Moab is a hub for adventure junkies, hikers, photographers, and campers. With two incredible National Parks at it’s doorstep… what’s not to like?! I do remember feeling slightly overwhelmed with options the first time I visited the area. If you haven’t been before or are hoping to get back soon, here are my top ten recommendations!
Top 10 Things to Do in Moab, Utah
1. CAMP!
There are plenty of hotels in town but camping will give you the true desert starry night experience. I recommend trying to secure a reservation at one of the very popular camp sites in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. If they are booked out or you are low on cash then some free options are along Willow Flats Road or along Hwy 128 by the Colorado River. Remember to abide by Leave No Trace principles if you utilize these areas.
2. EXPERIENCE MESA ARCH AT SUNRISE
Located in Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Arch lights up in a gorgeous morning glow. Arrive in the dark and expect there to be plenty of other tourists, photographers and tripods! Most people leave the second the sun rises. If you wait around maybe 30 minutes you will likely have the place all to yourself, which is my opinion is a total no brainer.
3. CHECK OUT FISHER TOWERS
This is a well known spot for climbers but many other visitors don’t know about its beauty or hiking opportunities. Take the Fisher Towers Trail for some spectacular views and a good workout. You can also camp there if you are lucky and get one of the 5 car camping sites.
4. GRAB A BURGER AT MILT’S STOP AND EAT DINER
Delicious burgers, fries and shakes. The mushroom swiss burger (with a veggie patty) and the fish sandwich are both like heaven after a long hike.
5. HIKE THE DEVIL’S GARDEN PRIMITIVE LOOP TRAIL
This 8.1 mile loop is absolutely gorgeous and along the way you will encounter beautiful arches, desert plants, and rock gardens. My favorites were Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Make sure you take loads of water and a hat… 8 miles hiking in the desert is no joke!
6. EXPLORE HWY 128 ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER
This area is far less busy and full of beautiful hiking trails, scenic drives, and camp grounds. Turn off onto La Sal Loop Road and take in the views of Castleton Tower and the La Sal Mountains. Definitely worth the drive! You will also find Fisher Towers along Hwy 128.
7. TAKE A HIKE UP TO DELICATE ARCH
It can get crazy busy with tourists, but it’s iconic and definitely worth braving the crowds for. Go at sunset and watch the arch glow with the fading afternoon light. On a clear night it is worth staying after dark and viewing the starry sky (and the milky way if you’re lucky!)
8. EXPLORE THE WINDOWS
This area is described to be “like a window to your heart, and more than just precious – it’s spectacular” {unknown}. The Windows area is full of amazing rock formations all within a short walk of each other. My favorites are Double Arch and Turret Arch.
9. PICNIC AT DEAD HORSE POINT
This is an absolute must if you are near Dead Horse Point State Park (just outside of Canyonlands National Park). The view includes steep canyon walls, the Colorado River snaking through the middle, and mountain views off to your left. Take a picnic dinner and watch nature’s light show.
10. EAT WITH THE LOCALS AT MOAB BREWERY
If you are after an affordable and delicious bite to eat, look no further than Moab Brewery. I recommend the Sweet & Hot Thai Calamari. They also have a substantial beer list if you are after a refreshing drink.
SHARE YOUR MOAB RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!
Read more!
America’s National Parks – Ranked Best to Worst
The 15 Most Underrated National Parks in America
Get Outside – A Beginners Guide To Hiking
5 Epic Alaska Hiking & Backpacking Adventures
Corona Arch outside Moab is spectacular.
Agreed! Thanks Bill 🙂
Another fantastic blog Renee.
Thanks!!
When you go on these multi day trips, and out into the wild, do you always camp from a tent or do you sleep in your car sometimes?
It depends. Obviously if I hike out into the backcountry then I sleep in a tent. If I am car camping then I would use our rooftop tent, sleep in the car, or set up a tent next to the car. There are options to do all of those types of camping in Moab! Car camping allows for more luxuries compared to lightweight camping in the backcountry.
Hey! I am going to Zion/Moab next month (June). Do you think I should pre book campsites now? or can I take the chances of campgrounds being available along the way? Thanks!
Hi Emerson! If you want to camp in the National Parks then I would definitely look at making reservations. You are unlikely to be able to secure one of those campsites as just a "walk in" reservation on the day, unless you got there at the crack of dawn. You would be able to camp along Willow Flats road if you got there reasonably early in the day and secured a spot. June can be very very busy though so keep that in mind, especially weekends!
BLM lands offer some fantastic camping spots and best of all they are free. Just be respectful of the laws: no wood gathering, camp only where other have camped before, etc.
We were just there last month for a week and pretty much our entire stay was free, courtesy of BLM. Of course they’re not on the “main” road so having a SUV (not necessarily high clearance) helps a lot.
And yes, finding a camping in the national park is nearly impossible without the reservation but people do get them on first come, first serve basis so if you are there first thing in the morning in the middle of week, you may be lucky. I surly hope I’ll get it next time we are there, as the campsites in the Needles district and Isle in the Sky are epic.