An Outdoorable Guide to Moab

Why Moab Is Worth the Hype

There's a reason people lose their minds over Moab. The town sits on the doorstep of two national parks(Arches and Canyonlands), plus the sprawling Dead Horse Point State Park and countless BLM lands,canyons, slot hikes, bike trails, and world class river access.

It's also a place people rush through too fast. Moab deserves your full attention.

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Maria's Connection to the Desert

Maria first visited Moab during a college geology course. "I did not know that desert landscapes like theones found in Moab existed in this world, let alone in the U.S. It instantly became one of my favoriteoutdoor destinations."

Since then, she's returned again and again—each time discovering something new. "I always seem to findmy new favorite hike or campground on each trip! Moab is amazing for just about any outdoor activity, andthe stillness and beauty of its desert live unmatched in my mind."

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Where to Hike (Beyond the Obvious)

Maria is adamant that first-timers should absolutely go see the iconic sights. "Delicate Arch is popular for areason. But so much beauty can also be found off the beaten path."

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Top picks:

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Fisher Towers – 4.2 miles round trip

"Hike through towering rock formations the entire time. You feel like you're on Mars. Try to spot some rockclimbers along the way!"

Grandstaff Trail – 4 miles round trip

Venture through a canyon oasis that ends at Morning Glory Natural Bridge. "Perfect for warm days—flat,shady, and beautiful."

Corona and Bowtie Arches – 3 miles round trip

"Hike and climb over smooth sandstone to reach these stunning arches outside of Arches National Park."

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More Great Trails & Scenic Drives

Maria’s been around the block—and the canyon. A few more favorite trails include:

• Devils Garden Trail (Arches National Park) – “Longer hike with lots of arches. Can be done as a full loop or shorter segments.”
  
  
• Mary Jane Canyon Trail – “Flat trail to a waterfall in the desert. But don’t go if it’s raining—flash floods are a real risk.”
  
  
• Poison Spider Trail – “Short but steep. Great for dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.”
  
  

Moab Rim Trail – “A great off-the-beaten-path trail for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading.”

And don’t skip the drive:

“Route 128 into Moab is stunning. If you’re coming from I-70, skip Route 191 and take 128 instead—you’ll drive past the Colorado River, red cliffs, and a bunch of trailheads and campgrounds.”

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When to Go & How to Dodge Crowds

Best time to visit: Late February to early May, or October. "Start your hikes early or late in the day to avoidthat midday desert heat. Catch the sunrise as you embark on your day's adventure, or wind down at theend of the day with a sunset hike!"

Expect crowds at Arches National Park on any given day. Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district tends tobe a bit less crowded as far as national parks go.

Arrive early at trailheads to grab a parking spot before they're taken!

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Where to Stay

In Town:

The Gonzo Inn – Funky, centrally located. Walkable to shops and restaurants.

Field Station Moab – A basecamp-style stay with gear rentals and cool communal spaces.

Hoodoo Moab – Upscale, full-service and great for families or groups.

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Closer to Nature:

Upper Onion Creek Campground – "Panoramic views, peaceful, and close to Fisher Towers. My absolute favorite."

Under Canvas Moab – Glamping with La Sal views.

Kayenta Campground – Inside Dead Horse Point State Park. Some of the darkest skies in the region.

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Local Eats & Recovery Spots

Maria's low-key faves:

Quesadilla Mobilla – Food truck with massive quesadillas

Moab Garage Co – Chill café with creative toast and great coffee

98 Center – Vietnamese-inspired eats and solid veg options

The Spoke on Center – Burgers and beers post-hike

Moab Food Truck Park – Multiple casual options in one open-air spot

Moab Street Dogs – "Fun hot dogs, fries, milkshakes—great pre-sunset snack."

Moonflower Co-op – Perfect for snacks, smoothies, or quick deli bites. Local and healthy.

Gear Tips for the Desert

Maria’s must-haves:

• Trail runners (more breathable than boots)
  
  
• Layers for chilly mornings
  
  
• Wide-brim hat + sunglasses
  
  
• 3+ liters of water per person
  
  
• Headlamp (essential for sunset hikes)
  
  
• Printed maps or offline GPS
  
  
• UV buff and sunscreen

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Maria's Ideal Moab Day

"There seem to be infinite options for the perfect day in Moab, but mine would be one filled with hikes tojaw-dropping viewpoints and moments to soak up the desert beauty." Here's how it unfolds:

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• 🌅 Wake up early at Upper Onion Creek Campground
• 🥾 Hike Fisher Towers early in the morning
• ️ Mid-morning snack at a riverside overlook on Route 128
• ️ Hike to Corona & Bowtie Arches or swim at Mill Creek Falls
• 🌮 Grab a snack at Moab Street Dogs
• 🚗 Evening drive through Arches National Park
• 🌄 Watch sunset at Delicate Arch, headlamp ready
• 🔥 Campground dinner: burgers, tacos, and cold beer under the stars

"No better end to a day than food, friends, and a fire under desert skies."

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Favorite Memory on the Colorado

"I loved rafting a section of the Colorado with friends. We had rafts, inflatable kayaks, paddleboards—eveninner tubes. The wind was insane, but we laughed the whole way, then we grilled dinner at camp. It wasan incredibly memorable day in Moab!"

If you're curious: The Moab Daily is the classic whitewater stretch—book a guide or DIY with rentals.

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Pro Tips for a Smooth Trip

✅ Reserve timed entry for Arches on Recreation.gov

✅ Check trail conditions and flash flood warnings

✅ Book popular campgrounds early

✅ Bring more water than you think you need

✅ Start early to beat heat and crowds

✅ Let the season guide your itinerary

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"Every visit feels different depending on the time of year—and that's the magic of Moab."