17 Awesome Things To Do In Moab Utah

Moab, Utah with an elevation of 4,026′ is one of the most popular destinations for adventure seeking people who want to experience all kinds of outdoor activities especially hiking, biking, rock climbing, UTVing and dirt biking. The town is surrounded by beautiful red rock formations in Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park that features mesas and buttes carved by the Green and Colorado rivers, plus Native American rock art. There are so many things to do in Moab that it’s hard not to love this place.

From April 3 to October 3, 2022 in Arches National Park you will need a timed entry pass to get in the park (help manage traffic and improve visitor experiences). You can make reservations online at 6pm the night before you want to go for a $2 fee.

RV Parks & Dry Camping (free, no hookups)

Moab KOA Holiday

Nice pull through full hook up sites. It’s your typical KOA. Only downside it’s about 10 mile drive to Arches National Park. It’s not that far but there is lots of traffic downtown. One day it took us an hour and half to get from Arches to KOA (keep that in mind).

Portal RV Resort

Portal is right in town and very close to Arches National Park. Book ahead because this place fills up fast.

We are staying there in April 2022, will update with details and picture.

Klondike Bluffs Road 

The GPS coordinates are 38.7536, -109.7296

We boondocked here for a week, went to Durango, CO and then came back for another week in April 2021. We are also coming back here in April 2022.

This is free dispersed camping area. Klondike Bluffs Road isn’t as popular as other Moab boondocking campsites, even though it’s only a half-hour from town. Note, there is no garbage, bathrooms or water. Maverick gas station in town has a free dump station & water.

Another good dispersed camping area close to Moab is Fallen Peace Officer Trail (free). They have lots of bike and UTV trails here too. We stayed here for 5 days in April 2022.

Here are 17 of our favorites:

1. Hiking

Hiking in Arches National Park

There are endless hiking trails to explore in Moab, from easy family-friendly hikes to more difficult trails for experienced hikers. Some popular trails include Delicate Arch (hard), Landscape Arch, Broken Arch & Sand Dune Arch (all easy trails).

Hiking in Canyonlands National Park

Hiking in Canyonlands National Park – There are amazing hiking trails to explore, my favorite is the Mesa Hike Trail and Whale Rock Trail both are easy.

2. Biking

With over 100 miles of bike trails winding through some of the most picturesque scenery around, biking is a favorite activity among visitors to Moab. Popular trails include the Slickrock Trail and Porcupine Rim.

In this picture below Aaron and Jeremie rented dirtbikes in town and went riding on the Chicken Corners Trail.

3. Scenic Drives

Through National Parks like Arches and Canyonlands National Monument – which both have spectacular views from high up on cliffs overlooking vast expanses below.

Utah State Route 128 (U-128) is a 44.6-mile-long (71.7 km) state highway north of Moab. This spectacular route along the Colorado River gorge begins at the Colorado River Bridge on the north end of Moab. Spending a day exploring this section of the river gorge will provide you with jaw dropping scenery and take you to the sixth-longest natural rock span in the United States.

4. Kayaking

Another exciting activity while visiting Moab includes kayaking down the Colorado River. You can get a guided tour with an experienced kayaker or paddle down the river on your own if you’re feeling adventurous. The views of the canyon walls as you make your way downstream are nothing short of spectacular!

5. Jeep Tours

Jeep tours are also very popular in Moab and for good reason – who wouldn’t want to explore hidden canyons, slot canyons and other areas that most people don’t even know exist? If you choose to go on a jeep tour be prepared for some extreme off-roading; these tours definitely aren’t for the faint of heart!

6. Visit Dinosaur Tracks

GPS Coordinates for the Trailhead:
38.615833, -109.223333

There are numerous tracksites in the Moab area, such as the Mill Canyon Tracksite, where you can get a glimpse of an era when huge creatures roamed the earth. This tracksite is a short walk with interpretive panels along the trail and boardwalk. Each panel describes unique dinosaur tracks that can be seen at this site, including eight different types of dinosaurs, along with a crocodile resting trace.

Another place to see dinosaur tracks is the Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracksite. 

7. Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is a state park of Utah, featuring a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The park covers 5,362 acres of high desert at an altitude of 5,900 feet.

8. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere

Get a margarita or a craft beer at the local Moab Brewery. They are good for beer, distilled spirits, and dining at what has become known as the most popular restaurant in Moab.

9. Shop in downtown Moab

The shops in downtown Moab are definitely worth a visit – you can find some unique souvenirs to take home with you!
you are looking for hand made unique jewelry then you must visit Lema’s Kokopelli Gallery in Moab. They serve as a leader in Native American tradecraft, providing an extensive selection of products to customers across the globe. I bought my mother in law an original pair of earrings made by a Native American artist (she loved it).

10. Hike and swim at a local Waterfalls

Mill Creek Waterfalls is a relatively easy, partly shaded, 1 mile hike to get to this stunning waterfall. The backdrop of the rock formations behind the waterfall made for incredible photos. Wear water shoes because you will be crossing water along the hike.

11. Explore the local Rotary Park

Scenic 3-acre park with whimsical kids’ play equipment, a creek that runs through & a basketball court.

12. Get a message at Spa Moab

My older son and I booked a couples massage at the Spa Moab which is located downtown in HooDoo Hotel (Hilton). He got the dip tissue message and I got the hot rocks. It was very nice and relaxing especially after a day of hiking. We were able to leave our truck parked there (free) and walk around the shops downtown.

13. Buy some organic foods at Moonflower Community Cooperative

Moonflower co-op is the culmination of efforts from over two generations. The MCC continues to cultivate holistic community wellness and provide socially responsible foods, goods, and education to promote a healthy, sustainable community.

14. Slide down Moab Sand Hill

Slide down Moab Sand Hill (aka “Slickrock Slide”) – A fun and free activity that anyone can do! Kids love this as well. It is located across from Arches National Park.

15. Find Petroglyphs

Ute Indian Petroglyphs – in Arches National Park. Just off the Delicate Arch hiking route, this petroglyph wall can be found in Arches National Park. As you continue up the hill to Delicate Arch, a little path branches off the main one. The route to the petroglyphs is only a few minutes long, but it’s well worth it. These petroglyphs were carved sometime between A.D. 1650 and 1850.

Another great spot is at the Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs. Park at the Poison Spider Trailhead and there is a short trail to see the petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks.

16. Eat at the Food Truck Park

Located in downtown Moab, the food truck park offers a fun dining experience to try a variety of local cuisines to satisfy anyone. My favorite food truck is the Quesadilla Mobilla. I had the Enchanted Chicken (gluten free), delicious.

17.  Get a coffee at Moab Coffee Roasters

A low-key local coffee joint on Main St. offering coffee & specialty drinks made with house-roasted beans, plus ice cream & gelato.

Moab is a great place to visit if you’re looking for outdoor activities. With so much to do, you’ll never be bored! So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!

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