Sample Itineraries for Making the Most of Moab, Utah
To help you make the most of your time in Moab, we've stacked up these sample itineraries to help you envision your vacation here, including ideas on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do - with alternate suggestions sprinkled throughout. Add more days, and keep stacking that adventure dagwood sandwich even higher!
As you plan your Moab vacation, you may be interested in seeing our "How to Get to Moab" suggestions here.
Sample Itinerary: "Moab's Must Do's"
This "must-do" sample itinerary centers on the things you just wouldn't want to miss if you do a vacation to Moab, Utah. No one really wants to miss anything on vacation, but we couldn't fit it ALL in! Moab will still be here when you come back for more.
Check-in > Arches Sunset Tour
CHECK-IN Arrive in Moab early enough for check-in.
- Browse list of Lodging in Moab
- See suggested things to do before check-in
- If you are staying at the Marriott, the guided van tour will pick you up.
DINNER Top off your night with dinner at Miguel’s Baja Grill.
See Arches Sunset Tour
Full-Day Colorado River Rafting Adventure
FULL DAY COLORADO RIVER RAFTINGMeet at the Moab Adventure Center for a 9AM orientation and departure by bus.
LUNCH Hot BBQ buffet is provided along the river at Red Cliffs Lodge, exclusive to Moab Adventure Center guests.
- Return between 3-4 pm. Spend the afternoon strolling downtown shops.
DINNER Try the fantastic Thai food at Singha Thai restaurant in downtown Moab. We recommend making reservations in advance.
See Full Day Rafting
Open Morning Schedule > Afternoon Canyoneering Adventure
MORNING Hike Corona Arch or Fisher Towers. Or spare your legs for the afternoon activity by taking a scenic drive.
LUNCH You can't go wrong with a lunch at Sweet Cravings. If you are in a rush, the Moab Diner is across the street from the Moab Adventure Center.
CANYONEERING ADVENTUREFor younger kids, an Introduction to Rock Climbing is an excellent alternative.
See Canyoneering Adventure
Morning Zipline > Afternoon Horseback Ride
BREAKFAST Try a fun breakfast at the old Jailhouse Cafe. Their sourdough pancakes are delicious!
ZIPLINE ADVENTUREMeet at the Raven's Rim location (998 N. Main)
LUNCH Grab burgers and shakes at Milt's or a more full menu at The Spoke followed by an ice cream next door at Crystal's Cakes and Cones.
HORSEBACK RIDE and Dinner at Red Cliffs Lodge.
See Zipline Adventure
Slickrock Hummer Safari > Check-out
HUMMER SAFARI at 7:15 or 9:00 am
Grab those last-minute souvenirs at the Moab Adventure Center, or at the "Moab Made" shop on Main Street.
CHECK-OUT
LUNCH Dewey's Cafe for a classic American menu, or Antica Forma for wood-fired pizza are sure to please.
See Slickrock Safari
You Might Also Like These Suggestions:
Sample Itinerary: "The Ultimate Moab Expedition Itinerary"
For anyone making the journey to Moab, Utah our top recommendation is to book a multi-day rafting expedition first, and then plan day activities in Moab before and after the rafting trip.
Why? Because for as much as we love the charm and unique culture of the town of Moab, the real draw is the wilderness of canyons and rivers that surround Moab. These remote wilderness canyons are accessible only by river, and offer a vacation experience unlike any you'll ever take. We promise! Vistas, scenery, sunsets, meals, rapids, guides that take care of it all, and several nights and days moving at the pace of a river and sleeping under the stars... THAT is what this area of the world offers, and Moab is the ideal "base camp" from which you will begin and end your river journey. While in Moab, you will want to see Arches National Park, do a 4x4 tour, or whatever else you fancy on the days before and after the river trip. Going off the grid like this will undoubtedly change you forever, so you've been warned!
The only downside to this is that they are popular, and both the season and the spots available are limited. Book early!
Check-in > Sunset Arches Tour
CHECK-IN Arrive in Moab early enough for check-in at the Marriott SpringHill (meeting location for next morning's river trip).
- If you rented a car from Canyonlands Jeep at the Moab airport, you can have it picked up at the Marriott whil e you are gone on the river.
If you are staying at the Marriott, the guided van tour will pick you up.
DINNER Top off your night with dinner at Pasta Jay's, Zak's or Dewey's
See Sunset Arches Tour
Two, Four, or Five Day River Expedition
BREAKFAST is easy at the Marriott SpringHill
MEET in the lobby with your duffle bag. Your guides will take it all from there for the next several days.
CHOOSE:
See Rafting Expeditions
Return from River > Sunset Hummer Safari
Return to Moab from river trip by 3 or 4 PM.
CHECK-IN Enjoy a shower and a change of clothes after your river trip.
DINNER Fiesta Mexicana is just across Main Street from Moab Adventure Center, making parking a breeze. The Food Truck Park is another great option to check out.
See Sunset Hummer Safari
Zip Line Adventure > Check-out
ZIPLINE ADVENTURE Meet for a morning time slot at the Raven's Rim location (998 N. Main)
CHECK-OUT
Grab those last-minute souvenirs at the Moab Adventure Center, or at the "Moab Made" shop on Main Street.
LUNCH Sweet Cravings is a favorite locally-owned lunch stop.
See Moab Zip LineStaying a Few More Days? You'll Want to Try These:
Sidebar: If you like Sunsets...
Sunrises and sunsets offer up the golden light that makes the red rocks of Moab glow like no other place on earth. It's quite the show, everyday. The trick is getting up early enough or staying out late enough to catch this golden light. Photographers make it happen, and so can you - even if you don't capture it with a camera of your own, you'll have an experience of your own that you'll treasure. The time of year obviously changes the timing of the sun rising and falling, so it can be an advantage to visit Moab in the shoulder seasons of Spring or Fall. An *asterisk below indicates locations that are a part of morning or evening guided tours you can book.
Best places to watch a sunrise or sunset:
- The *Windows Section, Arches National Park
- *Balanced Rock, Arches National Park
- Delicate Arch (moderate/difficult hike required)
- *Dead Horse Point State Park overlook
- Mesa Arch (short easy hike), Canyonlands National Park
- Grand View Point Overlook, Canyonlands National Park
- Fisher Towers (moderate hike)
- Desolation Canyon *(part of a multi-day rafting expedition)
- Cataract Canyon *(part of a multi-day rafting expedition)
Sidebar: Things for Kids in Moab
While Moab excels in high adventure activities, it ain't so shabby at all when it comes to lower intensity options, perfect for smaller children and the fun adults watching after them. The list below shows you there are plenty of adventures to book that still accommodate children even younger than five years old. You will also see options that are completely free.
- The giant sand hill north of town, across from the entrance to Arches National Park. This natural feature is endlessly fun, and great exercise!
- Sand Dune Arch inside Arches National Park is great fun for kids and nearly always offers shade
- Swanny Park and Recreation Center, or Rotary Park with shade, a creek, and musical instrument playground
- Hummer Safari for kids any age (bring a child seat as needed)
- Rafting on the Colorado River for ages five and older
- Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum
- Bike Trails and parks in town, particularly along Pack Creek. Longer trails along the Colorado River, or alongside Hwy 191
- Scenic Air Tours have no age restrictions
- Hot Air Ballooning and the Jetboat Fun Run allows ages four and up. An Introduction to Rock Climbing is ages 5 and up.
Free Insiders Guide to Moab, UTWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
Expedition GuideWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
