44 GREAT ATTRACTIONS IN MOAB, UTAH
Moab is my favorite place on earth. No other town in the United States offers such a staggering amount of outdoor attractions and activities. I consider it America's greatest outdoor destination. With two outstanding national parks and hundreds of miles of hiking, mountain biking, and 4x4 driving routes, it's probably no surprise that more than 3 million adventure-seeking visitors flock to the region annually.
Moab is a special place, and its appeal has only grown on me over the years. Leveraging all of my trips to Moab, I've baked up a list of 44 great attractions for you. There's obviously a lot covered here, but if you stay in Moab for a full week you could experience many of them.
I hope you enjoy this list. Please let me know if I missed any great attractions in the Moab area.
✪ = A FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTION!
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4X4 / ATV / ORV / UTV Driving ✪ |
Location: Various locations | Duration: 1/2 day to several days | Cost: some areas are $ (vehicle rentals and guided tours are $$$$$)
Are there any other places on earth that offer better 4x4 driving than Moab? I seriously doubt it.Moab has literally hundreds of miles of routes that are open to 4x4 vehicles and ATVs/ORVs/UTVs. Driving on slickrock and sandstone is pure bliss, and there is no shortage of technical obstacles that can challenge any level of rider.
Depending upon the source, Moab's 4x4 trails are rated on a scale of 1-5 or 1-10 (with 5 or 10 being the most technical). If you have a stock SUV, start with trails rated a 1 or 2 and go from there. Do not jump right into a heavily technical trail (like 'Hells Revenge') without gathering some experience first. Major vehicle damage (including rollovers) is very common on the technical trails, and so you need to play it conservative at first.
Here are some of the easier 4x4 routes and drives in the area.
✮ Balcony Arch & Picture Frame Arch - access via Behind the Rocks Rd (south of Moab)
✮ Bartlett Wash Road - access via Mill Canyon Road, which is off the west side of US-191 north of Moab
✮ Gemini Bridges Road to Gemini Bridges - access via UT-313 (easier route) or US-191 (harder/scarier route); visits two impressive arches
✮ Hurrah Pass - access via a long drive down Kane Creek Road
✮ Long Canyon - access via UT-313 near the entrance to Dead Horse Point State Park
✮ Onion Creek - access via UT-128 east of Moab (near Fisher Towers); requires many water crossings (the water is usually low though)
✮ Shafer Trail switchbacks and Potash Road - an extremely popular and scenic 35-mile driving route from US-191 to UT-313 (2-3 hours)
✮ Tusher Tunnel - access via Mill Canyon Road, which is off the west side of US-191 north of Moab
Each of the above routes can normally be done with any stock SUV that has moderate clearance (or better) and also 4WD/AWD. All models of Jeep, Bronco, and 4Runner vehicles should have no problem on them. Subaru Outbacks and other AWD SUVs and crossovers should also be able to tackle most if not all of them under normal road conditions. If the above routes were easily accomplished by your vehicle adn you, the next routes I would recommend (which are usually designated as 'intermediate') would be Secret Spire and Chicken Corners.
The most iconic 4x4 route in the Moab area is probably 'Hells Revenge'. This is a highly technical route that is entirely on slickrock. You should have offroad experience and a highly capable, high-clearance vehicle. On a 1-10 technical scale, Hells Revenue is normally rated a 6 (high intermediate / advanced), although some optional features along the route are rated even higher (e.g. Devil's Hot Tub). The scenery is fantastic and if you know where to look there's dinosaur tracks too.
One of the classic intermediate-level 4x4 routes in the Moab area is 'Fins and Things'. Most higher-end model Jeeps (e.g. Rubicon) and Broncos (e.g. those with the Sasquatch package) can complete this trail. Some base models may not be appropriate though. It is recommend that you try some easier 4x4 trails in the Moab area first.
A spotter can also come in handy on a few sections of 'Fins and Things', especially if it's your first time. On a 1-10 technical scale, Fins and Things is normally rated a 5 but some sources give it a 4.
Several companies in Moab offer Jeep, Bronco, and ATV/ORV/UTV rentals. It is recommended that you reserve well in advance, especially for weekends and also during major offroading events (e.g. Jeep Safari). There are also several companies that offer outstanding guided 4x4 tours, including popular Hummer sunset tours of 'Hells Revenge'. For the ultimate fun, sign up for a guided UTV/ORV tour.
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Moab Adventure Company's Hummer Sunset Tour
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Location: I-191 just north of downtown Moab | Duration: 2-3 days | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
One of the premier national parks of the United States, Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 natural arches and hundreds of towering rock fins and pinnacles. It is desert scenery at its finest, and this national park should be near the top of any traveler's bucket list. It's an inspiring place that leaves a lasting impression on all visitors.
I recommend spending at least 2 full days in the park. You can hike most of its official trails within 2-3 days.
Easier hikes
✮ Balanced Rock
✮ Broken Arch
✮ Double Arch
✮ North & South Window plus Turret Arch
✮ Park Avenue
✮ Sand Dune Arch
✮ Skyline Arch
✮ Tapestry Arch
Moderate hikes
✮ Delicate Arch
✮ Fiery Furnace guided tour
✮ Landscape Arch
✮ Tower Arch (typically requires a 4x4 vehicle with moderate clearance to reach the trailhead)
Harder hikes
✮ Devil's Garden - to Double O Arch (return the same way)
✮ Devil's Garden - the full loop
With the exception of Tower Arch, all other trails listed above are accessible from a paved road. When hiking the Devil's Garden, make sure to take all of the (relatively short) spur trails. There are a lot of geologic wonders and scenic views to be enjoyed on them.
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Tower Arch
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Back of Beyond Books (bookstore) ✪ |
Location: 83 N Main St. (downtown Moab) | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
Back of Beyond Books is my favorite independent bookstore in the American Southwest. Some of the hardest-to-find outdoor guidebooks can be found here, including some that have been out of print for years. It's also smack-dab in the middle of downtown Moab, which is a great place to wander for a few hours.
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 0.3 mile hike (30 minutes) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
The 128-foot tall Balanced Rock is one of the iconic attractions of Arches National Park. Take a short and relatively easy loop hike around this impressive teetering giant before nature eventually does its thing and topples it.
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Balanced Rock
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Canyonlands National Park ✪ |
Location: 3 districts - see info below | Duration: 1-2 days (add more if you are adventurous) | Cost: $$
Canyonlands National Park is the most underrated national park in the United States, and it will probably forever stay that. So much of the park is remote, requiring extensive hiking and/or driving long 4x4 roads to reach most of its goodies. It's a special place, especially for the adventurous.
The more research you do, the more you will uncover here.
There are three major districts within the national park:
✮ Island in the Sky
✮ The Needles
✮ The Maze
Island in the Sky is the most accessible of the three districts, and it is the closest to downtown Moab. Access is via UT-313, which heads west from US-191 about 11 miles north of downtown Moab. Highlights of this district include far-reaching canyon views (e.g. Grand View Point), Mesa Arch, the White Rim Trail (a 4x4 driving and mountain biking route), and the Cave Spring Cowboy Camp. While there are several good hikes here, the hiking isn't quite as good as the Needles district.
The Needles is a hiker and backpacker's paradise, with many multi-colored sandstone canyons to explore. Access is via UT-211, which heads west from US-191 about 40 miles south of downtown Moab. Overall, it's about a 90-minute drive to the main parking areas. Highlights of this district include: Chesler Park, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, Angel Arch, and a few 4x4 driving roads. A well-planned day hike or overnight backpacking trip of about 10-12 miles will allow you to see a huge portion of the Needles. I don't recommend hiking in this district from June to September though (it's too damn hot).
The Maze is for seasoned explorers.
Everything about the Maze is wild and primitive, and you really need to know what you are doing to visit. Access to the Maze is typically via 4x4, high-clearance vehicles from dirt roads stemming from UT-24 or UT-95. Both of these access points are several hours west of Moab. Due to the difficulty of access, I don't recommend this district for the general public. |
Islands in the Sky district
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Location: Needles District of Canyonlands National Park | Duration: day hike or overnight backpacking trip | Cost: $$
Take a moderately challenging day hike (or better yet, an overnight backpacking trip) to visit
Chesler Park, one of the key highlights of the Needles District of Canyonlands. Chesler Park features a meadow lined with attractive and multi-colored sandstone rock spires. The hike out to Chesler Park is just as memorable, especially if you include a walk along the Joint Trail. This is one of my favorite hiking areas in the U.S. national parks. Depending upon the trails used, some light rock scrambling and/or using steep trail ladders may be required.
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Chesler Park
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Colorado River / Green River Rafting ✪ |
Duration: 1/2 day to multiple days | Cost: $$$$
Moab serves as a base town for a variety of Colorado River and Green River whitewater rafting trips. There are several guide services in town, and river trips range from a a half day to multiple days. A family-friendly, class II day trip on the Colorado River is offered as well (children generally must be aged 5+ and weigh at least 40-50lbs).
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Corona Arch / Bowtie Arch ✪ |
Location: Potash Road/UT-279 (west of Moab) | Duration: 3.0 mile round-trip hike (2-3 hours) | Cost: FREE
Corona Arch is my favorite arch in all of Moab (and that includes those in Arches National Park). This
105-foot tall beauty is reached on a moderately difficult 3.0-mile round trip hike that requires some light rock scrambling. The hike is fun, especially for kids 8 and older, and the payoff is huge. You will have to look up and to your left to see Bowtie Arch, which is about 0.1 mile before you reach Corona Arch. This is a must-do hike when visiting Moab.
Take note that a spur trail off from the Corona Arch Trail leads to nearby Pinto Arch. Pinto Arch isn't as spectacular as Corona Arch, but it's still a noteworthy arch with a 30-foot span.
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Corona Arch
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Dead Horse Point State Park ✪ |
Location: UT-313 (west of Moab) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: $$
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the premier state parks in the U.S. It offers glorious canyon views, outstanding mountain biking (especially the east side of the park), and great camping. The park also contains a few miles of hiking trails and overnight yurt rentals. I like to visit the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park during the day, and then stop here for the last few hours of the day and sunset.
The drive from Moab up to this state park is about 35-40 minutes and is entirely on paved roads. Take US-191 north out of town and turn left onto UT-313. Follow signs to the state park. If you have a 4x4 vehicle with moderate to high ground clearance, the adventurous way to reach the park is to drive down Potash Road and then drive up the steep switchbacks of the Shafer Trail. Do not drive that route if you have a fear of heights as there are some extreme dropoffs.
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Dead Horse Point State Park (main overlook)
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 3-4 hours | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
Delicate Arch is a remarkable freestanding arch perched on the edge of a cliff. To reach this 65-foot tall geologic wonder (which is an iconic symbol of Utah), you will need to hike a moderately difficult 3.2 mile round-trip trail that includes about 500 feet of total elevation gain. The hike is extremely popular (even at sunrise and sunset), and it can be difficult to find an available parking space at the trailhead. It's fairly common to find the parking lot full, which often leads to people driving around until a spot opens up for them.
Although you will see many families doing this hike, there are a few spots that include moderate exposure with some fall potential. Watch your children closely in these sections. The viewpoint near the arch is also very uneven and you will need to watch your footing carefully.
On either the hike up or down, take the short spur trail to visit Wolfe Ranch, where you will see some excellent petroglyphs of bighorn sheep and horses.
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Delicate Arch
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 2-5 hours (depends upon the length of your hike) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
Devil's Garden is the premier long-distance hike in Arches National Park, and I consider it to one of the top 100 hiking trails in the country. You can either hike a challenging 7.9 mile loop (which includes several short out-and-back spur trails and a total elevation gain/loss of about 1,100 feet), or you can take a shorter hike to visit only some of its natural arches.
If you complete the entire 7.9 mile loop, you'll see six arches, including some of the very best in the park (e.g. Double O Arch, Landscape Arch, etc.). If you are unable or unwilling to hike the entire loop, an out-and-back hike to either Landscape Arch (1.8 miles round-trip) or Double O Arch (4.2 miles round-trip) is very rewarding. The park rangers actually encourage visitors to take these shorter hikes instead of the full loop. If you are up for a challenge and are fairly good at navigating terrain on lightly-marked trails, I encourage you to tackle the full loop. |
Devil's Garden
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 0.6 mile hike (1 hour) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
Double Arch is a huge and impressive set of two towering arches in the Windows section of Arches National Park. The hike to Double Arch is fairly easy and is only 0.6 miles round-trip. Once you reach the 112-foot and 144-foot tall arches, you can scramble up for a closer look.
You can visit the two Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch all from the same parking area. I highly recommend hiking to all four of them if you have time and energy. All four are world-class arches.
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Double Arch
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Location: N. Main St. (US-191) | Duration: 1/2 a day | Cost: FREE
Downtown Moab is chock-full of restaurants, hotels, gift shops, and art galleries. There's also a great independent book store and a food truck park. I recommend spending at least a few hours wandering around. As you walk around, you'll see more ATVs and 4x4 vehicles than you've ever seen in your life.
The 'Greetings from MOAB' mural can be found at 169 N. Main St.
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Moab mural
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Location: Needles District of Canyonlands National Park | Duration: day hike (full day) or overnight backpacking trip | Cost: $$
150-foot tall Druid Arch is one of the most impressive natural arches in all of Utah. A long and challenging day hike or backpacking trip is needed to reach it, but it's worth it. The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park has an outstanding trail system, and so there are multiple routes you can hike to reach the arch. I recommend studying the park map and crafting some sort of loop hike. If you have the stamina, try to also include a spin through Chesler Park and a walk through the Joint Trail. Altogether, this is one of my favorite hiking areas in the entire country.
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Druid Arch
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Location: near Ken's Lake (south of Moab) | Duration: at least 1.0 mile round-trip (1-2 hours) | Cost: FREE
Take a fairly easy hike to visit a pretty series of desert waterfalls. The entire falls drop a total of about 125-150 feet over the span of about 0.1 mile.
As you may have guessed, the waterfall is not completely natural. It certainly appears natural, but the water flow is the result of an upstream dam that redirects some of the water flow from Mill Creek to feed the Ken's Lake reservoir downstream. The pool at the base of the falls is usually knee deep, offering some wading opportunities as long as the water flow isn't too strong. The water is notoriously chilly though. If you continue upstream a little there are some nice desert views.
There are good directions, trail info, and pictures on the Girl on a Hike website. If the parking area mentioned on her website is full or unavailable, park near Ken's Lake. It's a bit longer, but still a relatively easy hike from there.
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 3 hours | Cost: $$ for timed entry + separate fee/permit for the guided tour
Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of sandstone that is best described as a giant maze. Although it's only about a mile long and a half-mile wide, it's an extremely easy place to get lost in. For that reason, the National Park Service recommends visiting as part of a guided ranger tour.
Guided tours, which are roughly 2 1/2 hours long, are informative and excellent. You'll see several natural arches on the tour.
You can also explore the Fiery Furnace on an unguided (aka self-guided) basis, but it requires a permit and the competition for them is fierce.
You should try to purchase either guided or unguided permits within seconds of them going on sale. I'm not kidding!
If you aren't successful in obtaining guided or unguided permits, hiking and thoroughly exploring the Devil's Garden is probably the next best thing.
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Fiery Furnace
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Location: UT-128 (about 40 minutes northeast of Moab) | Duration: 4.4 mile round-trip hike (2-3 hours) | Cost: FREE
It's all about the scenic views when you take this 4.4 mile round-trip hike past the base of several of the Fisher Tower. The views along the trail and at its final viewpoint are excellent.
If you're lucky, you'll be able to watch some BASE jumpers rapidly descend from the towers as you hike. There's one fun ladder to climb on the trail as well.
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Fisher Towers
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Location: Gemini Bridges Road (west of downtown Moab) | Duration: 2-3 hours (including the drive) | Cost: FREE
Gemini Bridges is a pair of large and impressive natural arches on BLM land. The larger of the two is about 45 feet wide and 85 feet tall.
There are two ways to access the trailhead. Once you reach the trailhead, the 0.5 mile round-trip hike to the arches is short and easy.
Easier Driving Route - From UT-313 (which is the same paved road that leads to the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park), head east on Gemini Bridges Road. Under normal road conditions, just about any vehicle can make it.
Harder Driving Route -
If you have a 4x4 vehicle with at least moderate ground clearance, you can drive the dramatic lower section of Gemini Bridges Road from US-191.
There are great scenic views along this road, but if you have a fear of heights, the drop-offs may be intimidating.
There is also a network of mountain biking paths in this area, and so it's popular to visit the arches via cycling as well. Lastly, be aware that there is some fall potential around the Gemini Bridges. Watch your feet and your children's feet!
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Location: US-191 15 miles south of Moab | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: $ for guided tour and/or petting zoo (general grounds are FREE)
This infamous tourist attraction catches everyone's attention when approaching Moab from the south. It features short guided tours of a 14-room home that was literally built into the side of a cliff. There are also various photo opportunities in the parking lot, a gift shop, and a small petting zoo (fee charged for the zoo). This is probably the quirkiest attraction in all of Utah, and it's worth a look if you appreciate roadside america-type attractions.
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Hole N' The Rock
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Location: Various locations in the Moab area | Duration: 1-2 hours | Cost: $$$$
There are several locations in the Moab area that offer guided horseback riding tours. I've never done one, but some friends have and they highly recommend it. Riding through sandstone fins and towers does look pretty awesome.
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Location: Several local operators in the Moab area | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: $$$$$
Moab is one of the best places in the country for a hot air ballooning adventure. There are at least two operators in Moab that are currently offering these services. It's an expensive activity, but so are many other top-tier bucket list items. If you've always wanted to try it, Moab's a great choice.
Be aware that younger/smaller children won't be able to see over the tall bucket, and for obvious reasons you can't hold them up. For that reason, I do not feel that this is a family-friendly activity.
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Location: trailhead on Kane Creek Road (southwest of Moab) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: FREE
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, drive down Kane Creek Road (a dirt road with some steep dropoffs) and hike through this pretty canyon. If you are up for some scrambling and route-finding, you can climb up to the impressive Hunter Arch. Just a warning though: it's difficult to get up to the arch; I was slipping and sliding pretty much the entire time when I did it.
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path in Hunter Canyon
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Jeep Arch (aka Gold Bar Arch) |
Location: trailhead on Potash Road/UT-279 (west of Moab) | Duration: 3.7 mile hike (3 hours) | Cost: FREE
If your navigation skills are good, try a moderately challenging day hike to Jeep Arch. The hike is 3.7 miles round-trip with about 950 feet of elevation gain. This arch is less visited than equally impressive arches in the Moab area, primarily because the trail has a reputation of being a bit tough to follow in spots, especially the lollipop loop at the end. Do some research and bring a good map when attempting this hike. I recommend hiking the loop around the arch in a clockwise direction.
From the junction of US-191 and Potash Road just north of downtown Moab, drive 10.2 miles west on Potash Road and a parking pull that serves as the trailhead will be on your right. The trailhead is about 0.25 mile past (or north of) the Corona Arch trailhead.
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Location: a 60-mile paved scenic drive to the east of Moab | Duration: 3-4 hours | Cost: FREE
The La Sal Mountain Loop (also known as the "La Sal Loop") is a 60-mile paved route that drives close to (but not over) the 12,000-foot peaks of the La Sal Mountains. The road starts about 8 miles south of downtown Moab in Spanish Valley. The road is narrow at times, and large RVs and trailers should not attempt to drive this route. While the road is regularly plowed and open in winter, it can experience some temporary closures.
Directions:
Drive US-191 south from Moab for about 8 miles and turn left onto Old Airport Road. Drive Old Airport Road for 0.5 mile east and turn right onto La Sal Loop Road. Follow La Sal Loop Road south and eventually the road will turn east and then north as it drives deeper into the La Sal Mountains. The road ultimately passes through Castle Valley and ends at UT-128 and the Colorado River. Turn left on UT-128 and travel west back to Moab.
Take note that there are several 4x4 roads and hiking trails in the La Sal Mountains. Several adventures can be experienced there, if you do your research.
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Location: Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park | Duration: 0.6 mile round-trip hike (1 hour) | Cost: $$
Mesa Arch is a dramatic, 27-foot wide arch that sits right on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. Both the arch and the scenic views behind it are spectacular, and so this is one of the can't miss attractions of the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. This is one of the best and most famous arches in Utah.
If you have a passion for landscape photography, head here for a sunrise photo. Bring a headlamp and arrive at the arch at least 1 hour prior to sunrise so that you can settle into a good photo spot. This arch can get very crowded with photographers and their tripods.
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Mesa Arch
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Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite ✪ |
Location: BLM 215 / Cotter Mine Rd (north of Moab) | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
There are real dinosaur tracksites all around Moab, but one of the most accessible ones is the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite.
There are more than 200 individual tracks here, and they include prints from Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, and Camptosaurus. The road to the trailhead can normally be driven in any vehicle, and it's only a short walk to visit the tracksites.
Here are some additional Moab-area locations with dinosaur tracks. Before visiting, check online to see what types of vehicles are able to reach the trailhead. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for some of them.
✮ Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Tracksite - near the northern end of the La Sal Mountains
✮ Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackways - access via dirt roads about 25 miles north of Moab
✮ Hells Revenge - a technical, 4x4 off-road driving route in the Sand Flats Recreation Area of Moab
✮ Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks - a short hike from the Poison Spider Mesa trailhead off Potash Road/UT-279
✮ Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracks Road - access via the 4x4 Willow Springs Road (about 16 miles north of Moab)
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Location: 56 W 100 S (downtown Moab) | Duration: 1-2 hours | Cost: $$$
The Moab Backyard Theater is a very small outdoor performing arts venue that offers magic shows and live music. Visit their website to see their latest performance schedule.
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Moab Boulder Park / Lions Park ✪ |
Location: Junction of US-191 and UT-128 at the Colorado River | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
As if there aren't enough rocks and boulders for kids to climb on in the Moab area, the Moab Boulder Park adds to the fun. There are three 7-8 foot boulders for kids can climb on. While here, you can also walk across the Colorado River on an attractive pedestrian bridge. Take note that this parking area also serves as a trailhead for the 9-mile long paved Moab Canyon Pathway.
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Location: 686 S Main St. (near the southern end of downtown Moab) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: $$
Find good beers and solid American-style food at the Moab Brewery. I absolutely love the outdoors-focused vibe here. You'll see all sorts of outdoor equipment hanging from its walls and ceilings. This place can get insanely busy, and so try to visit on off-hours if possible.
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Location: A paved bike path from the junction of US-191/UT-128 north to UT-313 | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: FREE
The Moab Canyon Pathway is a 9-mile long paved bike path
that runs from Lions Park at the Colorado River bridge north to the junction of US-191 and UT-313. Unlike many other paved bike paths in the country, this one is not flat. The trail climbs more than 525 feet as it heads north out of town. It's a challenging ride up, but a joyous ride back down.
To ride the pathway, you can either park at Lions Park or you can ride north from the downtown area to reach Lions Park. Look for a separate bike path on the eastern side of US-191 that starts near the northern end of downtown (near N 500 W St.).
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pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River
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Location: downtown Moab | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
On any given day during the warm-weather months, you'll find about 10 or so food trucks at the Moab Food Truck Park. The park is usually closed in winter, and typically re-opens in March. One of the best eats in Moab, Quesadilla Mobilla, also sits nearby. |
Moab Food Truck Park
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Location: Junction of US-191 and UT-313 (about 15 minutes north of Moab) | Duration: 1-2 hours | Cost: $$
Moab Giants is a tourist attraction featuring 100 life-size dinosaur statues. There is also a small fossil museum and various 3D and 5D movie and virtual reality experiences. If your children love dinosaurs, they will probably love this place.
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Location: 600 N Main St. (near the northern end of downtown Moab) | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
Moab Rock Shop is an impressive rock and fossil store that my daughter and I always love to visit. It's one of the finest rock shops we've found in our cross-country travels. It's also quirky enough that it is listed on the (amazing) Roadsideamerica.com website.
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Moab Rock Shop
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Location: west side of US-191 about 5 miles north of Moab | Duration: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
The Moab Sand Hill is a free attraction where children can run freely up and down a 100-foot tall, 100-foot wide sand dune. It's not particularly scenic or anything, but it's a quick stop that just about all children will appreciate.
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Morning Glory Arch & Grandstaff Canyon |
Location: UT-128 (east of Moab) | Duration: 4.5 mile round-trip hike (4 hours) | Cost: FREE ($$$$$ for a guided canyoneering tour)
The arch, which is actually a natural bridge, is 243-feet long, making it one of the top 10 longest bridges in the country. Overall it's an impressive site, though the bridge does sit pretty close to opposite canyon walls and it is tough to photograph in its entirety.
There are two popular ways to visit this bridge within Grandstaff Canyon. You can take a moderately challenging 4.5-mile round-trip hike from a trailhead on UT-128, or you can take a guided canyoneering tour and rappel 110-feet from the cliff wall that is directly next to it. Which sounds more tempting to you?
Watch out for poison ivy on the trail! You should also bring and use a map as there are several potentially confusing forks en route within the canyon.
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Location: Various locations | Duration: 1/2 day to multiple days | Cost: mostly FREE (but $$$-$$$$$ for rentals/shuttles)
Moab is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the world.
It has epic trails for riders of all abilities, although in general the trails are challenging and technical in nature. The trails aren't as 'flowy' as places like Bentonville (Arkansas) or Kingdom Trails (Vermont), but you can find some.
Riding on Moab's slickrock and sandstone is exciting but also often exhausting, with many ups and downs to push through. In other words, even if you are traveling generally downhill on slickrock or sandstone, there are often many short sections of uphill peddling.
Even though the Slickrock Trail, Porcupine Rim, and the Whole Enchilada are Moab's most famous trails, I definitely wouldn't start with those.
Ride something easier to warm up first. I started with the 'practice loop' of the Slickrock Trail on my first visit, and found it extremely challenging. It's really not for beginners.
Here are some of the great mountain biking areas and trails in the Moab area:
✮ Amasa Back area - access via Kane Creek Road
✮ Bar M Area (aka Moab Grands Trails) - access via Sevenmile Flat Rd, which is on the east side of US-191 about 10 miles north of Moab
✮ Bartlett Wash - access via dirt roads off the western side of US-191 north of Moab (4x4/AWD is recommended, but most SUVs can make it)
✮ Captain Ahab - access via Kane Creek Road
✮ Dead Horse Point State Park trails - access via UT-313 (which is also the road that leads to the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands)
✮ Gemini Bridges - access via UT-313, which is the road to Islands in the Sky (or you can take a steep 4x4 road from US-191)
✮ Horsethief Trail System - access via UT-313 (which is also the road to the Islands in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park)
✮ Hurrah Pass - access via a long drive down Kane Creek Road
✮ Klondike Bluffs - access via the east side of US-191 about 16 miles north of Moab
✮ Klonzo Trail System - access via Willow Springs Rd on the east side of US-191 (10 miles north of Moab); a 4x4 vehicle may be needed
✮ Mag 7 - access via UT-313 (which is also the road to the Islands in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park)
✮ Moab Canyon Pathway - this 9-mile long paved trail runs from Lions Park (junction of US-191 and the Colorado River) north to UT-313
✮ Navajo Rocks - access via UT-313 (which is also the road to the Islands in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park)
✮ Slickrock Trail - this technical trail is what put Moab on the map; off Sand Flats Road, which is east of Moab; try the Practice Loop first
✮ The Whole Enchilada - this 26.5-mile trail requires a shuttle service; high elevation portions are typically unrideable until early summer
✮ White Rim Trail - an epic, 100-mile trip on an unpaved high-clearance road that loops around the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands
There are some good beginner mountain biking routes in these trail networks:
✮ Bar M Area (aka Moab Grands Trails) - some trails are very beginner friendly
✮ Dead Horse Point State Park trails - per one source: "the eastern end of this park has the most popular beginner-friendly trails in Moab"
✮ Hurrah Pass
✮ Klondike Bluffs
✮ Klonzo Trail System
If you are looking for some great intermediate 'flowy' trails, head to the Klonzo Trail System north of Moab. From the parking area on Willow Springs Road, ride the Borderline Trail and turn right onto the Wahoo trail. Ride the Wahoo trail (rated intermediate) counterclockwise and then ride the Graviton trail (rated intermediate/advanced) counterclockwise. Graviton is more challenging than Wahoo, and so if you hit your comfort limit on Wahoo, refer to your trail map and take easier trails back to the trailhead.
Visit the Discover Moab website for great mountain bike trail information and maps. There is also great information on the Chile Pepper Bike Shop website.
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Slickrock Bike Trail (practice loop)
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Location: UT-211 en route to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park | Duration: 10-20 minutes | Cost: FREE
Newspaper Rock has one of the most impressive collections of petroglyphs I've ever seen. I always make a quick stop at this roadside attraction when I'm heading off for a hike in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. You'll see a lot of human and animal characters on this massive rock panel. I particularly enjoy all the sheep!
The parking area is on the north side of UT-211 about 12.5 miles west of the junction of US-191 and UT-211 (which is where the impressive Church Rock proudly stands).
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petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock
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Location: trailhead on Powerhouse Lane (close to downtown Moab) | Duration: 2-mile round trip hike (2-3 hours) | Cost: FREE
Mill Creek Canyon has the best swimming holes in the Moab area, but it is prone to flash floods and it can be a little tricky to find. Poison ivy is also extremely prevalent here. I developed the worst poison ivy outbreak of my life here once.
The hike is fairly easy, but it can be tough to follow the trail as it crosses the creek several times. After about 1 mile, you'll reach the main pool and falls.
I do not recommend cliff jumping in the main pool as the water is not very deep (usually 5-6 feet).
The parking area and creek is very crowded on warm days, especially on weekends. Like most swimming holes, it's best to arrive early or late in the day to beat the crowds. There are more swimming holes upstream from the main pool, but again, watch out for poison ivy. The trail ends about 1.75 miles from the parking area. There are also some very nice petroglyphs in this area if you know where to look.
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main falls/pool of the North Fork of Mill Creek
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Rock Art / Petroglyph Hunting |
Location: Various locations in and around Moab | Duration: 1/2 to full day | Cost: generally FREE
There are petroglyphs all over the Moab area, but they can be difficult to find.
Some of these petroglyphs are thousands of years old. Here are some petroglyph locations to get you started:
✮ Birthing Scene off Kane Creek Road
✮ Courthouse Wash (access via a short walk and uphill hike from a parking area 0.5 mile north of the US-191 bridge over the Colorado River)
✮ Golf Course Rock Art Site (aka the Moab Man) off Westwater Road
✮ Intestine Man Petroglyphs off UT-313
✮ Moonflower Canyon and Owl Panel off Kane Creek Road
✮ Newspaper Rock on UT-211 en route to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
✮ Potash Road / UT-279 (several locations/spots, including the Bear Panel)
✮ Wolfe Ranch on the trail to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park (entrance fee and timed entry required in peak season)
Sego Canyon is an impressive petroglyph site, but requires a 1 hour drive north of Moab. It's worth the drive in my opinion.
The Dark Angel area of the Devil's Garden loop in Arches National Park also has some petroglyphs, but they are a tricky to find.
There are also some near Magic Theater Arch off Kane Creek Road (although take note that Google Maps may or may not show the correct location for this arch). The North Fork of Mill Creek has some too.
As a reminder, please do NOT touch petroglyphs as our fingers have natural oils that lead to the degradation of rock art. |
Courthouse Wash Panel
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Rock Climbing and Canyoneering |
Location: Various locations in and around Moab | Duration: 1/2 to full day | Cost: mostly FREE ($$$-$$$$$ for guided tours)
It is believed that there are more than 1,000 rock climbing routes in and around the Moab area. It's a well-known mecca for the sport. Some of the most popular rock climbing areas in this region include:
Fisher Towers (off UT-128), Indian Creek (off UT-211), Wall Street (off Potash Road), and Ice Cream Parlor (off Kane Creek Road).
There are several companies in Moab that offer guided rock climbing and canyoneering tours (e.g. Moab Canyon Tours, Red River Adventures, Windgate Adventures, Desert Highlights, etc.). Many of these tours are suitable for beginners and require more of an adventurous spirit than strong fitness levels. Two very popular tours for ages 10-plus are Morning Glory Arch (which offers 110-foot rappelling) and Bow and Arrow Canyon.
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 0.3 mile hike (1 hour) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
Sand Dune Arch is my daughter's favorite arch in Arches National Park. It's a short and fun walk to get there, and there is tons of sand to play in and rocks to climb. If you are looking for an easy and rewarding family-friendly walk in the national park, this is it.
If you want a longer hike, you can also walk to nearby Broken Arch from the same trailhead. It's a relatively flat and easy walk to get to that arch, which sits close to the park campground. Broken Arch tends to sees less visitors than other arches in the park.
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Sand Dune Arch
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Location: Canyonlands Field Airport (US-191 north of Moab) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: $$$$$
Moab is one of the finest places in the United States to go skydiving. The views from their 8,000 and 13,000-foot jumps are just incredible.
Take note that there is an extra charge for individuals that weigh 200-250lbs (with 250lbs being their strict weight limit). Reservations are highly recommended, and you must be 18 years or older. They typically open for the season in March.
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The Windows & Turret Arch ✪ |
Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 1.2 mile hike (1-2 hours) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
One of the best relatively easy day hikes in Arches National Park is The Windows and Turret Arch.
You'll see three large, natural arches and some of the park's best scenery on this 1.2 mile loop hike. Children usually enjoy this hike as there are plenty of rocks for them to climb on.
If you visit this area, you might as well also hike to nearby Double Arch. Go directly across the parking lot to find the trailhead for that short hike.
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Turret Arch
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Location: Arches National Park | Duration: 2.5 mile hike (2-3 hours) | Cost: $$ (timed entry reservations required in peak season)
Tower Arch is my favorite arch in the national park. I enjoyed the 2.5 mile round-trip hike, and the arch is huge and impressive.
Under normal conditions, the dirt road to the trailhead can be reached by most 4WD/AWD SUVs that have moderate (or better) clearance. I was able to drive to the trailhead in a Subaru Outback once, but I hear that vehicles like that often can't make it. It all depends on the current road conditions. |
Tower Arch
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Location: east side of US-191 about 25 miles south of Moab | Duration: 30 minutes | Cost: FREE
One of the most accessible arches in the Moab area is Wilson Arch. It is clearly visible from the east side of US-191
about 30 minutes (25 miles) south of Moab. There is a parking pull-off when you can get out and scramble up to the arch. I always make a stop here when traveling north to Moab. It's serves as a great introduction to this amazing arch-filled region.
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Wilson Arch
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Looking for even more Moab-area attractions? |
If the 44 attractions described above aren't enough to satisfy you, here are more great Moab-area attractions. Some of these difficult to find and will require some deep online research and/or studying of maps.
✮ Delta Pool - an off-trail hike that starts near the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite
✮ Indian Ladder in Moonflower Canyon - those with strong upper body strength can climb up a series of ladders within a tall rock crack
✮ Ken's Lake - a reservoir that offers paddle-boarding and swimming; you can also hike to Faux Falls from here
✮ Mary Jane Canyon / Professor Creek - a slot canyon-like day hike off UT-128
✮ Moab Museum - a small museum in downtown Moab
✮ Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center - a small set of indoor and outdoor swimming pools and slides (check website for their public hours)
✮ Needles Overlook - a paved scenic drive off US-191 to an overlook of the Needles District of Canyonlands; starts south of Wilson Arch
✮ Redtail Air: Scenic Flights - scenic flights from Canyonlands Field Airport
✮ Secret Spire - an intermediate-level 4x4 road and a moderate hike will bring you to a tall and lonely hoodoo
✮ Spanish Valley Vineyard & Winery - a small but good winery south of Moab
✮ White Rim Trail (including Musselman Arch) - a legendary 100-mile dirt road that is popular with 4x4 vehicles and mountain bikers
✮ Zip-lining with Raven's Rim - coast down a series of 6 ziplines and cross a 100-ft suspension bridge (ages 8-plus and must weigh 50-275lbs)
Here are some additional arches and natural bridges that you can hunt for in the Moab area. Many of these are off-trail and are difficult to find. Some of them require 4x4 high-clearance vehicles to reach as well.
✮ Angel Arch and Molar Rock - a large arch and hoodoo found deep within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
✮ Brumley Arch - a medium-sized arch in the forests of the La Sal Mountains
✮ Covert Arch, La Boca Arch, and Harold Arch - east of Arches National Park (accessed via a complex dirt road network off I-70)
✮ Crystal Arch - an off-trail hike in Arches National Park; about 0.25 mile off of the Devil's Garden loop (fairly close to Landscape Arch)
✮ Eye of the Whale - within Arches National Park, this is normally reached with a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle, but you can hike that road too
✮ Funnel Arch (aka Cable Arch) - an impressive arch reached via an unmarked trailhead on Kane Creek Rd.
✮ Looking Glass Rock & Arch - access via Looking Glass Road off US-191 south of Moab (about 2.5 miles north of Wilson Arch)
✮ Longbow Arch - requires a moderate hike off Potash Road (it's not well marked)
✮ Magic Mystery Bridge - off-trail hike with some exposure in Arches National Park; near Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch
✮ Otho Natural Bridge - off-trail hike to an interesting natural bridge
✮ Paul Bunyans Potty - found deep within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
✮ Picture Frame Arch & Balcony Arch - located in the 'Behind the Rocks' area
✮ Pritchett Arch - a huge and impressive arch that requires a long 4x4 road and a short hike to reach
✮ Ring Arch - an off-trail hike in Arches National Park; near The Tunnel
✮ Tukuhnikivats Arch - a small arch with a killer view of the La Sal mountains
✮ Tunnel, The - an off-trail hike in Arches National Park; near Ring Arch
✮ Uranium Arch - a large arch that is normally reached with a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle, but you can also mountain bike or hike to it
There is a lot to see and do along Potash Road/UT-279, which is one of the primary backcountry routes of the Moab area. The first half of this road is paved but the second half is an increasingly rough dirt road. The road begins on the west side of I-191 about 4 miles north of downtown Moab. Here is a mileage guide to help you find the key attractions along this beloved driving route:
✮ Mile 4.6 - Wall Street (a popular rock climbing area)
✮ Mile 5.0 - petroglyphs (includes the 'paper dolls'; an 'Indian Writing' road sign indicates where to park)
✮ Mile 5.1 - petroglyphs (includes the 'bear hunt'; located about 500 feet beyond past the 'paper dolls')
✮ Mile 5.9 - petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks; you can also hike to Longbow Arch (although moderate rock scrambling is required)
✮ Mile 5.9 - Poison Spider Mesa trailhead (a popular 4x4 driving route and mountain biking trail)
✮ Mile 9.9 - Corona Arch trailhead (a moderate 3.0 mile round-trip hike to an enormous arch; an optional spur trail leads towards Pinto Arch)
✮ Mile 10.2 - Jeep Arch trailhead (a challenging 4.0 mile round-trip hike to a Jeep-shaped arch; the hike can be difficult to follow in spots)
✮ Mile 13.4 - Jug Handle Arch (a thin arch visible from roadside)
✮ Mile 13.5 - T-junction with Long Canyon Road
✮ Mile 16.6 - drive across a cattle guard
✮ Mile 16.7 - Potash Boat Ramp
✮ Mile 16.8 - the asphalt/payment on Potash Road ends here; a 4x4/AWD with moderate/high clearance is recommended from here
✮ Mile 19.5 - Elvis Rock
✮ Mile 25.2 - Thelma & Louis Point (yes, from the movie)
✮ Mile 26.7 - Gooseneck Overlook
✮ Mile 27.3 - the boundary of Canyonlands National Park (entry fee required)
✮ Mile 29.4 - the end of Potash Rd; turn right to drive the Shafer Trail switchbacks up to UT-313
COMING SOON: A mileage guide to Kane Creek Road
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