Without a doubt, one of the best places to explore in Utah is the iconic town of Moab. This spot has it all – other-worldly views, national parks, insane sunsets and a charming small downtown. Also, there are an endless amount of activities to do here: hiking and jeeping as well as rafting and stargazing. Here is your guide on how to spend a weekend in Moab, Utah.

Also, be sure to check out our GoogleMaps link to all of the places listed in this guide!

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Where to Stay in Moab

Lodging Options

• Big Horn Lodge – a cozy and rustic option that is reasonably priced for this area with a outdoor pool/hot tub. It’s also centrally located in the Moab area.

• Red Cliffs Lodge – While this option is a bit pricier, it’s certainly worth the extra expense. You’ll find this gorgeous property along the Colorado River, which provides some of the best views this area offers! Additionally, they offer several activities: horseback riding, yoga/meditation, massages and also a restaurant.

Camping Options

• Dead Horse Point State Park – This state park, which is located about 40 minutes outside of Moab, is an incredible spot to camp. There are 2 campgrounds (RV & tent sites) within the park as well as yurt rentals.

• Lone Mesa Campground – More of dispersed (free) camping than a campground, this spot has spectacular sunsets. While there are no amenities other than fire pits here, the views more than make up for it. There are many sites located in this area along the Big Mesa area road.

• Big Bend Campground – Along with the Red Cliffs Lodge, the Big Bend campground is located along the scenic Colorado River. These tent & RV campsites are right on the river, have fire rings/picnic tables and stunning views. Sites are first-come, first-serve.

Where to Explore in Moab

1. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is the smaller of the two National Parks in this area. While you could easily spend several days here exploring all of the arches, it can also be done in one day. There is one long road that runs the length of the park, so follow this to see most of the sights. Many of the more popular spots are accessible by car or short hike.

For a more unique experience, take a 4×4 driving tour to see the backcountry part of the park that isn’t accessible to most visitors.

THINGS TO KNOW

Visiting here during the months of April to October requires a timed entry reservation. Additionally, you must purchase a day pass or an annual parks pass for entry. Most trails and scenic spots are not shaded here, so be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen!

BEST HIKING TRAILS/SCENIC SPOTS

• Park Avenue Trail: A very short, easy, and scenic 1.8 mile trail near the entrance of the park.

• Double Arch Trail: Also a very short and easy 0.6 mile hike to some of the most famous arches in the park.

• Devil’s Garden Trail: This 7.9 mile loop takes you past multiple different arches. You can walk as much or as little as you want on this hike, so it’s a great option for everyone.

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint: A great viewpoint near the beginning of the park.

• Fiery Furnace: This section of the park is only accessible through a ranger led hike or an individual permit. One of the more unique places in the park, the Fiery Furnace is a maze like region with wild looking rock formations.

Where to Explore in Moab

2. Dead Horse Point State Park

While most people skip by here on their way to Canyonlands, this fantastic state park also deserves a visit. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views.

After hiking in the park from above, consider taking a jet boat tour on the Colorado River for a different view from below.

THINGS TO KNOW

Dead Horse Point State Park costs $20 to enter by car. The park hosts many events throughout the month, from full moon hikes to stargazing, so check their calendar before visiting. While dogs are not allowed at Canyonlands or Arches, they are more than welcome here!

BEST HIKING TRAILS/SCENIC SPOTS

• Overlooks/East & West Rim Loop Trail – A lovely, moderate trail that takes you to all of the best overlooks in the state park.

• Dead Horse Point – Probably the most iconic viewpoint in the park, you can easily get here by car.

Keep reading for the remainder of how to spend a weekend in Moab, Utah.

Where to Explore in Moab

3. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is massive, so much so that it is divided into four separate districts. The most popular area is Islands in the Sky, which is also the closest to Moab. While there is much to explore here, the most famous viewpoints can be seen in a day. There is one main road that winds through the park.

If you want more of an adventure, check out the backcountry 4×4 jeeping tour offered in the park. While the views from the main part of Canyonlands are incredible, you’ll visit parts of the park that aren’t seen by most visitors.

THINGS TO KNOW

Canyonlands, along with Arches NP, requires a daily pass or annual parks pass for entrance. Annual passes are $80. Check the events calendar for geology talks, night sky programs and ranger led hikes. There is little to no shade on the hiking trails here, so be sure to dress appropriately and wear sunscreen.

BEST HIKING TRAILS/SCENIC SPOTS

• Shafer Canyon Overlook/Shafter Viewpoint: These two iconic spots, which don’t require a hike, are located close to the Visitor’s Center.

• Grand View Point Trail/Overlook: There is a scenic overlook here that is easily accessible from the road or you can hike to an even better viewpoint. This trail is an easy 1.8 mile out and back.

• White Rim Overlook Trail: This is also a easy 1.8 mile out and back trail that has beautiful views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.

Where to Explore in Moab

4. Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway

This scenic byway is a gorgeous drive that is also used as an alternate route to get to/from Moab. It follows the Colorado River for most of the drive and is filled with unique views and towering rock formations.

THINGS TO KNOW

The highway is about 44 miles long, so plan to spend at least half a day exploring it’s wonders. Also, with most of the areas near Moab, there is little to no shade here, so prepare appropriately. There are several riverside picnic areas and one restaurant located along the route.

BEST HIKING TRAILS/SCENIC SPOTS

• Big Bend Recreation Area – This is a scenic spot along the route that has bouldering opportunities and is also great for a picnic.

• Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail– Magnificent 7.6 mile trail with a waterfall, awesome views and creek crossings.

• Red Cliffs Lodge – This lodge, also listed above as a great hotel option, offers horseback riding, the Cowboy Grill and a Western Heritage Museum.

• Fisher Towers Trail – This 4.2 mile difficult hike has some of the best views in the Moab area.

Where to Eat in Moab

• Milt’s Stop & Eat – Delicious milkshakes and diner food.
• Desert Bistro – Creative southwestern options in an upscale environment.

Honestly, while there are a lot of restaurants in Moab, most are not worth visiting (other than the 2 listed above!) However, Moab is a great spot for picnics and sunset campside dinners.

Enjoy your weekend in Moab!

Utah is home to some incredible places, including Moab. While this area is spectacular, we highly recommend you also consider a road trip through the rest of the state as well! Hope you enjoyed this guide on how to spend a weekend in Moab, Utah.

Caroline & Jonathan