The 10 Best Things to do in Moab
Moab, Utah is a destination built for adventure! It’s a paradise for hikers, bikers, climbers, campers, and sightseers. There’s no shortage of things to do in Moab, and this blog covers 10 activities you’ll absolutely love.
The town of Moab is relatively small, but it certainly packs a punch with its unique desert charm and attitude for adventure. The best time to visit Moab is in the spring and fall, where temperatures are more comfortable and you’ll find fewer crowds. There’s endless fun to be had for everyone here, so let’s jump into the best things to do in Moab.
Visit Arches National Park
Located just 5 miles north of Moab is Arches National Park, which contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. The most famous of these arches, Delicate Arch, is a must-see at sunrise or sunset. The trail is about three miles round trip. On a clear day, you’ll see snow-capped peaks behind the arch, making for a beautiful contrast against the desert rock. Not up for the hike? Not to worry! There are plenty of great viewpoints and other arches to explore in the park closer to your car.
Bike the Slickrock Trail
If you’re a mountain biker, you may have heard of Moab’s famous Slickrock Trail. Test your skills on this fun and challenging route. If you’re new to mountain biking, or are giving it a shot for the first time, head to the Moab Brand trails just south of town and take the Lazy/EZ loop. Mountain biking is a great way to experience Moab’s desert landscape in a new way!
Off-road in Hell’s Revenge
Going off-roading is certainly one of the best things to do in Moab. Hell’s Revenge is a 4×4 trail that will get your heart pumping! If you’re an experienced driver you can head out there yourself, but the most popular way to experience it is by booking a tour! You’ll find plenty of guiding companies in downtown Moab to choose from.
Climb at the Ice Cream Parlor
Moab’s Ice Cream Parlor isn’t a tasty dessert shop, but rather a climbing crag! Just seven miles away from downtown Moab, this crag boasts a variety of routes that can please the whole crowd.This includes a 5.5 (never have climbed before) as well as some 5.12s (experienced climbers). If you have your own equipment you can head on out. Or, if you’re new to climbing, you can find lots of guiding companies in Moab who take groups out to the Ice Cream Parlor.
Visit Canyonlands National Park
The Island in the Sky Section of Canyonlands is north of Moab, beyond Arches National Park. Canyonlands National Park is spectacular, with views similar to that of the Grand Canyon. There’s lots of gorgeous overlooks along the road, or stretch your legs by hiking to the famous Mesa Arch (0.5 miles) or by taking the Grand Viewpoint Hike (2 miles).
Cool Off in the Mill Creek Swimming Hole
When the afternoon temperatures in Moab become hot, head to the Mill Creek Swimming Hole. Mill Creek is shallow with relaxing pools and enough current to push you down a few rock water slides. Make your way upstream and you may see a few daredevils cliff jumping into the pool at the base of the falls (we don’t recommend joining them, though).
Stop by Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is located right outside of Canyonlands National Park (about 25 minutes from town) and is worth the stop. Plus, Dead Horse State Park has far less visitors than either of the national parks nearby, which means fewer crowds. It’s also a spot where you’ll catch one of the best sunsets Moab has to offer.
Raft the Colorado River
Hit the water for a run rafting experience while in Moab! Most guides offer full-day and half-day river rafting adventures where you'll experience a world-renowned stretch of the Colorado River with fun and splashy class II - III rapids. Or, head to a calmer part of the river to do stand up paddle boarding!
Go Canyoneering in Entrajo Canyon
One of the best places in the world to explore slot canyons is in Utah! 20 minutes south of town lies Entrajo Canyon, where you can take a guided canyoneering tour. You’ll wind through the narrow canyon, wade into water, and repel down sandstone walls. There’s no prior experience needed, meaning the whole family can do it!
Go Horseback Riding
Get the true western experience by saddling up and exploring the trails made famous by John Wayne himself. You’ll get to enjoy the quiet away from the traffic of the town and national parks as you explore the Moab desert from a new angle.
There you have it: 10 of the best things to do in Moab! Which one do you want to do? Make sure to tag us @adventripr in all your adventures, and check out our 5 day, 4 night trip to Moab!
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