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Do people visit Moab in winter?

Moab, Utah is one of my favorite travel destinations–a scenic and wickedly fun adventure hub. While it lures visitors throughout the year, wintertime is a magical season to visit. I always wanted to see the red rock country in the winter, and I was delighted with what else I experienced during my December trip to Moab.



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Moab and the surrounding areas are incredible in the winter, so be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip and have a safe journey. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before heading out (and avalanche conditions in the La Sals, if applicable).

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The La Sal Mountains provide Moab with a snowy backdrop and a fantastic winter playground. Plenty of winter adventures await, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy everything from short part-day adventures to multi-day excursions like skiing between backcountry yurts.

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Winter in Moab can be an amazing time to explore the desert. The average high in December and January is about 44 degrees, which suits some hikers and mountain bikers just fine. Nights can be quite cold, however, dipping into the single digits — and of course, night falls earlier in winter.

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Winter in Moab can be an amazing time to explore the desert. The average high in December and January is about 44 degrees, which suits some hikers and mountain bikers just fine. Nights can be quite cold, however, dipping into the single digits — and of course, night falls earlier in winter.

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Bundle up (and expect great rates) during low season in December and January. December and January in Moab see much smaller crowds, cold weather and short days. You'll also get good deals on hotels.

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Winter is the park's quietest season and a perfect time to see the fiery red arches with a soft dusting of white snow. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit.

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We recommend at least 2 full days/ 3 nights for the Moab area. One day for Arches National Park and half a day to a day for Canyonlands National Park, plus the Dead Horse Point State Park. In addition, you can also take a short rafting tour, as we did. 3 days/4 nights would make your visit more relaxing.

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With many different elevations to climb at, Moab offers year-round adventures. From summertime climbing in the Abajos and La Sals, down to Potash Road and Indian Creek in the winter, one can visit any time.

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MOAB WEATHER IN DECEMBER December temperatures in Moab: highs 45 and lows 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Any time of year it's important to stay hydrated and use sun protection, even in the winter.

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Moab is 4,025ft above sea level, with the nearby La Sal Mountains topping out at over 12,000ft above sea level. These higher altitudes may trigger mild altitude sickness in visitors, regardless of gender, age, or physical health. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.

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Best Time To Visit Moab Peak tourist season is March 15 through May Sept and Oct. still busy in the summer but not as crazy as spring and fall. The summer slows a bit because temperatures can easily average 105 degrees.

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Winter is certainly a great time to visit Arches National Park. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a beautiful dusting of snow resting on the red rock formations, Arches in winter is a dreamy place.

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If you're looking for challenging hikes through narrow canyons and along steep cliffs, Zion may be the better choice. If you're more interested in exploring unique rock formations and stunning arches, Arches may be the better choice.

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Getting Around Moab, UT If you're staying in the center of downtown, you'll likely be able to walk to restaurants and coffee shops throughout your visit, rather than dealing with parking.

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Yes, You Can Get a Drink in Rural Utah, Too Restaurants and bars, of course, can set their own price for drinks. Each of Utah's five national parks has a liquor store nearby, and bars and restaurants are easy to find, especially in Springdale near Zion or Moab near Arches and Canyonlands.

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You don't even have to leave your car to soak in the stunning red rock scenery. Explore Arches National Park by embarking on a scenic drive. Be sure to prepare for winter driving conditions, have snow tires or chains, and check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.

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The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in December is the lack of crowds. Fewer crowds mean less irritation and more peace during the day. Many of the wildlife will be more willing to be out and about this time of year when there aren't hundreds of people craning to see them.

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This is the perfect place to stay for nature lovers who don't like big crowds and prioritize outdoor activities over city nightlife. If you take a guided tour in Downtown Moab, odds are they will take you to explore the off-road trails and out-of-this-world viewpoints of Canyonlands National Park.

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Moab is known for its rust-red stone arches and spires. The drive to Moab in southern Utah has no shortage of dramatic scenery.

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This quirky hippie town is home to two Utah national parks, a small-town main street area with eclectic local shops, and plenty of hiking, biking, and off-roading trails. I find myself going back to Moab every year, as do most travelers who visit the red rock town.

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