Top Things To Do In Moab Utah And Surrounding Area

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Where else can you have access to some of the world’s most unique national parks, hunt for dinosaurs and do wheelies in a super-sized Hummer all in one day? These are just a few of the amazing array of things to do in Moab Utah – and why this outdoor adventurer’s playground in America’s Southwest should be high on your list.

Where Is Moab Utah?

Moab is in east central Utah less than 50-miles from the Colorado border. With Arches National Park only 10-minutes to the north, and Canyonlands just over 30-minutes to the south, you’ll be able to knock of two of Utah’s “Big 5” on your trip.

Moab isn’t really on the way to many places, but that doesn’t mean this small town shouldn’t be your final destination. With incredible rock formations, and killer views in every direction you’ll be spoilt for choice on where the best place to visit first is.

How to get to Moab Utah

It’s maybe not the easiest place to get to – but then, then good ones never are. Persevere, it’s worth the effort, I promise.

From Salt Lake City, Utah the drive is about 4 hours. There’s a bus service between the two which is closer to 6 hours, but in reality you will find a car very useful around Moab, so most people opt to drive.

From Denver, Colorado the drive is closer to 6-hours. And if you’re feeling fancy you can always take Rocky Mountaineer’s newest route, the Rockies to the Red Rocks 2-day train journey with overnight stop in Glenwood Springs. A great way to sit back and enjoy the views. Keep reading for more on this epic adventure.

Not feeling either of those options? There’s always Las Vegas, Nevada – start (or end) your trip with a little blackjack and a whole lotta neon lights. Closer to a 7-hour drive, though, this one’s a commitment.

If you want to get a little closer to Moab without an epically long (yet incredible) drive, then Grand Junction in western Colorado is less than 2-hours away. Bonus: they have an airport. And with direct flights from a number of major US cities, this might be your best bet. Pick up a rental car at the airport to set yourself up for an awesome road trip adventure.

Where to stay in Moab Utah

Moab may, at first glance, look a little like a one horse town, but there’s actually a few good options for accommodation. My personal favorite is the Hoodoo Moab hotel. It’s only a block from the main street, with a great pool area, and super swanky rooms. I stayed there a few nights and loved it.

The Hyatt Place Moab and the Element Moab are both good options too. Although since you’re starting to get away from the town center, a vehicle is probably more necessary to stay there.

A hotel with a bit of history is the Aarchway Inn. A little dated, but it has a pool with a view. Why the double-A in Archway, you might ask? Well, fun fact: they did that so they’d be the first place in the phone-book! Remember those days?

How to get around Moab Utah

Moab is quite spread out, and unless you’re staying at somewhere like the Hoodoo Moab hotel, you’ll likely need to rely on a car. Even then, a car is pretty handy to explore the incredible area all around Moab.

Moab Area Transit (MAT) has fixed route transportation using smaller vehicles – but they are often seasonal, and may not work for your schedule.

Walking is easy enough in the downtown core, although Main Street, that runs right through town, is also a major highway. For this reason please ONLY cross at crosswalks as there are a LOT of big trucks using this highway and it’s not worth chancing the busy traffic.

Ride-share programs do exist in Moab, although remember it’s a small town and with small towns come less options for rides. Taxis are also infrequent. One of my friends had trouble there and waited a long time since there aren’t many ride options, so make sure to plan ahead.

Where to eat in Moab Utah

So. Many. Places. Loosen that belt and get ready for some epic food portions. Make sure to check out some awesome local restaurants – don’t worry, there are plenty.

For a cheap and delicious breakfast, you can’t beat the Moab Diner, a local institution. The service is great, the food is simple yet yummy. It’s a typical diner but a piece of local history.

Ready for a Mexican meal to fill you for days? El Tapatio has some seriously big portions – and seriously big margaritas to wash it down. They have a few locations in the American southwest, but this one can’t be missed on the main street of Moab.

Bakeries are a great place for locally made baked goods, and sandwiches to go, in Moab. My top picks, Bonjour Bakery & Café, Moab Coffee Roasters, and Sweet Cravings (their breakfast burritos were a huge hit with us).

Last couple of places I tried that I would also recommend: Arches Thai for a flavorful dining experience; and Josie Wyatt’s Grill for their craft cocktails.

One thing to remember in Utah: Alcohol laws are more strict. While Utah does allow alcohol consumption, you’ll be ID’d a little more (passports required at some places if you’re not from the US), and you may have to order food if they’re officially categorized as a restaurant.

Things To Do In Moab Utah

There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Moab Utah that you will probably run out of time before you do them all. Allow plenty of time to check out all the outdoor activities this town has to offer – and the spectacular places all around it if you decide to make it your base for a few days.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

My first day in Utah was spent exploring Arches National Park. One of the most amazingly unique things to do in Moab and surrounding area. So named because of over 2000 natural arches, as well as other interesting rock formations, created through millions of years of erosion into the most special natural designs.

The park isn’t huge, although it can get busy during the busier tourist months. There are lots of awesome hiking trails taking you under, over, through and around some of the inconceivably gravity-defying rocks.

Be sure to visit Delicate Arch – the name of which will become clear when you see it up close. And my favorite, Sand Dune Arch. Some companies even offer a sunset tour of Arches National Park – now there’s a unique experience.

Even though this is the second smallest of Utah’s Mighty Five, there’s enough to keep you busy for a day or two if you really want to spend some quality time here.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

The second US National Park easily reached while staying in Moab, Utah. Canyonlands involves a lot more driving and even more jaw-dropping views. You’ll need a full day to really appreciate the immense area that will make you feel instantly insignificant. There are of course bus tours from Moab if you prefer not to drive.

From the Grand View Point to the Green River Overlook, and the Mesa Arch to Horseshoe Canyon. All are top spots you can’t leave Canyonlands without visiting.

Got a 4 x 4? Head into one of the canyons via the slightly scary but incredible Shafer Trail. I recommend a self-guided audio tour to better find your way around.

Into movies? Take a longer drive past Shafer Camp and Gooseneck Lookout to Thelma & Louise Point. The place where, you’ve guessed it, the movie characters drove off the cliff into the canyon below. Both trails will need a bit more clearance than your average Honda Civic might have.

It doesn’t get as busy in Canyonlands as Arches National Park, partly because it’s a little further from Moab and partly because it’s bigger. But I still vote you need to see both.

HUMMER ADVENTURE TOUR

Definitely the most exhilarating car ride of my life. The red rocks of Utah are pretty to look at, but you haven’t lived until you’ve bounced over them on a hummer with super-sized wheels. So I highly recommend booking a 4×4 tour for one awesome experience.

Spend a couple of hours getting around an area that can’t be accessed by any other vehicle. And make sure you hold on for the ride.

See the rocks up close, check out amazing viewpoints, and experience gravity defying trails that have you white-knuckling it to the end.

One of the highlights of our tour was the amazing view over the Colorado River, as well as finding prehistoric footprints from Utah’s former resident dinosaurs.

RIVER RAFTING

Speaking of the Colorado River, instead of just looking down on it, why not look up from it? Take a river rafting ride down the river, getting up close with the huge red rocks that border it.

Prepare to get soaked, but have fun doing it. The river runs fast, but your guide will safely navigate you through the rapids.

There are half day river rafting tours and full day tours you can take, and some include lunch. You’ll need to keep your energy levels up, so this can only be a good thing.

MOAB GIANTS MUSEUM

Want to see the giants that roamed the landscapes around Moab long before you did? The Moab Giants Museum will put you face to face with some of the most fantastic, I mean terrifying, animals ever to have walked the face of the earth.

When you’ve spent time in the national parks around Moab, you’ll feel like you might accidentally come across your favorite dinosaur just roaming around. The landscape makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into another time – or another planet.

Well, at the Moab Giants museum, you’ll get that chance to experience what it might have been like all those millions of years ago. See real dinosaur footprints, walk among the dinosaurs, and experience virtual exhibits that might be a little too realistic.

MOAB ROCK SHOP

Ever see something cool in a museum and wanted to take it home? The Moab Rock Shop is like that but you actually can.

Dinosaur bones? You can buy them. Megaladon tooth? You can buy that too. Minerals, fossils, and all other pretty or interesting rocks. This place is going to leave your suitcase well and truly weighed down.

Talk to the knowledgeable staff about all things rocks, or source a map to guide you around the parks where these incredible items were found. Not everything in the Moab Rock Shop costs a fortune you’ll be glad to hear. You can even find stuff for only a dollar or two.

MOAB FILM MUSEUM

If the pictures didn’t already give it away, Moab is the perfect place for filming. Whether it be alien planets or a John Wayne western, the desert and unique rock formations make an impressive filming background.

Discover some of the famous films to have been shot in the area at the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage. Rio Grande, Planet of the Apes, Indiana Jones. Just some of the many famous films to be shot in the area.

This museum is only small, and is part of the Red Cliffs Lodge, but it’s worth checking out. Also, it’s a completely free activity, and if you’re staying at the hotel, why wouldn’t you at least take a peek?

DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK

Don’t let the National Parks in Utah get all the love. Instead, one of the best things to do in Moab and the surrounding area is visit Dead Horse Point state park.

Fear not, the name is not a sign of things you might see on your day trip, but rather a nod to the unfortunate challenge of keeping horses in such a remote desert-like area back in the day.

With incredible overlooks, including Dead Horse Point itself, you’ll want to stop at every turn. Wand a truly unique experience? Book a stay in one of the Moenkopi Yurts to experience the state park by night – 2 night minimum stay is typical.

If you’re short on time, this can be combined with a trip to Canyonlands. Around $10 cheaper per vehicle than Canyonlands, it’s also a budget option vs. paying higher national park fees.

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE

In 2021, Canada’s world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, launched their newest route in the American southwest. Their Rockies to the Red Rocks route travels between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah. In fact, this might be one of the fanciest things to do in Moab.

Ditch the rental car and wild west saloons, and instead relax on the ultimate sightseeing adventure to or from Moab. Oversized luxury seats, fabulous dining, and huge picture framing windows that allow you to see the magnificent scenery all around this area.

A trip for 2 will set you back somewhere in the region of $3500 USD, but isn’t life all about the odd little extravagance? The journey is one full day and a half day on the train, with an overnight hotel stay in Glenwood Springs.

MOAB BREWERY & DISTILLERY

Not exactly the most convenient location for a brewery, but still only a 15-20 minute walk from the main downtown core. And one of the best things to do in Moab on a warm day – because there’s a cold beer waiting for you.

Not only does the brewery have some really good main stay beers, but they often have rotating taps or seasonal options. Either way, there’s plenty of choice.

With everything from IPA to wheat beers, pilsners and stouts, this is a great place to spend an hour or two trying local brews. They also have a lot of food on their menu, more than a lot of breweries. Jalapeño beer fries anyone?

SHOP FOR LOCAL SOUVENIRS

Other than rocks and dinosaur teeth, there are actually lots of other souvenir options in Moab. It seems to be a place where local artisans sell their paintings, jewelry, pottery and other creations alongside the usual mix of touristy trinkets.

Buy an original art piece, or just browse the shops along Main Street for inspiration. Moab Made is the perfect place to start your shopping day. If, like me, you can’t leave anywhere without perusing a local book store, Back of Beyond Books is the place for you. Find top titles mixed with local guides and a few nice gift ideas too.

HIKING (OR BIKING)

Since you already know that some of the best things to do in Moab, and the surrounding area, include the great outdoors it should be no surprise that hiking and biking top that list.

It’s not just the national parks that contain all the hiking trails. Mill Creek trailhead is only a couple of miles outside of Moab, and is easy enough and kid friendly too, with some pretty views and a waterfall. I do encourage you to take to some of the trails in the national parks as well though.

Moab Rim Trail and Grandstaff Canyon are two other popular trails around Moab, Utah. If you’re into biking (which I’m not really), I hear Slickrock Bike Trail is the most popular place to go.

The best things to do in Moab

While I loved exploring the town of Moab, the true beauty is just outside of the town. You’ll need a car to best explore, and you will want to get outside as much as possible too. The national parks and state park as well as all the other canyons and lookouts are truly marvelous.

Moab makes an ideal base for all of the eastern Utah exploring you might want to do. The town has enough places to stay and eat that you’ll never run out of ideas. But the activities in the town aren’t as plentiful as the ones outside of the town.

Don’t be afraid to take a tour, or plan some adventurous activities. They’re the best way to understand what it’s really like to be a local in Moab. The best tour I did was the hummer adventure tour, I’d highly recommend it.

I would have been sad if I hadn’t experienced driving around Canyonlands for a whole day just staring off into the abyss of every canyon lookout. I’m glad we rented a car to see more of this beautiful state. Don’t rush your time in Moab, there’s more to it than you think.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited eastern Utah? What were your favorite things to do in Moab if you were lucky enough to visit?