The Happiness Function

We used to live close to Moab and are sharing the best things to do to help you plan an awesome trip.

Are you looking for things to do in Moab? You’ve come to the right place. From hiking and biking trails to thrilling river adventures, Moab is a fun place to explore.

Why Plan a Trip to Moab, Utah

Sitting in a valley surrounded by the La Sal Mountains, red rock, and canyon country, Moab is a fun intermountain-high desert town. Since public lands and national parks surround it, it offers outdoor recreation galore.

15 Fun Outdoor Adventures To Have in Moab

People from all over the world come to see Moab’s natural wonders, making it the perfect vacation destination.

There are all kinds of outdoor adventures, including sightseeing at national parks, hiking red rock trails, desert camping, stargazing, mountain biking on slick rock, whitewater rafting, skydiving, and exploring off-road 4×4 adventures.

Tour Arches National Park

Visiting Arches National Park is worth the trip. Stop at all the pull-offs and parking areas to hike and see the iconic arches.

If you’d like to hike to Delicate Arch, it takes about 2.5 hours and is 3 miles round-trip.

Check out our guide for how to spend the perfect day exploring the park here.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a must-see natural wonder. Spend an afternoon driving the main paved park road through the Island in the Sky District.

If you have more time in the area and want to see more of what Canyonlands offers, spend time camping and hiking in the Needles District or Maze District.

Hiking Near Moab

Moab is surrounded by public lands and national parks, making it a fun place for hiking in the desert.

Here are our favorite hikes in the area:

Canyonlands National Park:

• Druid Arch
• Horseshoe Canyon Hike to the Great Gallery
• Cave Spring
• Mesa Arch
• White Rim Overlook

Arches National Park:

• Delicate Arch
• Landscape Arch

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is a beautiful place to camp and explore. Visit the state park and then take a day trip to Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District. Both are accessed off UT-313.

Be sure to get photos of the Colorado River at the famous Dead Horse Point. It is said to be one of the most photographed places in the world.

Mountain Biking

Are you interested in mountain biking on Moab’s famous slick rock?

Rent mountain bikes and set up a guided tour. Or bring your own bike for some of the best mountain biking in the country. There are trails for every level of rider.

My Favorite Mountain Biking Trail: is the Klondike Bluff’s Trail. It has slick rock but, most importantly, dinosaur footprints. Klondike Bluffs Trail is an intermediate biking trail.

Camping in the Moab Area

One of the best parts about camping in the high desert is that it cools off at night during the summer. Below are great camping options to check out while you are exploring the Moab area:

• Arches National Park – Devil’s Garden Campground
• Canyonlands National Park – Willow Flat
• Deadhorse Point State Park
• Lazy Lizard Hostel
• Camping along the Colorado River off of UT-128

One of our favorite areas to camp is along the Colorado River off UT-128. You’ll find camping and picnic areas along the Colorado River.

You might also enjoy learning how to camp for free on BLM Land.

Stargazing

Since Moab is a smaller town, no other extensive areas or populations are causing light pollution, making this area prime for watching the stars at night.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding the Colorado River

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is another one of our personal favorites to do along the Colorado River near Moab.

You can float the section along UT-128 and take out at the boat launch ramp just after Sorel River Ranch.

Be sure to wear a personal floatation device (PFD). It is required for sections with whitewater.

Bring your own SUP and gear, or rent gear in town. There are a few guiding outfits.

Check out this article by Hala on safety tips for whitewater SUP.

Whitewater Rafting

Moab has a few guiding outfits where you can book a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River down Cataract Canyon or the town run.

There is nothing more fun than rafting through Canyon Country.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) and Jeeping

Moab is known for its off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails on public lands in the surrounding area. It hosts world-class 4×4 conventions.

You can rent Jeeps and 4×4 rigs or use your own. Just be sure to OHV responsibly.

Skydiving

Moab has a small airport and skydiving scene if you are feeling adventurous.

Rock Climbing

Moab is known for its rock climbing and world-class routes.

Take a drive down Potash Road to see the canyon walls full of rock climbers enjoying the day soaking up the desert sun. There are guiding outfits in town if you’d like to go climbing.

It’s a fun outdoor thing to do in Moab.

Base Jumping

Base jumping is an activity for super hardcore adventure sports athletes. BASE Jump Moab is a guiding outfit offering this activity. Along with the jump, they offer a video and a hoodie.

I’m too scared for these types of adventures, but if you go, let us know.

La Sal Loop Scenic Drive

Take a drive through the La Sal National Forest outside of Moab. The scenic drive begins eight miles south of Moab off of US-191. The 60-mile drive will cruise you through the La Sal Mountains and then down to the Castle Valley towers.

The route connects to SR 128, which will take you along the Colorado River. There are also places to hike and camp along the Colorado River.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite

Have you ever wanted to see Dinosaur tracks in the wilderness? Well, you can up Mill Canyon.

Please Respect the Desert

Please stay on designated roads and trails to protect the crust.

Read more about environmental stewardship in the desert backcountry, including how to protect precious biological soil crust while adventuring.

Helpful Tips

Moab is busy AF: During peak season, be prepared for crowds. It’s honestly best to try to visit in the off-season.

Book accommodations and guided tours in advance: Moab can get crazy during peak season. Finding camping in certain areas or booking guided trips can be hard.

Enjoy the area for a few days: The area has a few national parks and monuments. You might enjoy heading to Capitol Reef National Park, Lake Powell, or the Colorado National Monument. The parks are spread out, the area is quite rural, and cell phone reception can be limited, so it just takes a little planning.

Summers are hot: Summers can be 100+ degrees Fahrenheit, so plan your adventures with that in mind and stay safe out there.

We hope you have an amazing time.

❤️ Ashlee & Pablo

Please practice Leave No Trace and stay on designated trails.

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