Moab is at the heart of Utah’s Canyon Country. It’s home to two national parks, the Colorado River, and thousands of square miles of public lands brimming with outdoor adventures and breathtaking beauty begging to be explored. Under Canvas Moab sits just seven miles north of Moab near Arches National Park and a short drive from Canyonlands National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for desert adventures. You should plan at least three full days to experience the best of Moab and the surrounding area. This itinerary covers the best things to do in Moab including hikes, outdoor recreation, and dining at nearby restaurants.
Day One: Arches National Park
Morning:
After a restful night under the stars, rise before the sun to get an early start. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park is a wonderland of red rock landscape with an otherworldly feel. You could easily spend an entire day or two exploring all there is to see and do. We’ve curated some of the best hikes in Arches National Park that offer iconic and rewarding views. Pro tip: Fuel your adventure with Grab N Go snacks from Under Canvas Moab to make the most of your time inside the park.
Start with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch, arguably the most famous natural stone arch in the world and a main attraction in the park. We recommend going early to beat the crowds. The 1.5-mile Delicate Arch hike is fairly flat and easy to follow as you head uphill toward the arch viewpoint. Once you’ve stood in awe and wonder and snapped some photos, take the Arches Scenic Drive to the Garden of Eden where you’ll find plenty of easy trails surrounded by captivating stone formations, including Turret Arch, The Windows, Double Arch, and The Parade of Elephants, a rock formation that resembles elephants holding each others’ tails traveling single file.
Afternoon:
Take the short drive to Balanced Rock for a picturesque picnic near a teetering giant. At 128-feet tall, it’s one of the most iconic features in the park. You’ll find a picnic area across from Balanced Rock to the west along a gravel road with multiple picnic tables, a covered canopy, restrooms, and spectacular views. Remember to leave no trace by using trash and recycling bins in the picnic area. Once you’ve had your fill, continue along Arches Scenic Drive to see Park Avenue and the Petrified Dunes with the La Sal Mountains in the distance. You’ll reach the Visitor Center at the end of this stretch of road where you can learn more about the park and pick up souvenirs and passport stamps in the gift shop.
Evening:
Hop back in the car and make your way north to Devil’s Garden. From the main Devil’s Garden Trail loop, take the 1.6-mile round trip hike around Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest stone arches. After hiking the trails, stick around for sunset and stargazing as glowing red rocks give way to a shimmering night sky. Arches is designated as an International Dark Sky Park where a wealth of stars can be seen by the naked eye. Panorama Point is another perfect spot to stargaze as you make your way out of the park. After a full day of exploring with lots of driving, you can recharge your car at Under Canvas Moab Rivian Waypoints chargers, available for use on all electric vehicles.
Bonus: Under Canvas is providing complimentary charging for your electric vehicles through Earth Day (April 22, 2022)
Day Two: Colorado River Rafting or Hit the Trails on Four Wheelers, Dead Horse Point State Park
Morning:
Rise and shine in your safari-inspired tent and make your way to a complimentary yoga session or kick start your day with bottomless coffee and a la carte breakfast. Today you can choose between two “must-do” adventures when in Moab: white water rafting on the mighty Colorado River or an off-road adventure in a Hummer or ATV. The Under Canvas Adventure Concierge can help you coordinate your adventures once you book your stay or our Guest Experience Coordinators are happy to help you plan your days once on-site.
Afternoon:
Gain a different perspective of the towering red rock landscape from the Colorado River. By booking a half-day river rafting trip, you’ll float along 7-miles of mild whitewater and you can even enjoy a barbecue lunch. This is a great way to cool off from the desert heat. If power is more your speed, choose from a selection of adventure vehicles and hit one of the many trails, including the Gemini Bridges Trail, Fins and Things Trail, or Moab Rim Trail for an unforgettable adventure.
Evening:
On your way back to Under Canvas Moab, grab groceries from town and grill up a masterpiece at our community grills and picnic tables before kicking back around the nightly campfire with complimentary s’mores. Another option is to grab a bite on the go and drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for epic stargazing. Here, park staff routinely provide programs celebrating the night sky, from walks under the full moon to gazing through telescopes at objects millions of light-years away.
Day Three: Downtown Moab
Morning:
Take it slow as you rise from your plush, king-size bed, step outside on your private deck, and marvel at the magnificent landscape surrounding you. Treat yourself to a coffee beverage and Grab N Go breakfast from the lobby before heading into downtown Moab for a laid-back adventure.
Afternoon:
On your way to downtown Moab, look for the Insta-famous ‘Greetings from Moab’ mural. Grab a photo and keep an eye out for other artsy spots along the streets of the town – they might be where you’d least expect them. Take a stroll through downtown to see a collection of restaurants, microbreweries, shops, and galleries that line the streets. Moab has plenty of great dining options, from food trucks to fine dining, this area is a melting pot of different flavors. Wash down a delicious lunch at Moab Brewery by sampling award-winning beer. If you’d rather unwind with a glass of wine, head over to Spanish Valley Vines and Vineyards for wine that is grown and bottled on-site in Moab.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner with a view at Sunset Grill, the oldest operating restaurant in Moab. This former home turned multi-story restaurant built high on a cliff offers a relaxing atmosphere, unmatched views, and delicious meal choices.
With just three days in Moab, you can explore many must-see sights but there are countless more nearby. Add onto your 3-day stay in Moab and explore the Grand Circle Road Trip including Under Canvas locations at Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Lake Powell – Grand Staircase for the ultimate American Southwest adventure.