10 Best Things to Do in Moab: Off-Road Adventures & Beyond
Nestled between towering red rock formations and vast desert landscapes, Moab stands as Utah's adventure capital. This small town packs an enormous punch when it comes to outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore more of what this remarkable region has to offer, our guide to the 10 best things to do in Moab will help you create an unforgettable experience.
1. Explore Arches National Park
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration anywhere in the world. The park's iconic Delicate Arch stands as Utah's unofficial symbol and is particularly stunning at sunset when the red rock glows in the fading light. Don't miss other remarkable formations like Landscape Arch (one of the longest natural stone arches in the world), Double Arch, and the Windows Section.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. The park offers various hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks, making it accessible for adventurers of all skill levels. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a camera to capture the otherworldly landscapes.
2. Off-Road in Hell's Revenge
For thrill-seekers, Hell's Revenge offers one of Moab's premier off-road experiences. This 6.5-mile trail features steep climbs, hair-raising descents, and challenging obstacles like the infamous "Hell's Gate." The trail's slickrock terrain provides excellent traction for jeeps and other 4x4 vehicles, allowing them to navigate seemingly impossible angles.
While experienced off-roaders can tackle this trail with their own vehicles, first-timers should consider renting a jeep from a local outfitter or joining a guided tour. The panoramic views of La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River from various points along the trail make the adventure even more rewarding.
3. Visit Canyonlands National Park
Just a short drive from Moab, Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible and offers spectacular viewpoints like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch, which frames a stunning sunrise for photographers.
For a more remote experience, consider exploring the Needles district with its colorful spires and complex maze of canyons. The Maze district and the rivers themselves offer the ultimate wilderness adventure for those seeking solitude and challenge. Regardless of which section you choose, Canyonlands delivers dramatic desert landscapes that will leave you in awe.
4. Mountain Bike the Slickrock Trail
Moab has earned its reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination, and the Slickrock Bike Trail represents the crown jewel of this status. This 10.5-mile loop traverses Navajo Sandstone that provides exceptional grip for bike tires, allowing riders to climb and descend surfaces that appear impossible.
The trail offers technical challenges for experienced riders while showcasing breathtaking views of the Colorado River basin and distant mountains. Beginners can test their skills on the 2.3-mile practice loop before deciding whether to tackle the full trail. Numerous bike shops in town offer rentals and can recommend routes based on your skill level.
5. Raft the Colorado River
The mighty Colorado River carved the spectacular canyons around Moab, and experiencing its power firsthand offers a different perspective on the region's geology. Several outfitters offer rafting trips ranging from mild family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures through Cataract Canyon.
The Fisher Towers section provides a perfect half-day trip with moderate rapids and stunning scenery, including views of castles of red rock rising from the riverbanks. For a more relaxed experience, consider an evening "sunset float" where the changing light transforms the surrounding landscape into a canvas of vibrant colors.
6. Discover Dinosaur Tracks at Bull Canyon
Step back in time at the Bull Canyon Dinosaur Track Site, where you can see real dinosaur footprints preserved in stone from the Early Jurassic period. Located just 15 miles northwest of Moab, this site features well-preserved three-toed footprints of theropod dinosaurs that once roamed this area approximately 190 million years ago.
The relatively short hike to the tracks makes this activity family-friendly, and the experience of placing your hand in a footprint left by an ancient creature creates a tangible connection to Earth's distant past. Combine this with a visit to the nearby Moab Giants Dinosaur Park for a full prehistoric-themed day.
7. Stargaze in the Desert Night Sky
Moab's remote location and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for stargazing. As darkness falls, the Milky Way emerges with astonishing clarity, stretching across the sky like a cosmic highway. Dead Horse Point State Park and the areas around Arches and Canyonlands are particularly popular spots for night sky viewing.
For the ultimate experience, plan your visit during a new moon when stars shine brightest. Bring a blanket, hot drinks, and perhaps a star map app on your phone to identify constellations. Many visitors report that experiencing the vast desert under an equally vast canopy of stars creates a profound sense of perspective.
8. Explore Corona Arch
While Arches National Park gets most of the attention, some of the area's most impressive stone formations lie outside park boundaries. Corona Arch stands as a perfect example—a massive 140-foot-tall and 105-foot-wide natural arch accessible via a moderately easy 1.5-mile trail on BLM land.
The hike features some minor scrambling and one section with a safety cable, but remains accessible for most visitors. Unlike arches within the national park, you'll likely encounter fewer crowds here, and pets are welcome on the trail. The arch is especially photogenic in late afternoon when the sunlight illuminates its curved underside.
9. Test Your Skills at Poison Spider Mesa
The Poison Spider Mesa Trail offers another world-class off-road adventure that showcases Moab's diverse terrain. This challenging 13-mile route features slickrock domes, sandy washes, and technical ledges that require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and preferably some off-road experience.
What sets this trail apart is its variety—you'll navigate everything from sand to bedrock while enjoying spectacular views of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area and Moab Valley. The trail's signature obstacle, the "Wedgie," provides a thrilling challenge for jeep enthusiasts looking to test their vehicles and driving skills.
10. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Though smaller than its neighboring national parks, Dead Horse Point State Park offers what many consider the most dramatic viewpoint in the entire region. From the main overlook, visitors gaze down 2,000 feet to the Colorado River as it winds through a gooseneck canyon, with Canyonlands' vast landscape extending to the horizon.
The park features several easy hiking trails along the rim, a visitor center with exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history, and a campground with tent and RV sites. The view is spectacular any time of day but reaches peak magnificence at sunrise and sunset when the canyon walls glow with warm light.
Whether you're seeking heart-pounding adventures or peaceful communion with nature, Moab delivers unforgettable experiences in one of America's most unique landscapes. Book your jeep rental today and prepare to discover why this small Utah town has become a bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
