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MOAB, UTAH

Where Is Moab, Utah?

An aerial view of the Colorado River with the highway bridge crossing into the city of Moab from the north end of town.

A Stunning Location Unlike Any Place on Earth

Moab is located in southeastern Utah, just 4 miles south of Arches National Park and 30 miles east of Canyonlands National Park. Resting along the Colorado River at 4,025 feet, this red rock town is the gateway to two of America’s most iconic national parks and some of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

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Moab on the Map

Tucked between towering red rock canyons and the winding waters of the Colorado River, Moab is more than just a dot on the map—it's a portal to adventure. Just a scenic drive from Salt Lake City or Denver, and minutes from two of America’s most iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is the heartbeat of Utah’s adventure country. But don’t let its small-town size fool you. This is where bucket lists come to life, where families bond over river rapids, and where thrill-seekers find out what they’re really made of.


Whether you're driving in from the city or flying in for your once-in-a-lifetime escape, Moab isn’t just a destination; it’s a turning point. One that changes how you see nature, family, and even yourself.

Moab, Utah, is on a map showing distances to nearby major cities.
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A Gateway to Exploration

Moab’s location makes it the perfect basecamp for exploring the American Southwest. In just minutes, you can be inside Arches National Park or standing at Dead Horse Point with sweeping canyon views. Within a few hours’ drive, you can reach world-famous destinations like Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and even the Grand Canyon. Major cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas are all within a day’s drive, making Moab easy to include in any road trip itinerary. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime national park circuit, Moab’s central location puts the best of the West right at your doorstep.

How Far is Moab from Nearby Parks and Cities?

Destination Distance from Moab Drive Time
Arches National Park 5 Miles 10 Min
Canyonlands National Park 30 Miles 35 Min
Dead Horse Point State Park 30 Miles 35 Min
Monument Valley 148 Miles 2 Hrs 30 Min
Zion National Park 306 Miles 4 Hrs 16 Min
Bryce Canyon National Park 248 Miles 4 Hrs 12 Min
Salt Lake City, UT 234 Miles 3 Hrs 38 Min
Denver, CO 354 Miles 5 Hrs 23 Min
Las Vegas, NV 458 Miles 6 Hrs 25 Min
Grand Canyon (South Rim) 327 Miles 5 Hrs 28 Min
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Why Visit Moab, Utah?

Two people rappelling down a sandstone arch in a canyon, one smiling, wearing a helmet and backpack.

Moab is the Adventure Capital of The West

Moab, in eastern Utah, is a world-class hub for outdoor adventure. The famed Slickrock lures mountain bikers with epic desert views, while ATVs and 4x4s conquer the same rugged terrain. Each spring, the Moab Jeep Safari challenges drivers on demanding backcountry routes. From biking and off-roading to countless other outdoor thrills, these are just a few of the things to do in Moab.

Rafting on a river with red rock formations in the background on a sunny day.

Moab is Along the Colorado River

Moab sits just upstream from where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet, in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, a desert expanse spanning Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Known for its stunning red rock landscapes, Moab draws adventurers from around the world. White-water rafting is a top thrill here, sending visitors crashing through wild waves and winding downstream toward some of southeastern Utah’s most spectacular destinations.

Red rock arch with three silhouetted figures on top; Arches National Park.

Moab is the Gateway to Two National Parks

Moab is the gateway to two of Utah’s iconic national parks: Arches, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches just minutes from town, and Canyonlands, known for its towering pinnacles and dramatic erosion-carved landscapes. Highlights include Delicate Arch and Island in the Sky. Beyond the national parks, Moab also boasts scenic state parks and endless red rock beauty to explore.

Red rock cliffs overlooking a town with a river at sunset.

Settled on the Old Spanish Trail

Moab was settled along the Old Spanish Trail in what’s now called Spanish Valley. The nearby Moab Fault made this a natural crossing point through rugged canyon country. Today, it remains one of Utah’s charming Old West towns. The Old Spanish Trail became a National Historic Trail in 2002 and is still honored through local road names tracing its historic trade route.



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