Moab is the gateway to the majestic red rock formations of Arches National Park and the towering rock pinnacles of Canyonlands National Park. Under Canvas Moab is perfectly situated between the two parks making it easy to explore the spectacular scenery of Southeast Utah. From top hiking trails to things to do in downtown Moab, this guide will help you plan your Moab desert adventures.
Things to See Around Moab
Explore Arches National Park
Hit the road on the Arches National Park Scenic Drive for overlooks and trails that lead to the best arches in Moab. Delicate Arch, the iconic 52-foot-tall freestanding rock formation, can be seen by hiking the popular 3-mile round trip Delicate Arch Trail. Another favorite is Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest stone arches. From Devil’s Garden Trail loop, take the 1.6-mile round trip hike for an up-close view of the arch. More epic scenic views await you at the Windows Section of the park, a must-see for numerous arches and striking sandstone formations.
Explore Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is a colorful landscape decked with canyons, arches, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and the hands of time. For views spanning hundreds of miles, take the short 0.2-mile hike to the Green River Overlook on the west trim of the iIsland in the Sky Mesa. Check out the nearby Upheaval Dome, a puzzling geological feature said to be formed by either meteorite impact or a salt bubble. For an easy hike with rewarding views, take the 0.7-mile Mesa Arch Trail where you can see Mesa Arch, made even more stunning when it’s illuminated by early morning light at sunrise.
Wander Through Slot Canyons
Moab is home to the best slot canyons in Utah, making it the perfect place for slot canyon hikes ranging from easy to difficult. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of Moab’s hidden gems. The creek trail leads to an incredible three-story waterfall. This is a great trail to hike when Moab’s weather is warmer, and you, the dogs, or kids need to cool off. For an exhilarating adventure, head to Granary Canyon for a hiking and canyoneering combo. This 6-mile hike includes six technical rappels and descends 2,000 feet down the canyon. You’ll want to do the hike with an outfitter to assist you and arrange for your drop-off and pick-up. Ask our on-site Experience Coordinator’s for recommendations and help booking an adventure.
See Downtown Moab Street Art
Take a stroll down Main Street where you’ll discover gorgeous murals painted by local artists. Make sure to snap a photo in front of the ‘Greetings from Moab’ mural to share on social media and to remember your time here.
Walk Among Dinosaurs
Come face-to-face with dinosaurs at the Moab Giants open-air museum where life-size replicas of the T-Rex and other dinosaurs are set against nature’s backdrop. You can view collections of real dinosaur bones of the prehistoric creatures who once roamed the American Southwest at the Moab Museum.
Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park
Marvel at a sky filled with stars and planets visible to the naked eye from the comfort of Under Canvas Moab or venture into Arches National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park for its lack of light pollution.
Things to Do Around Moab
Bike the Slickrock Trail
Slickrock Trail is known for being one of the best Moab mountain bike trails and one of the best bike rides in America. Cruising 11-miles of petrified dunes is one of the most unique experiences you can have on your bike as you fly over roller-coaster-like hills. There are several mountain bike rentals in Moab along with guided tours.
Visit The Needles in Canyonland National Park
The Needles are unique from the rest of the park and anywhere else in Utah. Picture clusters of striped sandstone spires reaching toward the sky. There are a number of hiking trails that weave their way between the needles for you to gain different perspectives of this natural wonder.
Go Boating in Ken’s Lake
Just 10-miles south of Moab, Ken’s Lake is the perfect hot-weather retreat. The clear, shallow water surrounded by the La Sal Mountain peaks and striking red rocks make this a favorite spot for boating, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and fishing.
Off-Road on Hell’s Revenge Trail
Take the road less traveled and experience an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the 6.5-mile Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail. You can book a 2-3 hour guided tour to explore the petrified dunes. Or if you’re an experienced off-road driver, you can rent a Jeep or bring your own 4×4 vehicle. You’ll see spectacular scenery along the way with plenty of fun as you cruise over untamed terrain.
Hike the Rim Loop Trail at Dead Horse Point State Park
Just 23-miles from Under Canvas, hike in Dead Horse Point State Park for a truly memorable experience. The Rim Loop Trail is a 5-mile moderate hike that offers stunning views of the Colorado River Canyon from above. We recommend watching the sunset from Dead Horse Point Overlook, the main attraction you can drive or hike to.
Float Down the Colorado River
Enjoy panoramic views as you go Colorado River rafting between towering canyon walls. Choose from calm waters to class 3 rapids for your adventure. You can find Moab river rafting tours for either a half-day or a full day and some even include lunch.
Ride the White Rim 4×4 Trail
For the drive along narrow cliff edges, past scenic overlooks, around towering buttes, and up and over rocky hills, you must have a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance (like a Jeep), a free day-use permit, and entry to Canyonlands National Park. Making the drive deep into the canyon offers visitors spectacular views of the white rim that many others miss out on. Stop by the Canyonlands Visitor Center for a White Rim trail map.
Where to Eat & Drink Around Moab
Find a selection of food trucks ready to serve up delicious food options and fun for the entire family.
Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery
Sip and savor delicious reds and whites from grapes grown and bottled at this family-owned estate in Moab.
Wash down a delicious scratch-made lunch with an award-winning beer or distilled spirit at one of the best restaurants in Moab.
Moab Diner and Ice Cream Shoppe
Get your fill for breakfast or lunch at the Moab Diner. Make sure to try The Diner’s specialty green chili sauce atop your omelet or fries.
Treat yourself to delicious handmade donuts and chicken sandwiches – hence the name.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner paired with a fresh fruit juice or smoothie on the “most beautiful patio in Moab.”
Delighting guests since 1954, enjoy a delicious hand-crafted burger and malt at this drive-in style restaurant.
Your Moab Glamping Vacation
Under Canvas Moab offers luxurious safari-style tent lodging, nutritious dining options, a coffee cart, nightly campfires complete with s’mores, and camp programming to make your outdoor adventures even more unforgettable. Our Guest Experience Coordinators are always available to help you plan the best things to do in Moab during your stay.