20 Things to Do in Moab

For many, Moab is just a place to stay, a gateway to two of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. Though you will inevitably head to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks there’s plenty of other things to see and do in and around Moab. There are parks, the Colorado River for rafting, vineyards, breweries and much more. Check out these 20 best things to do in Moab before planning your Utah trip.

Moab, Utah

20 Things To Do In Moab

1- Arches National Park

It’s pretty much impossible to visit Moab without going to Arches National Park.

It’s a place you will remember for years to come. 

If you visit between the 1st April and 31st October you will need to get hold of a timed entry ticket in order to enter the park.

You can get these tickets here up to three months in advance of your visit.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the park and some of the top activities include the Arches scenic drive, visiting the La Sal Mountains viewpoint and checking out Balanced Rock.

You’ll also want to make a point of photographing the north and south Window Arches and Turret Arch, admiring Double Arch. 

A hike to Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset is an activity to remember.

Recommended tours:

• Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab
• Full-Day Private Hiking Tour in Arches or Canyonlands National Park

2- Faux Falls

In the midst of the red rocked desert there’s a small oasis…Faux Falls.

While the falls is real many have attested that it’s fake and no natural, hence the name.

It’s just a short hike to this waterfall.

If you visit during summer bring some things for swimming as the water is blissful after time spent in the Utah heat. 

Faux Falls is at Flat Pass Rd, Moab, UT 84532.

3- Sand Flats Recreation Area

Sand Flats Recreation Area is a 9,000 acres of blissful landscape.

The area is home to the Sand Flats’ Slickrock and Porcupine biking trails and more than 40 miles (64 km) of 4×4 trails that are both challenging and scenic.

The Sand Flats Recreation Area is a popular camping spot with 140 sites and six group campsites.

From the campsite you can marvel at the views of sandstone domes, canyons and mesas.

Sand Flats Recreation Area is at Sand Flats Rd, Moab, UT 84532.

Recommended tours:

• Moab Rock Climbing – Short Day
• Goblin Valley State Park Canyoneering Adventure

4- Hike Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is filled with buttes, arches, canyons and buttes that have been carved from the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah at 337,000 acres.

Canyonlands receives around half the number of visitors than its neighbour Arches but it’s no less beautiful.

The Canyonlands National Park is split into five sections: Horseshoe Canyon, Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles and the two rivers. 

If you want to see the iconic needles that people think about when visualizing Utah then definitely try the Chesler Park Loop hike.

Located in The Needles area of the park, this 11-mile (6.8 km) hiking route takes between five and seven hours but the views are spectacular.

Recommended tours:

• Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab
• Canyonlands & Arches National Parks Airplane Tour

5- Go Star Gazing at One of the National Parks

You’ve spent the day exploring Moab’s attractions but you are looking for something to do in the evening.

How about stargazing!

If you are really dedicated to the stargazing experience then be sure to plan your Moab trip around the new moon.

At this time the skies are darker and the star will be brighter.

September, June and January are some of the best months to visit Moab for stargazing.

Some of the best places in Moab to stargaze include Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Grandstaff Canyon and Castle Valley.

As long as it’s a clear night, get ready to be mesmerized.

Oh, and don’t forget your tripod!

6- Moab Giants Dinosaur Park

If you are visiting Moab with kids then you should check out Moab Giants.

Moab Giants is an adventure park that is all about dinosaurs.

Many dinosaurs have been discovered in eastern and southern Utah, so Moab is the perfect spot for an interactive dinosaur museum. 

Follow the ½ mile trail that has 100 full size replica dinosaurs as well as footprints.

There’s a 5D prehistoric aquarium, a 3D theatre, an interactive tracks museum and an awesome dig-it-out site where you can transform yourself into a paleontologist.

Moab Giants is at 112 UT-313, Moab, UT 84532.

7- Moab Food Truck Park

If you are looking for somewhere to refuel in Moab head on down to the Moab Food Truck Park.

Not only is this place great for grub, it’s also a lovely place to socialize.

There’s plenty of exciting food and drinks to try including tacos, Chinese food, gelato, paninis, hot dogs, pizza and pasta and a smoothie bowl truck.

The Moab Food Truck Park is at 39 W 100 N, Moab, UT 84532.

8- Spanish Valley Vineyard

Vineyards are beautiful at the best of times but Spanish Valley Vineyard is blessed with a Utah view making it just that bit more special.

The Spanish Valley Vineyard and Winery is just a couple of miles south of Moab.

If you request ahead of time, you can take a free tour.

There is also a tasting room that is open between February and November from Monday to Saturday and in December and January by appointment.

The vineyard is around 40 years old and all the wine is grown, fermented and bottled at this single location.

Spanish Valley Vineyard is at 4710 Zimmerman Ln, Moab, UT 84532.

9- Moab Brewery

From wine to beer! Head on down to the Moab Brewery on Main Street for some excellent ales and IPAs.

After a long day of hiking and exploring, I rounded off the evening with a cold beer.

Moab Brewery was founded in 1996 and they take inspiration from the picturesque scenery that surrounds Moab.

This microbrewery is open seven days a week and they serve food as well as beer.

Try beers like the Moab Pilsner, Dead Horse Amber Ale and Moab the Grand.

Moab Brewery is at 686 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532.

10- Dead Horse Point State Park

It’s not a national park but Dead Horse Point is just as wonderful a place to visit as one of the national parks.

Dead Horse Point State Park has one of the most iconic views in the western United States.

Chances are you have seen a photograph of this incredible gooseneck in the Colorado River.

Look beyond the immediate viewpoint and you will see Canyonlands National Park.

There are a number of trails in the park including the East Rim Trail which is around two miles (3.2 km) long.

There’s also the 3.5 mile (5.6 km) West Rim Trail which starts at the Dead Horse Point Overlook and ends at the Kayenta Campground.

Dead Horse Point State Park is at UT-313, Moab, UT 84532.

11- Moab Museum

With all the outdoor adventures in Moab this museum is a great indoor and cultural activity.

This museum showcases cultural and natural history as well as sharing stories of Moab and the Canyonlands region.

The museum holds a number of temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Some of the exhibitions include ranching, traditional Navajo culture and a wonderful photographic archive. 

Moab Museum is at 118 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532.

12- La Sal Mountain Loop Road

The La Sal Loop is a beautiful scenic drive that heads over the Moab Valley and through Canyonlands National Park.

Chances are along this drive you will be itching to get out of the car and explore.

There are a number of trail heads that can be accessed from the road.

You can also access the Geyser Pass, Oowah Lake, Warner Lake and to Castle Valley.

With the desert getting extremely hot in summer you can use this route to head into the cooler mountains.

Recommended tour: Ultimate Utah Bundle Self-Driving Audio Tour

13- Hole ‘N’ The Rock

Hole ‘N’ The Rock is an unusual Moab attraction carved out of a large rock in Canyonlands Country. 

You can take a guided tour of this 5,000 square foot home.

There’s also a souvenir shop and a trading post selling locally made Native American pottery and jewellery.

This rock house location also has a small zoo with animals like camels, the large horned ankole-watusi (a breed of cow) and albino racoons.

Hole ‘N’ The Rock is at 11037 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532.

14- Search for Street Art

Though Moab is mostly known for its outdoor pursuits it’s hard to ignore the incredible street art.

Moab’s downtown area might be small but it’s brimming with beautiful street art.

Spend just a little while looking and you will see some incredible and mighty murals.

Many of these pieces are part of the Moab Arts and Recreation Center.

For the ultimate Moab souvenir photo head to Main Street and 200 N to find the “Greetings from Moab” mural.

The Sentinel of Moab is a sensational and quirky cat/cactus creation on Main Street and Grand Avenue.

15- Rafting Along the Colorado River

White water rafting along the Colorado River is an exhilarating activity to enjoy near Moab.

With the Moab Adventure Center, you can take a half day, full day and even overnight rafting adventures.

You will drive up to a really scenic highway where you will launch your boat on the Colorado River.

Some of the mild rapids you’ll head down include Onion Creek, Cloudburst, Rocky Rapid and Whites Rapid.

On the calmer sections of the river, you will be able to hop out the boat and take a dip in the river.

Enjoy lunch at a riverside ranch and then head back out on the rapids.

It is possible to take either a paddle raft or a two-person inflatable kayak.

Moab Adventure Center is at 225 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532.

16- Slickrock Bike Trail

The Slickrock Bike Trail is not for the inexperienced or the faint hearted.

The Slickrock Bike Trail is just east of Moab within the Sand Flats Recreation Area.

The trail is 12 miles (19 km) long and takes around four hours to ride the whole loop and longer if you stop to explore the other routes.

If you are an experienced biker but haven’t done anything like this before then test the waters on the shorter 2.3-mile (3.7 km) Practice Loop.

For Slickrock Bike Trail you can head to the car park on Sand Flats Rd, Moab, UT 84532.

Recommended tour: E-Motion Electric Dirt Bike Tour, Colorado River Overlook and Canyonlands, Moab

17- Gravel Pit Lanes

You have spent the day exploring the beautiful natural wonders that surround Moab and you’re looking for something to do in the evening?

Why not head to Gravel Pit Lanes bowling alley. As well as bowling alleys there’s also a bar and grill that serves up an array of pub style grub.

The bar area also has TV’s and shows all the most anticipated sports games

Gravel Pit Lanes is at 1079 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532.

18- Explore Downtown Moab

Moab is more than just a stopover for those visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

The city has a lot to offer aside from being the gateway to the red rocks.

There are fantastic and authentic shops selling an array of locally made products.

There are galleries, wonderful dining spots and a thriving local bar and live music scene.

19- Ride the Moab Zipline

Is there any better place to try ziplining than in Utah? Start your ziplining journey with Raven’s Rim Adventure Tours and you won’t be disappointed.

You will be taken to the vibrant orange desert with a tour guide where the fun will immediately begin.

You will ascend 1,000 feet in 4×4 UTV and then zip through the longest land-to-land zip line course in the U.S.

There’s a 100-foot suspension bridge to hike across too.

Not only will you have fun on the zipline but you will also be able to admire the incredible views on this 2 ½ hour tour.

The Moab Zipline is at 998 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, United States.

20- Airplane Tour of Arches and Canyonlands

Arches National Park and Canyonlands are just 30 minutes’ drive apart.

While seeing both parks from the ground on hikes or even by zipline is amazingly impressive does anything really beat an aerial tour?

This 80 minute flight with Redtail Air Adventures provides you with spectacular views of Arches and Canyonland.

You will be able to view an array of geological formations and sights like Upheaval Dome, The Maze and White Rim.

Sometimes when you visit these otherworldly places it’s hard to comprehend the scale of them but as soon as you are in the air you can appreciate them ten times more.

Book an airplane tour here.