Utah’s legendary outdoor destination has gorgeous scenery to spare, yes, and all kinds of ways to experience it
Published May 14, 2026 02:56PM
Those who have been to Moab know it’s an incredible place—and all you have to do is show up to experience its wonder. If you haven’t visited yet, you’ll understand why when you do. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, rafting, off-roading, or taking a scenic drive, around each corner you’ll find a new landscape that knocks you back with beauty and new experiences to fill you up with adventure. There are vistas to soak in, towers to climb, rivers to run, slickrock to explore (on two legs, two wheels, or four), and there’s no time like now to do it.
Pick a Trail, Any Trail
One of the best things about Moab is that no matter where you start, you’re doing it right. For some, it’s best to first explore the main areas of Arches and Canyonlands national parks and see why these iconic parks are two of the most incredible places on Earth. For others, it’s oh-so-soul-satisfying to start outside the national parks, in the more remote corners of the backcountry.

Whenever you’re ready to see Arches, plan to arrive early to experience it at its most peaceful and explore several short hikes off the 36-mile drive through the park. Park Avenue Trail and the trails in the Windows provide a couple quick hits of awe, while the views along the drive between them will have you glued to the car window. Reservations are no longer required for 2026, just a park pass. And remember, outside of Arches are hundreds of miles of public hiking trails, from the postcard-worthy Corona Arch to the lush peaks of the nearby La Sal Mountains.
Mountain biking more your style? Some of the best singletrack riding in the world is just minutes from Main Street. Advanced riders flock to famous trails like Slickrock and the Whole Enchilada, but it’s all spectacular—the ho-hum features here would headline most other trail systems.

Beginner and intermediate riders are in on the fun, too. Dead Horse Point State Park—just outside of Canyonlands—is a hub of green and blue trails with huge views of the Colorado River far below. And as of this year, 200 miles of singletrack in the area are now open to Class I e-bikes, expanding the accessibility of the region’s on-trail fun.
Get a Guide or Choose Your Own Adventure
Hiring a guide is a great option in Moab, where local experts are happy to take you directly to the best spots. Guided trips can also help you unlock adventures you might not do alone: the cool waters of the Colorado River and Cataract Canyon, the remote reaches of Canyonlands, all kinds of seemingly impassible off-road terrain, and 100-foot rappels in red-rock canyons.
There are more than 70 guide companies in Moab—all ready to drive, route-find, serve lunch, and explain everything from dinosaur history to the unique high-desert ecology to how these incredible landscapes came to be.

And when the day (or expedition) ends, the town is the ultimate in soft landings. You’ll get a warm welcome everywhere, whether at a hotel with a supercomfortable bed and hot shower or one of the many restaurants for a post-adventure meal with a round of cheers. Which is also a great time to start planning what to do in Moab next.
Moab is Utah’s most iconic adventure epicenter. It’s a place to look inward and experience the beauty of the desert. Every traveler has an edge. In Moab, you find yours. Moab calls to those drawn to raw beauty, challenge, and connection. Come with intention and leave changed.
