Is it worth staying in Moab?

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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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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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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Shoulder Season: February and November February (for springtime adventures) and November (for autumn fun) can be the best time to visit Moab and the national parks.

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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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Moab's heat and terrain are two things to be prepared for ahead of time. Bring plenty of food, and especially water, to stay fueled and hydrated while you're out exploring the canyons and trails. Some tips for visiting Moab straight from the locals is to drink one gallon of water per day, per person.

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While the town itself is just a place to base yourself, the Moab area is simply stunning and has a lot to offer. Seeing Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is the main reason to visit Moab, but there are also many other stunning places nearby and a big variety of activities that you can do in the area.

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Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) is located 18 miles north of Moab. The closest major airport to Moab is located in Salt Lake City (236 miles from Moab - 4 hour drive). Walker Field Airport, located in Grand Junction Colorado (110 miles from Moab - 1 hr 45 min drive), provides the closest option for most airlines.

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Moab is known for the some of the best biking, four-wheeling, and hiking in the country. Next, keep in mind that Bryce Canyon is all high deserts and gets extremely cold during late fall, early spring, and most winter months; where Arches is lower in elevation and will keep you out of the extreme cold temperatures.

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Although both of these parks are in Utah, they offer very different experiences! Choosing which one you should visit depends on what you are looking for. While Bryce offers stunning views of hoodoos, taking an Arches park tour will bring you close to the iconic natural arches.

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The entrance of Arches is located 5 miles (8km) north of Moab, along highway 191. Arches National Park is normally open year-round, 24 hours a day. The park is very busy between March and October.

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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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If you only want to see a few highlights in each park, then yes, one day in Arches and Canyonlands is enough time. For a better experience, add one more day to your itinerary, so you can spend one full day in Arches and one full day in Canyonlands.

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Moab is located along Utah's Eastern border less than 50 miles from Colorado. Nearby metros are Salt Lake City to the north, Denver in the east, and Las Vegas out west. The surrounding national parks of Arches and Canyonlands, as well the La Sal Mountains make Moab an epicenter for the ruggedly awesome wilderness.

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The dark skies of Moab and the surrounding region are a valuable and rare resource.

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The dark skies of Moab and the surrounding region are a valuable and rare resource.

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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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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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Non-commercial group fees (per vehicle): Vehicle capacity of 15 or less: $30. Vehicle capacity of 16-25: $15 per person age 16 and older, not to exceed $40. Vehicle capacity of 25+: $15 per person age 16 and older, not to exceed $100.

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