Overview
Moab is a town in the Utah's Canyon Country and a gateway to the nearby Arches National Park and other attractions in Canyon Country.
4 sights · 8 things to do · 2 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Moab
Castle Valley
A town located at the foot of the humongous Porcupine Rim.
Jeep trail
On Sand Flats Road, 2.3 miles from the intersection of the Sand Flats Road and Millcreek Drive in Moab. One of the most famous Mountain Biking trails in the world.
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks
Along this nature trail, which requires a moderate 1/2-mile hike, Morrison Formation dinosaur fossils and petrified wood may be seen in a natural setting. The trailhead is in Mill Canyon on a dirt road, accessible by pas…
Dan O'Laurie Museum of Moab
This 50-year-old museum specializes in the history of Moab, with exhibits on geology, paleontology, mining, history and anthropology.
NAVTEC Expeditions
NAVTEC Expeditions is an established Colorado River Rafting and National Park back-country outfitter. Rafting trips include the Fisher Towers, Westwater Canyon, and Cataract Canyon. 4x4 and hiking tours to Canyonlands Is…
Red River Adventures
Red River Adventures is a ten year old company that is Moab's only adventure company permitted to guide rafting, canyoneering and rock climbing and does so in house.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 99°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Oct and Aug. (climate data from nearby Arches National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CNY Canyonlands Regional Airport, Moab — 17 mi away. Directions
- GJT Grand Junction Regional Airport, Grand Junction — 67 mi away. Directions
- SLC Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City — 200 mi away (major hub). Directions
If you are approaching Moab while driving west along I-70, use Utah Route 128 for the beautiful scenery. About 10 minutes past the Colorado-Utah border is exit 214 on I-70, it is marked as "Cisco". The landscape at this point is extremely dry, slightly hilly. The road is narrow (no shoulder), and somewhat curvy, and it's about 80 km to Moab. About half-way, the road narrows, meets and then crosses the Colorado River, and the remainder of the trip is spent with the river on your right side and spectacular canyon walls surrounding you. This piece of pavement is one of the best drives in North America. Optimal times to take it are the morning (~9AM) or afternoon (after 3PM) for the light -- do not drive it at night (you can't see anything and it is more dangerous -- use US 191 instead). Watch for traffic, particularly bicycles as you approach Moab. The urge to rubber-neck is extreme, and needs to be resisted: be a passenger if you can. Eventually, UT 128 ends at US 191, a few minutes north of Moab.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $13–$35 a night (typical $35), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$200.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Jeep trail, Castle Valley
- Lunch ZAX
- Afternoon Tex's Riverways, Magnum Expeditions
- Dinner Pasta Jay's
- Evening Moab Brewery
Day 2
- Morning Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks, Canyonlands Field Institute
- Afternoon NAVTEC Expeditions, Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals
- Evening Spanish Valley Vineyards
Day 3
- Morning Dan O'Laurie Museum of Moab, Red River Adventures
- Afternoon Slickrock Jeep Rentals, Skydive Moab
- Evening The Spoke Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Moab is a unique Western community situated in the red rock country of Southeastern Utah on the Colorado River. Arches National Park is only six miles from downtown and Canyonlands National Park is 32 miles from Moab. The city is surrounded by public lands which are used not only for grazing, drilling, and forestry but for recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, highlining, B.A.S.E. jumping, skydiving, disc golf and cross-country skiing. Because the area is rich in these recreational opportunities, Moab has become the hub of tourist activity and services.
Get in
By car
If you are approaching Moab while driving west along I-70, use Utah Route 128 for the beautiful scenery. About 10 minutes past the Colorado-Utah border is exit 214 on I-70, it is marked as "Cisco". The landscape at this point is extremely dry, slightly hilly. The road is narrow (no shoulder), and somewhat curvy, and it's about 80 km to Moab. About half-way, the road narrows, meets and then crosses the Colorado River, and the remainder of the trip is spent with the river on your right side and spectacular canyon walls surrounding you. This piece of pavement is one of the best drives in North America. Optimal times to take it are the morning (~9AM) or afternoon (after 3PM) for the light -- do not drive it at night (you can't see anything and it is more dangerous -- use US 191 instead). Watch for traffic, particularly bicycles as you approach Moab. The urge to rubber-neck is extreme, and needs to be resisted: be a passenger if you can. Eventually, UT 128 ends at US 191, a few minutes north of Moab.
By plane
By train
Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Green River, Utah (GRI). Combine the train with flights into Denver; Grand Junction, Colorado; or other places along the Zephyr line, then reserve a taxi or bus service to travel 52 miles to the town of Moab.
If you want to splurge for the scenic route, the Rocky Mountaineer train line goes all the way to Moab. This is a more luxurious cruise-style train tour, not just a ride from point A to point B.
By bus
- Salt Lake Express stops in Moab on its route between Blanding and Salt Lake City. The buses stop at the Moab Chevron Food Mart at 817 S Main. The journey from Salt Lake City to Moab is estimated at 4 hours 35 minutes and costs $53.50 (2021).
Get around
Moab's Main Street is part of US Route 191. Traveling north on Main will get you to Arches National Park, Canyonland Field Airport, and Interstate 70. To get to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, by backcountry dirt road use Utah State Route 279, which intersects US-191 near the entrance to Arches National Park. To access Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point by pavement continue farther north on Hwy 191 to Utah State Route 313.
See
See Jeep trail
On Sand Flats Road, 2.3 miles from the intersection of the Sand Flats Road and Millcreek Drive in Moab. One of the most famous Mountain Biking trails in the world.
See Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks
Along this nature trail, which requires a moderate 1/2-mile hike, Morrison Formation dinosaur fossils and petrified wood may be seen in a natural setting. The trailhead is in Mill Canyon on a dirt road, accessible by passenger vehicle, off U.S. Highway 191, 13 miles north of Moab, Utah (near mile marker 141).
Do
River rafting
Moab lies along the Colorado River and offers excellent opportunities to get out on the river. The most popular option is a one-day trip on the Fisher Towers section. Also known as the "Moab daily" this 14 mile stretch of river is perfect for families with children or anyone wishing to escape the heat. Slashy and fun this is a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Moab from a different perspective.
Do NAVTEC Expeditions
NAVTEC Expeditions is an established Colorado River Rafting and National Park back-country outfitter. Rafting trips include the Fisher Towers, Westwater Canyon, and Cataract Canyon. 4x4 and hiking tours to Canyonlands Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze, and Arches National Park. Canyoneering trips to the Robbers Roost, Blue John, and High Spur slot canyon. Trip lengths vary from half-day to multi-day. Raft rentals and all the required gear are available for do it yourself river trips.
Do Tex's Riverways
Since 1958, Tex's Riverways has provided professional canoe and kayak outfitting services to groups of all sizes traveling on the Colorado and Green Rivers. This family-owned and operated business emphasizes the ethical treatment of a pristine landscape and offers a personal experience on the Colorado River, the Green River, and in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park.
Jeeping
Moab is home to the Semi-Annual Jeep Safari, which can give you some wild rides with difficult obstacles. Go 4-wheeling on the trails that stretch just outside the city. Many trails are a less than a few miles away, while some may take a short while to find and can be tricky. Trails rank from easy to difficult.
Do Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals
Do Slickrock Jeep Rentals
Rock Climbing & Canyoneering
Moab is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, spires, and slot canyons that draw climbers and canyoneers from around the world. Visitors can find climbing routes and canyon descents ranging from short, beginner-friendly outings to full-day technical adventures. Local guide services provide instruction, equipment, and trips for all experience levels.
Other things to do
Do Canyonlands Field Institute
Canyonlands Field Institute is an educational nonprofit specializing in informative adventures on the Colorado Plateau. They have day tours of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as rafting or floating adventures on the Green, San Juan, Dolores, and Colorado rivers. Your Ed-Venture with CFI helps support and underwrite their school and youth programs.
Eat
Eat ZAX
Family restaurant with a pizza bar that the kids will love. Also has a sports bar.
Eat Pasta Jay's
Order the Tortellone Alfredo or the Chicken Pesto Tortellone.
Drink
Drink Moab Brewery
Great food and great beer since 1996. They have a separate dining and bar area. Billiards and TV are available in the bar area. The Black Raven Stout is to die for. On weekends get here early or prepare to wait.
Drink Spanish Valley Vineyards
Produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines. Purchase at the Moab liquor store and look for bottles on the menu of Moab restaurants.
Drink The Spoke Bar
Good place to grab a drink.
Sleep
Stay Cali Cochitta Bed & Breakfast
This B&B is a renovated late 1800s home in a quiet neighborhood. The rooms are comfortable, clean and relaxing and offer a blend of vintage and new furnishings which add warmth and personality. The grounds offer lots of trees, furniture, herb and rose gardens. Wonderful homemade upscale breakfast is included in the room rate. Other amenities include hammocks and a hot tub.
Stay Lazy Lizard Hostel
Probably the cheapest accommodation in Moab and its only youth hostel, a word of caution is warranted. While you will find necessary accommodations (a bed, sheets, walls and a roof), some of these accommodations can be a surprising state. Some walls may not seal properly and you may find weeds growing between the shower tiles in the bathroom. Seasoned hostelers accustomed to HI standards may find a stay here to be closer to camping.
Stay safe
In summer time, Moab can get very hot. Drink extra fluids as needed. If you plan to go off-roading or camping out on the trails, take at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Go next
Nearby
Cisco
A ghost old west rail town which once served as a saloon and water-refilling station for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The town declined with the demise of the steam locomotive. Ruins are visible near the junction of State Route 128 and Interstate 70 but are heavily damaged by vandals.
Nearby
Arches National Park
Park · 15 listings · 10 mi away
Dead Horse Point State Park
Park · 11 mi away
Thompson Springs
City / town · 3 listings · 30 mi away
Canyonlands National Park
Park · 45 listings · 30 mi away
Green River
City / town · 6 listings · 43 mi away
Monticello
City / town · 6 listings · 50 mi away
Colorado National Monument
Park · 4 listings · 57 mi away
Fruita
City / town · 6 listings · 60 mi away
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