Planning a trip to Moab, Utah can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re visiting for the first time, because there’s so much to see and do in the area. This guide is designed to help you narrow down your to-do list so you can plan an itinerary that makes sense for your interests and the amount of time you have to explore.

I’m fortunate to live about 90 minutes away from Moab, so I visit the area frequently and know it like the back of my hand. This guide shares what I consider to be 20 of the best things to do in Moab, from outdoor activities to places to shop, eat, and explore right in town. Each activity includes a cost breakdown, with plenty of free activities to choose from. Whether you’re visiting with kids, your partner, or are on a solo trip, there’s something for everyone!

Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah

1. Go Hiking in Arches National Park
2. Watch the Sunset in Dead Horse Point State Park
3. Float the Moab Daily
4. Go Mountain Biking
5. Take a Scenic Drive Along River Road
6. Grab Donuts From Doughbird
7. Go Hiking in Canyonlands National Park
8. Camp Out Under the Stars
9. Visit Sand Flats Recreation Area
10. Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop
11. Buy Crystals From the Moab Rock Shop
12. Hike to Delicate Arch at Sunrise
13. Visit the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park
14. Take Your Dog on a Hike
15. Eat at the Moab Food Truck Park
16. Go Shopping on Main Street
17. See Dinosaur Footprints at the Bull Canyon Overlook and Dinosaur Track Site
18. Rock Climbing & Rope Swing at Looking Glass Arch
19. Watch the Sunrise at Mesa Arch
20. Go Off-Roading On a 4×4 or Jeep Tour

1. Go Hiking in Arches National Park

I couldn’t kick off a list of the best things to do in Moab without a stop in Arches National Park, and going for a hike while you’re there is the best way to see some of the park’s most iconic and photogenic arches. When it comes to hiking trails there are options for the whole family, from easy, short hikes that a toddler can do, to more rugged adventures that involve scrambling up slickrock formations (note: climbing or walking across any arches is prohibited!).

I’ve hiked every designated trail inside of Arches National Park and my favorites include:

• Devils Garden Primitive Loop
• Delicate Arch
• Park Avenue Trail
• Ring Arch

Want more trail recommendations? Check out my blog post with the 10 best hikes in Arches National Park!

Cost: $30/vehicle or use an America the Beautiful pass

2. Watch the Sunset in Dead Horse Point State Park

If you want an epic place to watch the sunset in Moab then take a drive up to Dead Horse Point State Park. While the park faces east towards the La Sal mountains, it sits on top of a large mesa so you still get really great views of the setting sun.

The best place in the park to see the sunset can be found right by the main parking area at the end of the road. It’s just a short walk out to a viewpoint that overlooks the Colorado River. You can also hit the West Rim Trail for a scenic dog-friendly sunset hike.

Cost: $20/vehicle

3. Float the Moab Daily Section of the Colorado River

Beat the heat during the summer by going on a float down the Colorado River. There are multiple river trips you can take in the area, but my favorite stretch is known as the Moab Daily. This route involves putting in your watercraft at Onion Creek and taking out at the aptly named Takeout Beach.

The Moab Daily stretch of the Colorado River is usually pretty calm with a couple of Class 1 rapids, however when the river is high during spring runoff the rapids can get up to Class 3. If you have the right equipment you can float on your own, or you can hire a guide to take you. There are also plenty of places in Moab or nearby in Grand Junction where you can rent gear.

Book a tour to float the Colorado River!

Cost: Free with your own gear. Tours are typically $100-150/person. No permits are required for this stretch of the Colorado River.

4. Go Mountain Biking

Moab is arguably one of the biggest mountain biking meccas in the United States. There are tons of trails in the area, ranging from beginner-friendly trail systems, like Klondike Bluffs, to epic technical treks, like the Whole Enchilada (this one requires a shuttle).

While I’m not a big mountain biker, my husband is a huge mountain biking enthusiast and has ridden pretty much every trail around Moab. His favorite trails include Captain Ahab and Porcupine Rim (keep in mind he’s a very experienced rider, so these are both challenging, technical trails!). I personally like heading to Navajo Rocks, so I can hike while he rides.

Book a guided mountain biking tour!

Cost: Free if you have your own gear. Guided tours are typically $200-250 per person.

5. Take a Scenic Drive Along River Road

Arguably the most scenic drive near Moab is River Road (aka Highway 128 or the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway). The drive begins in town at Lions Park and takes you alongside the Colorado River as you make your way towards Castle Valley and Professor Valley.

Along the drive you’ll find a number of campgrounds, in addition to plenty of opportunities for hiking (including the Fisher Towers trail, which is one of my favorites), mountain biking, and rock climbing. If you’re driving to Moab from Colorado you can take River Road into town by getting off I-70 at Exit 204.

Cost: Free

6. Grab Donuts From Doughbird

Doughbird is one of my favorite places in Moab to grab a quick bite to eat in the morning. They serve up delicious fresh donuts and fried chicken (don’t knock the combo until you try it!), which will keep you fueled on any adventure. You can choose from cake, brioche, old fashioned, and cronut style donuts with vegan options also available.

Be aware, Doughbird (like many restaurants in Moab) is closed during the winter!

Cost: <$10-20

7. Go Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is arguably the most underrated national park in Utah. While it’s a bit of a drive from the city of Moab (~40 minutes), the park typically sees fewer visitors than Arches and other popular trails close to town. The hiking here is a little bit more rugged and provides epic desert and canyon views.

Some of my favorite hikes in Moab can be found in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. Here’s what I recommend checking out:

• Mesa Arch
• Upheaval Dome Overlook
• Aztec Buttes
• Syncline Loop (for experienced desert hikers)

Cost: $30/vehicle or use an America the Beautiful pass (the entrance booth typically isn’t occupied, but you can stop and get a pass at the Visitor Center)

8. Camp Out Under the Stars

The best way to experience Moab is to camp while you’re visiting the area. Camping is restricted to designated campgrounds within a 10 mile radius of the city with dispersed camping available beyond that zone.

Most campgrounds are first-come, first-serve and spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends during peak season (spring and fall). If you can find a campsite I recommend Goose Island Campground, Ken’s Lake Campground, or the Ledge Camping Area (this one is a bit of a drive and I recommend having a high-clearance vehicle, but the views are stunning!).

Cost: Varies depending on the campground. BLM campgrounds are typically $20/night.

9. Visit Sand Flats Recreation Area

Sand Flats Recreation Area is a great place near Moab to go for scenic red rock views. There’s something for everyone here, including hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails. It’s also just a great spot to go to watch the sunset.

If you’re not there specifically to mountain bike, I recommend parking at the Slickrock Trailhead and just hiking around until you find a view you love. You can also find some first-come, first-serve campsites in the area.

Cost: $10/vehicle for a 7-day pass

10. Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop

If you’re looking for a long scenic drive near Moab, then check out the La Sal Mountain Loop. This roughly 60-mile drive  takes you along Highway 128, through Castle Valley, and up into the La Sal mountains before bringing you back down into Spanish Valley just south of Moab. It’s a great activity if you’re visiting during the summer and want to beat the desert heat!

If you’re really ambitious, you can also cycle the La Sal Mountain Loop. My husband did this last year to train for a big cycling race, and while it was challenging, he raved about the views and terrain. Just be aware that the shoulder is very narrow on portions of the road.

Cost: FREE

11. Buy Crystals From the Moab Rock Shop

Lin Ottinger’s Moab Rock Shop is easily one of my favorite rock and crystal shops, and a must visit spot in Moab. I’ve found that a lot of metaphysical stores that sell crystals and rocks often markup prices, which is why I prefer shopping at more traditional rock shops instead.

You can find great deals on rocks, fossils, and crystals from all over the world at the Moab Rock Shop, including locally sourced gems. It’s also a great place to stop and peruse as you’re driving in or out of town.

Cost: Free to look around, but you can easily spend hundreds-thousands of dollars if you’re looking to do some damage!

12. Hike to Delicate Arch at Sunrise

Delicate Arch is arguably the most iconic hike in Utah (there’s a reason it’s on the state license plate!), and one of my favorites in the Moab area. It’s an extremely popular trail, which is why I always recommend hiking it at sunrise. Not only will you be sure to find a parking spot, but you’ll also get a head start on beating the crowds. If you want to make it in time for sunrise keep in mind that the trailhead is about a 20-25 minute drive from the park entrance and it will take about 30-45 minutes to hike out to Delicate Arch.

Delicate Arch is considered an easy-moderately difficult hike depending on your hiking experience. The trail is relatively short and has a really high payoff once you reach the arch, which is why it’s popular for hikers of all experience levels. Every time I’ve hiked the trail I’ve seen tons of kids, so this is one Moab hike I’d recommend for the whole family.

Trail Stats For Delicate Arch

• Trailhead Location: Google maps
• Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
• Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Difficult. Even though there are currently 157 total parking spaces, this is by far the most popular hike in Arches National Park, so they fill up quickly. 
• Distance: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 630 ft.
• Difficulty: Moderate (5-6/10)
• Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-2 hours 
• Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
• AllTrails Link

Cost: $30/vehicle or use an America the Beautiful pass

13. Visit the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is about a 90 minute drive from Moab, but it’s worth the trip if you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path and explore a lesser-visited area. If you head out this way, plan to spend the whole day here.

Hiking in the Needles District is more remote and rugged than many of the trails closer to town. If you don’t have a lot of hiking experience, or you’re short on time, I recommend hiking the Slickrock Trail. If you’re an experienced desert hiker and up for a big adventure, then check out Druid Arch, which is one of my favorite hikes in Southern Utah. Be aware, you definitely need a map and some route-finding experience for this one!

Cost: $30/vehicle or use an America the Beautiful pass

14. Go For a Dog-Friendly Hike

While trails inside of Arches and Canyonlands are NOT dog-friendly, Moab is home to a ton of dog-friendly hikes on BLM land and in state parks. Winter is definitely the best time of year to hike with your dog in Moab because temperatures aren’t too hot. If you’re visiting during another time of year check the forecast before hitting the trail, and get an early start or choose a trail with water access if it’s going to be above 75-80° (don’t underestimate how hot it can get in the sun!).

Some of my favorite dog-friendly hikes in Moab include:

• Grandstaff Canyon
• Jeep Arch (read my complete guide)
• Professor Creek & MaryJane Canyon
• Sylvester Trail
• Mill Creek Trail

Planning a trip to Moab with your dog? Check out my detailed virtual guide on Rexby with more than 50 things to do with your pup!

Cost: Hiking on BLM land around Moab is free. State parks have small fees.

15. Eat at the Moab Food Truck Park

If you’re visiting Moab with a big group the best place to eat is at the Moab Food Truck Park. It’s centrally located in the middle of downtown and offers a variety of different types of cuisine, including gelato, quesadillas, pizza, coffee, fried chicken, and more. There’s also plenty of shaded outdoor seating available, so it’s a great spot to grab a bite if you’re traveling with your dog.

Cost: Varies depending on where you eat, but expect <$20/person.

16. Go Shopping on Main Street

While you’re in town taking a break from all of the outdoor adventures that Moab has to offer, make a point to pop into some of the local shops on Main Street. For such a small city, there are a lot of great boutiques and carefully curated stores you can’t find anywhere else.

Some of my favorite shops in Moab include:

• Desert Wild for clothing and outdoorsy gifts
• Back of Beyond Books
• Moab Made for locally made art

Cost: Varies depending on how much shopping you do!

17. See Dinosaur Footprints at the Bull Canyon Overlook and Dinosaur Track Site

The Moab area has a very rich paleontological history. There’s a dinosaur museum you can visit on your way into town, or you can see dinosaur tracks in person at the Bull Canyon Overlook and Dinosaur Track Site. 

Getting there requires a drive up into the La Sal mountains, but it’s a great excursion if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive. Once you’re there it’s a short walk out to the tracks where you’ll also get a great view of Fisher Valley. If you visit be sure to recreate responsibly and don’t disturb the dinosaur tracks!

Cost: Free

18. Rock Climbing & Rope Swing at Looking Glass Arch

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, then head to Looking Glass Arch. This is a unique spot where you can rock climb up the side of a sandstone rock formation before repelling down to a ledge that you can swing from. The climbing up to the repel is rated at ~5.5, so it’s fairly easy.

If you’re an experienced climber you can climb Looking Glass Arch on your own, or you can hire a guide to take you up. Be aware, when I was there a few years ago there was a rattlesnake den in the rock at the base of the climb (this is actually the only place around Moab where I’ve seen a rattlesnake).  

Cost: Free with your own gear. Guided climbs are about $150/person.

Book a guided climb up Looking Glass Arch!

19. Watch the Sunrise at Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park is definitely the most popular place to watch the sunrise in Moab, but for good reason. It’s a very short hike out to a sandstone arch that faces east and frames the park’s famed canyons and the La Sal mountains in the distance. 

While Mesa Arch is almost guaranteed to be crowded with photographers when you get there, people typically leave right after the sun comes up. If you stick around for a few minutes there will still be gorgeous light for photos without the crowds.

Cost: $30/vehicle or use an America the Beautiful pass

20. Go Off-Roading On a 4×4 or Jeep Tour

A guide on the best things to do in Moab wouldn’t be complete without including a Jeep or 4×4 tour. Moab is home to hundreds of miles of rugged backroads, and if you don’t have your own 4WD vehicle, going on a tour is one of the best ways to get off the beaten track (there are also lots of places in town where you can rent your own Jeep or ATV).

There are seemingly endless options when it comes to where you can go off-roading around Moab (although don’t take off-roading literally and make sure you’re always on an official trail or road!). I personally like driving Onion Creek, which can be done in any high-clearance vehicle (I’ve driven it in my Subaru), but there are also really intense OHV routes, like Hell’s Revenge, that I’d only recommend with an experienced driver or guide.

Book a 4×4 Tour in Moab!

Cost: Free with your own vehicle. Tours can range from $50-400+ depending on group size and the length of the tour.

If you want more things to do in Moab, plus a stress-free way to plan a Southern Utah adventure, you’ll love my virtual Ultimate Southern Utah Road Trip & Hiking Guide with over 170 of the best hikes, activities, restaurants, scenic viewpoints, campsites, and more across the region!

Important Reminder: Recreate Responsibly!

Moab is an extremely popular outdoor recreation destination that sees millions of visitors each year. It’s important that everyone who visits recreates responsibly to help keep the desert environment clean and pristine for future generations.

Leave No Trace

The best way to recreate responsibly is to practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles. This means:

1. Plan ahead & prepare. Hiking in the desert comes with unique considerations, so make sure you research hiking trails and pack appropriately (check out my guide on what to pack for a hike in Moab). Always check the weather, have plenty of water, and carry a map when hiking around Moab.
2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Stay on trails or other durable surfaces like slickrock and washes.
3. Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all waste and trash, including food scraps. You are required by law to pack out human and pet waste in Grand County (where Moab is located), so be sure to carry a WAG bag on outdoor adventures.
4. Leave what you find. Don’t carve into, take, or stack rocks or other natural resources.
5. Minimize campfire impacts. Check for fire bans and practice campfire safety. This means creating your campfire in an existing fire ring; making sure the fire is attended and doesn’t get out of control; and making sure the fire is out completely (stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch).
6. Respect wildlife. Never feed wildlife and make sure to maintain a safe distance.
7. Be considerate of others. Wear headphones instead of blasting music over a bluetooth speaker. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way.

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