Overview
The adventure sports capital of the American West — gateway to two national parks with otherworldly red rock landscapes, world-class mountain biking, and jaw-dropping photography
Airport
CNY, GJT
From/day
$70
Best months
Mar, Apr, May
Local Tips
Safety
Desert heat is the biggest danger — carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day when hiking. Flash floods can occur in slot canyons during rain. Cell service is unreliable on trails.
Cultural Norms
Moab is an outdoor adventure town — casual dress is the norm. Practice Leave No Trace principles rigorously. Respect closures protecting cryptobiotic soil crusts (the dark bumpy soil is alive).
Language
English.
Currency
USD. Most places accept cards, but carry cash for small outfitters and campground fees.
Tipping
Standard US tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for guided rafting and Jeep tours.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Downtown Moab (Main Street)
The commercial strip with restaurants, gear shops, outfitters, and motels. The base for all adventures.
Best for: Dining, gear shopping, tour bookings
Arches National Park Area
Just 5 minutes north of town. Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches including Delicate Arch.
Best for: Iconic arches, short to moderate hikes, photography
Canyonlands (Island in the Sky)
The closest Canyonlands district, 30 minutes from Moab, with sweeping canyon views from the mesa top.
Best for: Grand vistas, moderate hikes, overlooks
Activities & Interests
How Moab scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Arches National Park
- •Enter Arches early — hike to Delicate Arch for the iconic freestanding arch (3 miles round trip)
- •Drive the scenic road stopping at Balanced Rock, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch
- •Sunset at the Windows Section or return to Moab for dinner on Main Street
Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point
- •Drive to Island in the Sky district — hike to Mesa Arch for sunrise or Grand View Point
- •Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for the famous Colorado River overlook
- •Afternoon mountain biking on the Moab Brand Trails or a scenic drive on Potash Road
River & Adventure
- •Morning Colorado River rafting trip (half-day, gentle or whitewater options)
- •Afternoon hike in Corona Arch trail (3 miles round trip, less crowded than Arches)
- •Farewell dinner at a Moab steakhouse or brewery
7-Day Trip
Arrival & Arches Introduction
- •Arrive in Moab and settle into accommodation
- •Afternoon drive through Arches — Balanced Rock, Windows Section
- •Sunset at Park Avenue viewpoint or dinner on Main Street
Arches Deep Dive
- •Sunrise hike to Delicate Arch
- •Explore Devils Garden trail — Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and beyond
- •Afternoon rest and gear prep for upcoming adventures
Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- •Early drive to Mesa Arch for sunrise photo
- •Hike the Grand View Point trail and Upheaval Dome
- •Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park on the return
Colorado River Day
- •Full-day Colorado River rafting trip through red rock canyons
- •Lunch on the river banks with canyon walls towering above
- •Evening relaxation in Moab after a day on the water
Mountain Biking
- •Ride the famous Slickrock Trail (advanced) or Moab Brand Trails (intermediate)
- •Lunch on Main Street and browse gear shops
- •Afternoon hike to Corona Arch for a less-crowded arch experience
Needles District & Scenic Drives
- •Day trip to Canyonlands Needles District (75 min drive) — hike Chesler Park or Cave Spring
- •Drive the scenic Needles overlook road
- •Return to Moab for dinner and stargazing — the region has exceptional dark skies
Final Adventures & Departure
- •Sunrise at any overlook you missed — or revisit a favorite
- •Morning 4x4 drive on the Shafer Trail or White Rim Road section
- •Brunch in Moab and departure
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$260
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$320
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$380
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$380
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$400
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$70
per day
Moderate
$130
per day
Luxury
$260
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$750
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,170
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$2,080
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
—
Feb
—
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
✓
Jun
—
Jul
✗
Aug
✗
Sep
✓
Oct
✓
Nov
✓
Dec
—
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5° | -8° | 4d | Cold and dry with possible snow. Good for solitude on trails. |
| Feb | 9° | -5° | 4d | Still cold but warming. Trails may have ice patches. |
| Mar | 16° | 1° | 5d | Spring arrives. Great hiking weather but nights are cold. |
| Apr | 22° | 5° | 4d | Ideal outdoor season begins. Wildflowers in the canyon bottoms. |
| May | 28° | 11° | 4d | Warm and sunny. One of the best months to visit. |
| Jun | 35° | 16° | 2d | Hot during the day. Start hikes at dawn or stick to shaded canyons. |
| Jul | 38° | 20° | 4d | Peak heat. Monsoon thunderstorms bring flash flood risk in canyons. |
| Aug | 36° | 19° | 5d | Very hot with continued monsoon storms. Dramatic skies. |
| Sep | 31° | 13° | 4d | Heat breaks. Excellent shoulder-season hiking. |
| Oct | 22° | 6° | 4d | Cooler with fall colors along the Colorado River. Great visiting month. |
| Nov | 13° | -1° | 4d | Cold nights, mild days. Fewer crowds. |
| Dec | 6° | -7° | 4d | Cold winter desert. Snowy arches make for stunning photography. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
Nearby Destinations
Zion National Park, Utah
Towering red canyon walls with iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock vortexes, spiritual energy, and world-class hiking in a different desert landscape.
Telluride, Colorado
Stunning mountain town with skiing, hiking, and a charming historic Main Street.