Bath tub, Corona Arch (this hike seems to be really nice), Castle Valley, Slick rock bike trail, La Sal Mountains, horseback riding, mountain biking, etc.
So you should find plenty of inspiration in the above list. Just remember that July is really hot. Plan to do hiking early in the morning or late in the afternoon and spend the warmest hours in the pool. Have a nice trip!
Great post!
I read somewhere that you should hire a guide for Arches…we don’t really like to do that.
The jet boat light show cruise sounds a little to touristy. (A half day rafting trip sounds perfect).
Hummer, 4 x 4 trip.
What are your thoughts on all of those. We have a little more time..we’ll be there 4 nights.
Hi Christine, you don’t need a guide for Arches NP. All the main highlights can easily be visited individually (here you can find our suggestions for best things to see and do in Arches NP), especially since you have more than enough time. I’d only consider a 4WD tour if you want to visit some places that are a bit off the main road, which might be nice.
We didn’t do the jet boat with light show. I also think it’s a bit touristy, but everyone has different expectations I suppose. And maybe rafting is not for everyone so it’s an alternative way to explore the area. We really enjoyed rafting and a half day trip we took was very easy-going, so perfect for families and those who just want a relaxing trip with a beautiful scenery. It’s something I definitely recommend doing.
I’m not sure what you mean by Hummer, 4×4 trip?
Thanks Jurga,
I think I will try to find a scenic boat ride or rafting trip…we care more about sights than thrills! ha ha.
The hummer & 4 x 4 (I think that’s just a 4 wheel drive trip) I think we will skip as well. I think we can see the major sights via hiking and we love to hike!
Chris
Arches and Canyonlands are amazing for hiking. So many beautiful hikes! Enjoy it.
Any suggestions on nearby accommodations?
Hi Susan, I guess you missed my link to this post for accommodation suggestions: Best Moab Hotels (Moab is the best place to stay for Arches NP).
I appreciate you sharing these tips. I also enjoyed visiting these places in Moab
This is a great wrap up of an incredible place. Moab was one our favourite places to visit on our USA road trip. I just wish we had stayed there for longer than two nights as there is so much to do.
Same here, Nicci. We stayed three nights and could have easily filled a week here. Beautiful area.