The Best Things to Do in Moab, UT

Moab, Utah is a paradise for people who love adventure. It has so many different things to do that you could never run out of exciting activities.

While you could spend your time exploring the city of Moab, including checking out local restaurants and stores, it’s really the outdoor recreation that brings in its visitors.

Moab, Utah Things to Do

Before you head to Moab and start looking for things to do, here are some of your options to help you plan an incredible trip that you’ll never forget.

Hike

There are so many different hikes that you can walk around Moab that you’ll have a hard time deciding where you want to go first. If you’re not sure where to begin with planning your hikes, there are some very popular and famous options that might inspire you.

One of the most popular hikes is the hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. It’s very accessible even to beginners, being only a three-mile round-trip with a gradual ascent up to the arch. You’re sure to want to get some good photos while you’re there. Later afternoons and evenings are a popular time for this hike, so plan accordingly.

Go Rafting

Rafting is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Moab. It’s something you can do if you’re looking for a thrill or if you want a more relaxing experience on flatwater. You can even find family whitewater rafting trips that pretty much anyone can join.

Children as young as five can join in on the adventure, whether you want a short half-day trip or you’re looking for something for one or two days. There are different levels of difficulty so you can choose what suits you. Rafting can be great to combine with some other activities too.

4WD and Off-Roading

Going off-road can give you a way to explore some more remote locations. You can get into a 4WD vehicle or an ATV and head off into a variety of locations. Canyonlands National Park is one of the popular places to find 4WD roads and you could also combine your trip with some hiking.

For those who are experienced in 4WD adventures and are looking for a challenge, The Maze area could be the right place for you. Some other options include Potash Road, which takes you to Thelma and Louise Point, and Shafer Trail Road, which is a thrilling cliff-side experience.

Kayak or Canoe

If rafting doesn’t appeal to you but you’re thinking about some paddling, you could also hop into a canoe or kayak. The Colorado River doesn’t just offer whitewater sections. You can also find calmer parts of the river that are ideal for anyone who wants something more relaxing.

Head to the north end of Moab to find peaceful river trips and options to canoe, kayak, raft, or stand up paddleboard. For the best of both worlds, you can combine still waters with rapids on some trips too.

Go Stargazing

Moab has some incredible night skies, with a lack of light pollution helping to make the skies darker than almost anywhere else in the US. There isn’t even any need to take a telescope with you, as you can see so much with the naked eye.

Head to Arches National Park for some amazing views at night. Anywhere in the park is good on a clear night, but any areas away from the main road are best. Head further north if you’re looking for darker skies and better chances to see more stars and other astronomical sights.

See Petroglyphs

If you’re looking for some interesting history in Moab, you should go to see the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock. These images, of animals, people, and shapes, date back around 2,000 years when they were made by people from various indigenous cultures.

Newspaper Rock is a historical monument and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find it on the road into The Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, south of Moab.

With Moab as your base, you can discover an incredible array of things to do in the area. Discover the outdoors and some of the best that Utah has to offer.