Ultimate Moab, Utah Visitor's Guide

Moab, Utah: Small Town. Big Adventure.

Tucked between snow-capped peaks and world-famous red rock canyons, Moab isn’t just a town; it’s the heartbeat of the American Southwest. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the West,” Moab is your basecamp for Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, world-class rafting, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. With so many ways to play and explore this otherworldly natural playground, it's no wonder that visitors flock to Moab from all across the globe. Pictures can try, but can't replace the experience and feeling of being there.

After a day of exploration, picture-taking, and river romping, it’s nice to know that Moab’s quaint downtown area will take good care of you with great places to stay, places to eat, and even shops for that perfect souvenir to remember your visit.

What to Do in Moab

Most Popular Moab Adventures

Moab Visitor Information & Local Insights

We’ve gathered the “must-know” details about Moab in one place—where to stay, where to eat, how to get here, and when to visit—so you can spend less time searching and more time exploring. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list adventure, these guides will help you navigate Moab like a local and make the most of every moment.

Moab Hotels and Places to Stay

From boutique hotels and cozy motels to vacation rentals and river ranch resorts, Moab offers lodging for every style and budget. Because rooms fill quickly, it pays to reserve early. Use our Moab hotel guide to find the best fit, whether you want to stay near downtown shops and restaurants, close to the Colorado River, or just minutes from Arches National Park.

RV Parks and Camping in Moab

Moab is a camper’s paradise, with nearly a dozen RV parks, over 20 BLM campgrounds, and even yurts and campsites in the State and National Parks. Add in private glamping options, plus remote riverside camps provided on overnight rafting trips, and you’ll find endless ways to sleep under the stars.

Restaurants and Places to Eat

After a day of red rock adventure, Moab’s dining scene offers the perfect way to refuel. From quick grab-and-go cafés to local breweries, family-friendly diners, and romantic patios with canyon views, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re craving southwest flavors, wood-fired pizza, or international cuisine, we've made a list of our favorites that we think you'll love!

National Parks Near Moab, Utah

Moab is the gateway to two of America’s most iconic parks—Arches National Park (just 5 minutes from town) and Canyonlands National Park, which stretches for miles of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River.

• Arches National Park is easy to explore by car, with short walks to famous sights like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. A guided tour of Arches is a great way to see the highlights before returning on your own to hike deeper into the park.
• Canyonlands National Park is more expansive, with four distinct districts spread over 527 square miles. Our favorite way to experience it? By raft through Cataract Canyon, or by air on a scenic flight over Canyonlands.
  
  

Beyond these, Moab is also a hub for reaching other Southwest treasures:

• Capitol Reef National Park – 145 miles (2.5 hrs)
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 263 miles (4.5 hrs)
• Zion National Park – 326 miles (5.5 hrs)
• Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) – ~300 miles (6 hrs)
  

Best Time to Visit Moab

Every season in Moab has its own magic—so the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

• Spring (March–May): Desert flowers bloom, temperatures are mild, and it’s one of the most popular times for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Trails and parks can get busy, so booking lodging and tours early is a smart move.
• Summer (June–August): Peak season for overnight rafting expeditions in Cataract and Desolation Canyons, with long days and warm nights. Summer mornings in Moab are noticeably cooler, and evenings are comfortable, so most visitors prefer to plan hiking and biking in the mornings and spend the afternoons rafting on the river or enjoying the pool. A Sunset Hummer Safaris or Sunset Arches Tours are popular ways to spend an evening.
• Fall (September–November): Cooler air, fewer crowds, and golden light make this a favorite for locals. Crisp mornings and warm afternoons create ideal conditions for full days of hiking, biking, and off-roading.
• Winter (December–February): Quiet and uncrowded, with cold but clear days—perfect for solitude and photography. Some shops and restaurants shorten hours, but the trade-off is having Moab’s landscapes practically to yourself.
  

Where is Moab, Utah?

Moab sits in southeastern Utah’s Grand County, surrounded by some of the most dramatic red rock landscapes in the Southwest. Just 5 minutes from  Arches National Park and 30 minutes from  Canyonlands National Park, it’s the perfect basecamp for exploring Utah’s iconic scenery. Highway 191 runs through Moab’s Main Street and connects north to Interstate 70. From there, it’s about 5 hours from Denver, 4 hours from Salt Lake City, and 7 hours from Las Vegas. However you arrive, the journey itself—passing towering cliffs and wide-open desert—is part of the adventure.

Getting to Moab

Moab is served by Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), just 20 miles from town, with daily inbound flights. Shuttles and rental cars are available at the airport with advance reservations. Most visitors choose to rent a car as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are still limited in Moab. A car also gives you freedom to explore scenic drives through Arches National Park, Canyonlands overlooks, and spots like Dead Horse Point. Downtown Moab itself is compact and walkable. A complimentary hop-on, hop-off shuttle service runs on Main Street during peak months. Moab Adventure Center offers pickup services for guided tours, including rafting, canyoneering, Arches National Park, and Hummer safaris.