How to Make the Most of Your Time in Moab

My favorite thing about Moab is the small-town feel. It’s a real community here, but there’s also so much to do. You can head out into the red rock canyons, spend a day in the backcountry, or drive up into the La Sal Mountains, where you’re surrounded by pine and aspen trees. There are just so many ways to get outside and have fun.

And if you’re here in town, definitely stop by the Moab Adventure Center. You’d really be missing out if you didn’t come in and see what’s possible. You can sign up for an evening Hummer tour, a morning canyoneering trip, or get some tips about visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We love helping people plan their adventures and find the best ways to experience Moab.

Our main goal at the Moab Adventure Center is to help people make the most of their time in Moab. Whether you’re booking an adventure or just stopping in to pick up a few essentials, we’re here to help. If you forgot a sun shirt, sunglasses, or anything else you need for your trip, we’ve got you covered.

Being right on Main Street is part of what makes this place special. Moab’s downtown area has a genuine small-town feel, featuring locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries. I always recommend that visitors take a stroll in the evening, stop by a few mom-and-pop stores, and take home something unique to remember the trip by. You’ll find all kinds of treasures here, from handmade art to outdoor gear.

People often ask me when the best time to visit is, and honestly, it depends on what kind of adventure you’re after. If you want big whitewater, come during spring runoff. If you’re looking for calmer water and incredible scenery, late summer is perfect. And if you want quiet, solitude, and fantastic light for photography, fall can’t be beat. Whatever you’re after, we’ll help match you with the perfect river trip or outdoor experience to make it unforgettable.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Cataract Canyon expedition or a thrilling one-day Westwater trip, Moab is the perfect launching point for it all. Few travelers realize how many world-class river trips begin right here, including one of the most remote and rewarding journeys in the West.

Our five-day Desolation Canyon trip is often called one of the wildest and most scenic river adventures in the United States. This stretch of the Green River winds through a landscape steeped in history, from ancient Native American sites to outlaw hideouts and remnants of the old mining days. It’s an incredible mix of natural beauty and cultural depth. The rapids here are lively and fun, making them perfect for families and first-time rafters alike. They’re big enough to get your heart racing but never overwhelming, just pure, joyful adventure. It’s one of those rare trips that genuinely offers something for everyone.

For me, it’s my favorite trip to share with my own family. Kids as young as five can join, and every time I’ve taken mine, I’m reminded why I love it so much. We see parents reconnecting with their children, sitting together under a sky filled with stars, spotting the Big Dipper or the Milky Way for the very first time. Watching families rediscover each other in that quiet canyon setting is something truly special.

It’s more than a river trip, it’s a return to what matters most.