As an adventure traveler, I’m used to visiting places that require extra work to get there. Moab, Utah, makes you work a little harder—but pays you back with two major national parks, Colorado River white water rafting, star-soaked skies, and the kind of off-roading and mountain biking that draw people back year after year.
Highlights
- Diverse Outdoor Adventures: Explore an incredible range of family-friendly activities, all located within an hour’s drive of Moab.
- Whitewater Rafting: Paddle the iconic Colorado River on gentle, manageable runs suitable for every generation, from kids to grandparents.
- Iconic Hiking: Hike through Arches National Park to witness Utah’s most famous natural landscapes and sandstone formations up close.
- Backcountry Off-Roading: Tackle rugged off-road trails using your vehicle of choice, from 4×4 Jeeps and UTVs to high-powered dirt bikes and mountain cycles.
Editor’s note: the writer was hosted by Eddie Bauer Adventure Club.
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How Many Days Do You Need In Moab?
Plan at least three, and as many as nine days to experience Moab’s biggest attractions without rushing.
- Core Itinerary (3-4 Days): Dedicate 1 day each to Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Colorado River rafting, and/or an off-road backcountry tour.
- Extended Trip (4-5+ Days): Add extra days to explore dinosaur attractions, go kayaking, join stargazing tours, and take additional scenic hikes.
Hike Arches National Park
Address: Arches National Park Visitor Center, UT-191 | Hours: Open 24/7 year-round; Visitor Center: 8AM–5PM daily | Pricing: $30 per vehicle
Arches National Park is Moab’s must-do attraction , featuring more than 2,000 natural stone arches—the largest concentration in the world.
- Best Iconic Photo: Hike the 1.5-mile Delicate Arch Trail to capture Utah’s most famous landmark, accessible to most ages despite a narrowing path near the summit.
- Best Easy Hike: Take a gentle walk along the Landscape Arch Trail to marvel at the longest natural arch in North America.
- Family-Friendly Scenery: Explore the Windows and Double Arch for massive scenic impact with minimal walking required.
- Park Driving & Timing: Plan at least a half day to tour the park, accounting for a 90-minute main road drive plus scenic viewpoint stops and your Delicate Arch hike.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Timed-entry reservations ended in 2026, so there can be long lines. Get there before 9am as we did or after 3pm in peak season to avoid the long lines at the park’s gate.
Raft the Famous Colorado River
Address: Wild West Voyages, 422 Kane Creek Blvd | Hours: 8AM–6PM daily | Pricing: Half-day trips from $85–$115 per person
Moab sits directly on the Colorado River with its stunning scenery and wildlife at every turn. Book in advance with an outfitter to secure a spot. Having rafted more than a half dozen rivers, I was surprised how relatively mild the ride was.
- Best Section for First-Timers: Float the 13-mile Fisher Towers stretch for a gentle half-day trip that is ideal for all ages, from young kids to grandparents.
- Best Section for Thrillseekers: Conquer Class III–IV rapids in Westwater Canyon on a full-day trip, or head to Cataract Canyon for multi-day wilderness whitewater.
- Operating Season: Book your river adventure between March and October when seasonal tours run daily.
- Packing & Preparation: Pack warm, waterproof clothing to stay comfortable against cold river waters and chilly spring winds.
SheBuysTravel Tip: White-water rafting can sound intimidating. Tentative rafters should make sure to request the section of the river that is Class I or II (mostly breezing through short, easy rapids). Every legitimate operator will require you to wear a life jacket even if you are a good swimmer like me.
Be Sure to Visit Canyonlands National Park
Address: Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Grand View Point Rd | Hours: Open 24/7 year-round; Visitor Center: 8AM–5PM daily | Pricing: $30 per vehicle
- Best Spot for Canyonlands Magic: Visit Mesa Arch at sunrise or sunset to catch the park’s most stunning and photographed views.
- Best Hike: Walk the Grand View Point Trail for an easy, rim-side path that delivers miles of sweeping panoramic canyon vistas.
- Geological Highlight: Hike to Upheaval Dome to view a massive, colorful crater that remains one of the park’s most intriguing mysteries.
- Efficient Itinerary: Combine multiple short hikes and viewpoint stops into a simple half-day trip thanks to easy drive-up park access.
SheBuysTravel Tip : Farther from Moab than Arches National Park, Canyonlands makes an ideal late morning stop after breakfast at your hotel in Moab.
Take an Epic 4×4 Adventure
Address: 1041 S. Main St, Moab, Utah | Hours: 8AM-7PM daily
Moab’s slickrock trails were made for off-roading and range from rolling sandstone to wild off-roading on trails built into canyons.
- Custom Off-Road Options: Choose between driving your own UTV or relaxing as an expert driver takes the wheel on a rugged Hummer safari.
- Beginner-Friendly Trails: Start at the Fins and Things trailhead for a gentler, beginner-safe ride over rolling sandstone and mild climbs.
- Golden Hour Views: Book a sunset tour to experience Moab’s iconic red rock landscape glowing gold under the evening light.
- Outfitter Comparison: Shop around downtown Moab’s numerous local outfitters to compare pricing, vehicle choices, and tour styles.
SheBuysTravel Tip : If you go out on your own or with friends, carry plenty of water and have a fully-charged phone in case you run into emergencies.
Visit Moab Giants and Utahraptor State Park
The Moab area sits on some of the richest dinosaur track sites in North America. Businesses of all sorts have adopted dinosaur logos, but if you want to dig deeper in the dinosaur lore, check out these sites.
Moab Giants
Address: 112 UT-191 | Hours: 10AM–5PM Thursday–Monday (Closed Tuesday–Wednesday) | Pricing: $16–$22 per person
- Outdoor Dinosaur Trail: Walk along a half-mile path featuring over 100 life-size dinosaur replicas, followed by an interactive indoor exhibition.
- Roadside Vibe: Expect a nostalgic, classic roadside attraction atmosphere that appeals far more to younger children than serious dinosaur enthusiasts.
Utahraptor State Park
Address: 13890 N Hwy 191 | Hours : Open 24/7 | Pricing: $10 per vehicle day-use fee
- Historic Bone Beds: Discover Utah’s newest state park, home to one of North America’s largest dinosaur sites with over 5,500 fossilized bones spanning ten distinct species.
- Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy a full range of active adventures beyond the fossils, including scenic hiking trails, mountain biking, and off-roading.
Kayak or Paddle the Colorado River
Address: Wild West Voyages 422 Kane Creek Blvd | Hours: 8AM–6PM daily | Pricing: Guided trips from $95; private inflatable kayak charters ~$150+
Prefer a slower pace on the water than rafting? Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding put you at eye level with the canyon walls. There are stretches of calm water that are great even for the first-time paddler or kayaker.
- Top Moab Outfitter: Book with Wild West Voyages, a boutique, locally owned outfit offering guided half-day kayak and paddleboard trips along the Fisher Towers section, as well as independent gear rentals.
- Guided Kayak Trips: Join a private half-day inflatable kayak tour lasting 3.5 to 4 hours, which includes roughly 2.5 hours of active paddle time on the river.
Jump on the Raven’s Rim Zip Line
Address: 998 Sand Flats Rd | Hours: Tours depart daily at 8AM, 11:30AM and 3PM | Pricing: ~$150–$180 per person
Moab’s zip line course sits on 350 acres of high desert along the Sand Flats Recreation Area and is close to downtown.
- UTV Trail Access: Start your zip-line trip with a scenic, off-road UTV ride to the top of the hill to reach the launch pad.
- Record-Breaking Lines: Fly across Raven’s Rim, billed as the country’s longest land-to-land zip-line course featuring six distinct lines.
- Tour Duration: Plan for an action-packed tour that lasts roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish.
Gaze at the Dark Sky
Moab is an internationally certified dark sky community, and the surrounding parks are certified Dark Sky Parks — meaning almost zero light pollution.
Stargazing Moab
Address: Downtown Pickup / Designated Dark Sky Sites | Hours: Nightly programs starting around sunset | Pricing: ~$75–$95 per person
- Guided Astronomy Program: Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience hosted by professional astronomers, complete with zero-gravity loungers and hot drinks.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Address: SR-313 | Hours: 6AM–10PM daily | Pricing: $20 per vehicle
- Ranger-Led Star Parties: Attend guided astronomy events at Dead Horse Point State Park, set atop a high plateau offering unobstructed, full-sky views.
Dig Deep in the Moab Rock Shop
Address: 600 N Main St | Hours: 9AM–9PM daily | Pricing: Free entry; rocks from $0.10
Before you leave, stop at the Moab Rock Shop, part museum and part store, on the north end of Main Street.
- Legal Fossils & Gems: Browse museum-quality specimens, petrified wood, and legally permitted dinosaur bones for purchase.
- Kid-Friendly Souvenirs: Pick up unique rocks for as little as 10 cents, making it an affordable stop for kids seeking a dinosaur bone or special souvenir.
SheBuysTravel Tip : Although very tourist-centric, there are quite a few unique galleries and stores such as Moab Gear Trader and Walker Drugs and General Store .
Where to Stay
Eddie Bauer Adventure Club Moab
Address: 889 N Main St | Phone: 1-800-457-0103 | Best for: Adventure families wanting full kitchen amenities and custom tours
Start with Moab’s newest and most adventure-minded property. Eddie Bauer Adventure Club took a wing of the existing WorldMark Moab resort and redesigned it for hikers, rafters and stargazers, with 39 suites, full kitchens, in-unit laundry and curated excursions built into the stay. You don’t need to be a vacation club member — book a rental stay through ExtraHolidays.com instead of a typical hotel site. Read our full stay review.
Other Hotels Worth Considering
Moab’s hotel scene has exploded with new name brand hotels in the past couple of years.
Casitas at the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 111 N 100 W | Phone: 1-435-355-0595 | Best for: Upscale Southwest stay close to downtown
Apartment-style two-bedroom casitas with full kitchens, a gas fireplace and red-rock-cliff views, a block off Main Street.
voco Moab
Address: 1102 S Main St | Phone: 1-435-259-2000 | Best for: Modern accommodations on the south side of town
IHG’s newest Moab property, opened in early 2025 on the south end of town near the Mill Creek Drive intersection.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
Address: 8 S 100 E | Phone: 1-435-259-7000 | Best for: Families needing in-room kitchens and cribs
Downtown, with in-room kitchens and cribs available, Homewood Suites is a smart family pick close to shops and restaurants.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book accommodations four to six months out for spring and fall trips — Moab’s shoulder seasons are its most popular, and rooms go fast.
Practical Tips for Your Moab Trip
- When to go : Spring and fall offer the mildest temperatures and the best light for photography; summer is hot but river trips and early-morning hikes still work well.
- Safety : Carry at least three liters of water per person daily in summer, when temperatures regularly top 100°F with little shade on the trails. Never go out alone in this area where cell phone service is limited, and it’s easy to get lost.
- Getting around : A car is essential — most trailheads and outfitters are a short drive from downtown, but not walkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best family-friendly outdoor adventures in Moab are Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, a gentle Colorado River rafting trip, a guided 4×4/UTV excursion and stargazing. For younger children or multigenerational families, choose the easier river and hiking options and use a guide for off-road adventures.
Never go alone or explore areas that are beyond the trail unless you are intimately familiar with them. Carry ample water, keep cell phones charged and stick to guided tours if venturing into unfamiliar backcountry.
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are the highlights, best seen in the early morning hours or during sunset. Both parks offer easy hikes and dramatic scenery accessible for all ages.
Spring and fall have the best temperatures. In the summer, there is little shade, and temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees in July and August.
Yes. The Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is the best choice for families looking for an approachable rafting experience. Half-day trips are common, and guides keep the journey easy for all age groups.
Read More
- Utah’s Zion National Park Itinerary: Step One? Lace Up Your Hiking Boots!
- Discover the Wonders of Utah on Your Next Family Vacation
- Chasing Wilderness: A Road Trip Through Utah’s Hot Springs, Canyons & Desert Stars
- Canoeing and Canoodling in Utah’s Canyonlands
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