Adventurers frequently use Moab, Utah, as a home base to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, but taking advantage of other local experiences makes for a more memorable trip. Moab encourages visitors to support small businesses while also treating the environment with respect and an eye toward long-term sustainability. This three-day itinerary is a highlight reel featuring just a few of Moab’s best offerings, from epic bike rides to unique ice cream parlors.
This story was created in partnership with Discover Moab.
Day 1: Get a Lay of the Land and Bike into the Sunset
Morning
You may have woken up early this morning to get to Moab, but the many coffee shops in town are there to welcome you with open arms and plenty of coffee to fuel the busy day ahead. Get a sense of downtown as you drive to your chosen coffee shop, such as Mas Cafe, then savor a beverage and light breakfast while you map out your day ahead. Include a stop at the Moab Visitor Center for local knowledge and updates.
Although it can be tempting to dive headfirst into your explorations of the great outdoors, it’s worthwhile to learn more about Moab’s history and culture before doing anything else. After spending time at the Moab Museum, you’ll have context about the Indigenous tribes who call the region home. A visit to the Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum is a blast from the past featuring a half-mile Dinosaur Trail populated by over 100 life-size dinosaur reconstructions. Wander through downtown shops to get a taste of the local art and find out what events, such as free concerts and art festivals, might be happening while you’re in town.
Afternoon
After getting a lay of the land, it’s time to check into your accommodations. Red Moon Lodge is a retreat-like bed and breakfast with a yoga barn, and Gravity Hause, located in the heart of downtown, both perfect for those who want to treat themselves to a dose of luxury and wellness while on vacation. Alternatively, pitch a tent at one of Moab’s many campgrounds, perhaps even one in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park. Or split the difference—the Field Station caters to the active and adventurous.
Once you’ve unpacked and caught a little rest, it’s time to head back out for an afternoon adventure. Spin out any residual stiffness from sitting in the car by renting a bike at one of several bike shops, such as Moab Bike Fiend, and hitting the trails.
Evening
Combine your athletic endeavors with a stunning sunset experience by visiting Dead Horse Point State Park, one of Moab’s top-rated destinations for watching the sunset. The park’s Intrepid Trail System has mountain biking options for all skill levels. If you’d rather watch the sunset with a meal, take the free shuttle out to Sunset Grill Restaurant for a beautiful view of the sunset over town or grab a bite at 98 Center or Pasta Jay’s in town. Finally, grab a nightcap at Rooted Vine wine bar, Birdy’s Finer Diner, or Woody’s Tavern and make the most of your first night in Moab downtown!
Day 2: Take a Hike and Get a Taste of Ranch Life
Morning
Now that you’ve had a chance to settle in, it’s time to fill up your water bottles and tie your shoelaces; Moab is one of the American West’s premiere hubs for hiking. If you are visiting during the summer, you’ll want to get out the door early to avoid the worst of the heat, which can reach close to 100 F (38 C) on an average July day. While many of the most popular trails are located in national parks, you can avoid crowds and entrance fees by heading to one of Moab’s free scenic trails, such as the Corona Arch Trail and the Fisher Towers Trail.
Afternoon
After a morning of hitting the trails, you’ll have a full heart but an empty stomach. Stop by Moab Garage Co. in downtown Moab for lunch, pastries, and ice cream. Then, make your way to Red Cliffs Lodge for a midday horseback ride through the canyonlands. The lodge offers many wonderful alternative activities if you are visiting during winter. The Red Cliffs Lodge and Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, for example, is a fantastic (free) museum that showcases 75 years of film history, including vintage Western movies, that have been filmed in Moab.
Evening
To end your second night in Moab, head to Zax Restaurant and Watering Hole for dinner, where there are options to please everyone, including pizza, burgers, pastas, steaks, and salads. Moab boasts an impressive list of restaurants, so be sure you don’t eat at the same place twice during your stay. Moab is an International Dark Sky Community. Spend a night under some of the best stars in the world by booking a private astronomy tour with a local guide.
Day 3: Paddle the Colorado River and Venture into Moab’s Backcountry
Morning
Gear up for adventure on your final morning in Moab and journey to the Colorado River, where you can take a half or full day rafting trip. Even half day tours provide enough time to ogle at the gorgeous scenery between heart-pounding rapids. If you aren’t visiting during the summer, Red River Adventures alternatively offers canyoneering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and ski touring.
Afternoon
What better way to refuel than with ice cream? For an exceptional treat that may be just as memorable as your rafting trip, stop by the Gelateria & Espresso Bar for an affogato or La Michoacana Artisan in downtown Moab for freshly made Mexican style ice cream and popsicles, offered in creative flavors like Thai tea and horchata.
Moab has so much to offer that you’ll spend your last afternoon here prioritizing what you most want to do before your next visit. Locals, park officials, or your rafting guides may have recommended additional attractions that aren’t on this guide. If you need more inspiration, though, petroglyphs are among the most unique aspects of Moab’s landscape and well worth a visit. Check out one of the many rock art sites in the area, many of which are thousands of years old. As you would with any museum masterpiece, keep a respectful distance from the art and do not touch it. Or spend an afternoon at Moab’s local vineyard toasting to all the memories made over the past few days. Afterward, enjoy a final sunset in Moab’s backcountry by taking an off-road Jeep ride with Big Iron Tours, a veteran-owned-and-operated company.
