Things to Do in Moab

Moab exists to access two national parks and a network of outdoor recreation that concentrates in a remarkably small area. Arches National Park is 5 miles north, Canyonlands National Park 35 miles northwest, Dead Horse Point State Park 32 miles northwest, and the Colorado River runs through town. The activities — hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and off-road driving — occupy most visitors for 3-5 days.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park (entrance on US-191, 5 miles north of Moab) contains over 2,000 documented natural stone arches — the highest concentration in the world. The 18-mile scenic drive is accessible to all vehicles and passes the main formations:

Balanced Rock (mile 9 of the scenic drive) — a 128-foot rock formation balanced on a narrow pedestal. Short 0.3-mile walk from the pulloff.

The Windows Section (mile 11) — a cluster of the largest arches, including Double Arch (where two arches share a common base). The Windows trail is 1 mile; Double Arch is 0.5 miles from the same trailhead. Timed entry permits required for Windows parking area in peak season (April-October) — reserve at recreation.gov.

Delicate Arch (mile 13, Wolfe Ranch trailhead) — the 65-foot freestanding arch that is the symbol of Utah. A 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain on exposed slickrock; no shade and no water. Start by 7am in summer to avoid heat and crowds. Timed entry permits required for the trailhead in peak season. The Upper Viewpoint trail (1 mile) provides a distant view from the rim.

Fiery Furnace — a labyrinthine section of eroded fins requiring guided ranger tours or a permit to enter. Ranger-guided tours approximately $16 adults; book months ahead via recreation.gov.

Park entry approximately $35 per vehicle as of 2026; America the Beautiful annual pass valid.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park — Island in the Sky District (US-191 north, then UT-313 west; 35 miles from Moab) is the most accessible district, sitting on a 6,000-foot mesa above the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The canyon scale here approaches the Grand Canyon; the views from Grand View Point Overlook and Mesa Arch (a short 0.5-mile loop) are among the finest in Utah. Entry approximately $35 per vehicle.

Mesa Arch — a 15-foot arch at the rim of the mesa; at sunrise, the arch frames the canyon below in a well-known photograph. Arrive before sunrise for the light and before 7am to have space.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park (32 miles from Moab via US-191 and UT-313; entry approximately $20/vehicle) is a narrow promontory 2,000 feet above a dramatic Colorado River canyon meander — one of the finest overlooks in the Southwest. The visitor center and main viewpoint are within steps of the parking lot; the rim trail extends 6.5 miles for a longer experience. A reasonable addition to a Canyonlands day.

Colorado River Activities

Rafting: The Colorado River through the Moab Valley (above town) is Class I-II — calm flatwater suitable for families. Half-day trips approximately $60-$80 per person; full-day approximately $90-$130. Multiple operators including Moab Adventure Center and Sheri Griffith Expeditions.

Cataract Canyon (downstream, within Canyonlands) is Class IV-V whitewater — the most significant commercial rafting in Utah. Multi-day trips (2-5 days) from approximately $250-$600 per person.

Kayak and SUP rentals are available from multiple outfitters on Main Street for self-guided flatwater paddling above town.

Mountain Biking

Slickrock Bike Trail (6 miles east via Sand Flats Rd; approximately $10 day-use fee) is the most famous mountain bike trail in the United States: 10.5 miles of paved with dotted-line markers on exposed Navajo sandstone. Technically demanding — experienced riders only. Bike rentals from approximately $45-$75 per day at multiple Main Street shops.

Amasa Back (shuttle or self-powered approach) — a challenging trail system on a mesa above the Colorado; the views are among the best accessible by bike in Moab.

Dead Horse Downhill — a chairlift-assisted descent at Dead Horse Point. From approximately $40 per run.

Off-Road and Jeep Tours

Hells Revenge (3 miles southeast on Sandflats Rd) is the primary 4WD route accessible without a guide — though rentals and tours are available. Moab Adventure Center and multiple Main Street outfitters rent Jeeps from approximately $200-$350 per day.

Fins & Things — another popular off-road trail accessible to rental vehicles; more moderate than Hells Revenge.

Practical Planning

Spring (April-May) is the most popular season; book Arches timed entries 2-4 weeks in advance. Fall (September-October) is slightly less busy with still-excellent weather. Summer heat (above 100°F) makes morning-only hiking essential. The Arches entrance can queue for 1-2 hours in peak spring mornings — enter before 7:30am or after 3pm to avoid the worst waits.