A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Colorado Springs vs. Moab for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Moab?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Moab can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Colorado Springs and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Moab?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Moab. Although Colorado Springs and Moab are both popular with visitors, Moab has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Moab is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Moab is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Colorado Springs different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab and Colorado Springs. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Moab is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Moab is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Moab?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

Is the Food Better in Colorado Springs or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Colorado Springs and Moab.

Colorado Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Moab has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Hiking?

You'll find world-class hiking in both Colorado Springs and Moab.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Known for its hiking, Moab draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Moab?

Moab is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Moab is a great destination for shopping. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Colorado Springs or Moab.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Moab is very family-friendly. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Couples?

Moab is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Moab frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Moab. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Moab is not popular with students.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Colorado Springs or Moab offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Public transit is quite limited in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Colorado Springs or Moab a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs and Moab both are decent when exploring on foot.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

Moab is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Moab?

In either Colorado Springs or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Colorado Springs because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Colorado Springs, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

Families should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Moab. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Colorado Springs, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Moab than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Moab that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moab than Colorado Springs if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Moab.

One day in Colorado Springs or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and food around the active destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Moab?

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the active town of Moab. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Moab?

You'll find food and museums around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Colorado Springs or Moab?

The friendly mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Moab is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colorado Springs and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in Colorado Springs.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colorado Springs Expensive? and Is Moab Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Moab?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Colorado Springs and Moab, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.