Moab is where Martian-red sandstone meets blue-sky horizons—and adventure is basically the local language. Base yourself here to roam two national parks, pedal slickrock playgrounds, float the Colorado River, and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48.
A (very) short history
Long before it was an outdoor capital, the Moab area was home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years—you’ll see traces in rock art panels and ancient dwellings scattered around the canyons. In the late 1800s, Mormon settlers established a farm town along the Colorado River and chose the name “Moab,” echoing a biblical borderland. The quiet didn’t last: a mid-20th-century uranium boom turned Moab into a classic Western boomtown, leaving behind lore, a film-friendly Main Street, and the seeds of a tourism economy. By the late 20th century, new trails (hello, Slickrock) drew motorcyclists and then mountain bikers; outfitters, artists, and guides followed. Today, Moab balances its small-town core with world-class access to public lands.
Why you should travel there
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Two world icons at your doorstep. Arches National Park (2,000+ natural arches, including Delicate Arch) and Canyonlands National Park (cathedral-like canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers) are 10–40 minutes from downtown.
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Choose-your-adventure terrain. Hike to sunrise at Mesa Arch, wander Devil’s Garden, scramble in the Needles, or try guided canyoneering. Off-roaders tackle Hell’s Revenge and Shafer Trail; cyclists test themselves on the Slickrock Trail or roll scenic paved paths along the river.
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Desert nights that actually sparkle. Both parks are International Dark Sky Parks—bring a thermos and a tripod.
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Easy basecamp vibes. Coffee shops, food trucks, gear rentals, and galleries line Main Street; Dead Horse Point State Park adds another must-see overlook nearby.
Best time to go: March–May and September–October for cool hiking temps and bright, clear skies. Summer is blazing; plan dawn starts, siestas, and river time. Winter is peaceful—arches dusted with snow are magic.
Fun facts
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Utah’s license plate star is Delicate Arch, the freestanding icon you’ll hike to in Arches.
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Moab’s landscapes show up in films and ads—from classic Westerns to modern blockbusters; the Thelma & Louise finale outlook is at nearby Dead Horse Point.
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The town’s famous Slickrock isn’t actually slippery—bike tires grip it like sandpaper.
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Look up! This region hosts some of the clearest night skies in the continental U.S.
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You can stand on a viewpoint where the Colorado and Green rivers meet (Canyonlands’ Confluence Overlook).
Local tips (to travel smart)
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Start early for Delicate Arch or Mesa Arch to beat crowds and catch golden light.
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Hydrate & shade up. Desert heat is real—pack more water than you think you need, plus sun protection.
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Check park websites for any seasonal reservations, road closures, or permits (e.g., Fiery Furnace access, popular 4×4 routes).
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Respect the cryptobiotic soil. Stay on rock, sand, or signed trails—those black, knobby “living crusts” are the desert’s life support.
Getting there & around
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Fly: Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is 20 minutes from downtown; larger gateways include Grand Junction (GJT) ~2 hours and Salt Lake City (SLC) ~4 hours by car.
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Drive: US-191 runs right through town. A car (or guided tour) makes hitting viewpoints and trailheads far easier.
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Shuttles & rentals: Outfitters provide river shuttles, bike rentals, guided 4×4 trips, and canyoneering.
Where to stay
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Downtown Moab: Walkable to food and gear shops; good for first-timers.
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Along the Colorado River (Highway 128): Scenic lodges and campgrounds under towering cliffs.
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Camping: Book early for Devils Garden (Arches), Willow Flat (Canyonlands, Island in the Sky), or Dead Horse Point SP; private campgrounds offer showers and hookups.
A 48-hour starter plan
Day 1: Sunrise at Mesa Arch (Canyonlands, Island in the Sky). Coffee in town, then drive the rim road for overlooks (Grand View, Green River). Sunset at Dead Horse Point. Dinner and a stroll down Main Street.
Day 2: Early hike to Delicate Arch or Devils Garden in Arches. Afternoon Colorado River float or Slickrock sampler ride. After dinner, head back out for stargazing—pullouts along Hwy 313 or within the parks are stellar.
