Introduction
If you’re reading this, thank you—because you’re about to join me on a journey through one of the most rugged, majestic, and surprisingly versatile outdoor playgrounds I’ve ever visited: Moab, Utah. I went there thinking: red-rocks, slick-rock trails, national parks. What I found was way more: surprising quiet back-trail hikes, river reflections, desert-night skies that put you in awe, and a town that thrives on adventure without losing its calm. Every morning in Moab felt like a promise—there was more to see, more to do, and more to remember.
So here are 12 of the best & fun things to do in Moab, Utah—each one giving you a different flavor of this incredible region. Whether you’re drawn to big national parks, heart-pounding outdoor thrills, or slow contemplative views—Moab delivers.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Moab, UT (2026)
1. Hike to the Iconic Arch in Arches National Park
One of the first stops I made was at Arches National Park—specifically the hike to the famous Delicate Arch. It’s a 3-mile round-trip (roughly) trail that climbs, bends, and rewards you at the ridge with that incredible freestanding arch framing wide Utah skies. There’s a reason it’s featured on postcards: the landscape here hits you in the chest.
Tip: Go early or later in the day to avoid the heat and crowds—sunset there is especially magical.
See Also: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Door County, WI
2. Explore Canyonlands National Park & Amazing Overlooks
Just outside town lies Canyonlands, and one of my favorite moments was the drive out to the overlook at Grand View Point—where the Colorado and Green Rivers carve through the red stone and you realize how vast this place is. It’s quieter than some trails in Arches and gives you that “I am tiny in a huge world” feeling.
Tip: Bring binoculars, maybe a snack, and plan for the lookout at golden hour—it pays off.
3. Mountain-Bike or Ride Slickrock & Trails
If you ride bikes (or even if you just admire feats of balance), the trails around Moab—especially the Porcupine Rim Trail and the slickrock loops—are legendary. The terrain is unique: sandstone domes, vast vistas, fun technical sections. I rented a bike for part of one afternoon and felt like I was riding across a Martian landscape.
Tip: Choose a trail matching your skill level, wear a helmet, carry water. It’s desert out there and rewarding.
4. Take an Off-Road 4×4/UTV Tour — Sand, Slickrock & Trails
One of the more thrilling experiences was the off-road trail called Hell’s Revenge: steep inclines, slickrock ledges, views changing quickly. It’s the kind of adventure that mixes nature, adrenaline, and desert serenity. Guides recommend it, and I’ll vouch: you’ll remember every bump.
Tip: Go with a reputable outfitter, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the reflections off the rock are intense.
5. Raft or Paddle the Colorado River & Green River
In the heat of midday, I found the river a refreshing change of pace. Whether rafting with a guide through canyon walls or renting a paddleboard to drift slowly, the rivers around Moab give a water-based view of the region.
Tip: Afternoon gets windy, so mornings are often calmer. If you’re rafting, check difficulty levels—some stretches are mild, others more adventurous.
6. Drive Scenic Byways – U-128, Potash Road, La Sal Loop
Not all of the best parts require hiking or biking—some of the most memorable moments come from the car. Routes like the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (U-128) or the Potash Road (U-279) hug the river, cross slickrock, pass ancient petroglyphs, and give you a leisurely but striking way to explore.
Tip: Fill your gas tank, bring snacks and water, and stop often—pull-outs often have unbeatable views.
7. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park at Sunset or Sunrise
One of the most breathtaking—and quieter—spots is Dead Horse Point State Park. You’ll find overlooks that rival more famous destinations, especially at dawn or dusk when the canyon walls glow. I parked there one evening and watched the light fade, and it’s an experience you’ll tuck into your memory.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to find parking and claim your spot.
8. Hike Into Slot Canyons or Less-Crowded Trails
While the flagship arches get the headlines, I found some of my favorite times off the beaten path: the hike to Corona Arch (outside the main park) and the trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge in Grandstaff Canyon. Both give less crowded, immersive experiences.
Tip: Wear trail shoes, check for weather conditions (flash floods can happen), and bring your camera—these trails offer unique angles.
9. Relax, Shop & Eat in Downtown Moab
After big days outdoors, I found the downtown Moab scene welcoming—cafes, breweries, art shops, relaxed dinners. According to Discover Moab, the town also focuses on arts and culture alongside its adventure reputation. It’s refreshing when your “base” city has character and charm.
Tip: Try a local craft beer, pick up a souvenir from a gallery, and plan one slower evening just to stroll.
10. Stargaze—Moab Is a Certified Dark-Sky Community
One of the epic and quieter joys: at night, the skies around Moab are dark, vast, and full of stars. The region is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community. I lay back one clear evening and watched Milky Way rails overhead, a perfect cap to a full day of daylight adventures.
Tip: Bring a flashlight (with red mode if possible), pick a spot away from town lights, and stay awhile—stars don’t hurry.
11. Try Something Unique: Zip-Line, Canyoneer, or Hot Air Balloon
If you’re up for pushing the fun envelope, Moab offers it: zip-lining across desert vistas, canyoneering down narrow slots and rappels, or even hot-air balloon rides over the red rock valleys. These experiences turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Tip: These tours often fill up—book ahead. Bring a small day-pack for water, gloves for canyoneering, and make sure your camera is secure.
12. Take a Day Trip – La Sal Mountains, Dinosaur Tracks, Petroglyphs
Finally, if you’ve done the big stuff (and you should) give yourself a day for something a bit offbeat: drive up to the La Sal Mountains for alpine contrast, explore dinosaur-track sites, or pull off for petroglyphs along Potash Road. Moab has layers.
Tip: Early morning start helps with cooler air for the mountains; check road conditions if rainy.
Final Thoughts
Moab changed how I think about adventure travel. It reminded me that the best trips aren’t just about “seeing” famous spots—they’re about experiencing landscapes big and small, quiet moments and full-throttle ones, knowing when to push and when to pause.
Here are some wrap-up takeaways for you if you’re planning:
- Plan variety. Mix high-action (mountain bike, off-road) with calm (stargazing, quiet hike).
- Pack for conditions. It’s desert: sun by day, cooler at night. Bring layers, plenty of water, sun protection.
- Leave space for wandering. Some of the most memorable parts of Moab came when I just stopped, looked out at canyon walls or sat by the river.
- Respect the land. One Redditor put it bluntly:
“Stay on the trails instead of tramping around the desert.”
The fragility of the landscape means care matters. - Timing matters. Sunrise, sunset, moonrise—they all intensify the views.
- Consider off-peak or shoulder seasons. Fewer crowds, more serenity, and colors like golden red rocks plus less harsh sun.
- Support local. Downtown Moab, local outfitters, craft breweries—they make the whole trip richer.
If you visit Moab, set aside at least several days. One day might give you Arches; another the trails; another the quiet river or scenic drive. And if you do go: pick one moment—maybe sunrise at Delicate Arch, maybe sitting silent under the stars—and let it sink in. Because that’s when the trip becomes personal.
Thanks for reading. If you’re planning a trip, I hope this list inspires you to explore Moab’s wild beauty, bold landscapes, and unexpected quiet. And if you go—I’d love to hear which of these 12 stops grabbed you the most.
Safe travels, and enjoy discovering Moab’s desert magic.