Travel Guide to Moab, United States

Why Adventurers Love Moab

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Moab is a small desert town squeezed between two of America’s most spectacular national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — and surrounded by millions of acres of red rock wilderness. The Slickrock Trail put Moab on the mountain biking map in the 1980s and the riding has only expanded since, with the Whole Enchilada, Porcupine Rim, and dozens of other trails carving through sandstone mesas and desert canyons. Beyond biking, Moab is a world-class destination for canyoneering, rock climbing, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, and off-road driving on trails like Hell’s Revenge. The landscape is alien and vast — red sandstone arches, towering buttes, and deep slot canyons under enormous desert skies.

Top Activities

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• Mountain bike the Slickrock Trail — The legendary 10-mile loop across petrified sand dunes with exposure and technical terrain
• Canyoneer in Negro Bill or Morning Glory — Rappelling into narrow slot canyons with swimming holes and natural bridges
• Raft the Colorado River — Day trips through Fisher Towers or multi-day wilderness floats through Cataract Canyon
• Drive Hell’s Revenge — Off-road trail across sandstone fins with steep climbs and dramatic drop-offs
• Hike to Delicate Arch — The iconic freestanding arch in Arches National Park, best at sunset

Where to Stay

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Moab’s Main Street has the majority of hotels, hostels, and restaurants. Budget travelers should check the Lazy Lizard Hostel ($15-25/night for dorms) or camp at BLM land outside town (free dispersed camping on public land). Mid-range options include motels on Main Street ($70-110/night) or cabin rentals. Campgrounds inside Arches and Canyonlands book months in advance — reserve early. The BLM areas along Highway 128 and Highway 313 offer free camping with stunning canyon views, though they fill up on spring and fall weekends.

Getting to the Adventure Spots

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A car is essential in Moab. Arches National Park entrance is 5 minutes north of town, Canyonlands Island in the Sky district is 30 minutes. Mountain bike trailheads are scattered around the area. Several outfitters offer shuttle services for one-way rides like the Whole Enchilada. Grand Junction, Colorado has the nearest commercial airport (1.5 hours). Salt Lake City is 4 hours north.

Budget Tips

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Free dispersed camping on BLM land saves a fortune — bring your own water and supplies. Buy an America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) for unlimited national park access. Bring your own bike if possible — rentals run $60-80/day for a good full-suspension rig. Spring and fall have the best weather; summer temperatures exceed 100F and make outdoor activity miserable midday. Fill up on gas in town — there is nothing for miles in any direction.