Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Moab?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Moab?

Many visitors spend two to five days in Moab during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The town offers the chance to get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, sample the delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops.

Moab was once a sleepy town that served as a gateway to Arches National Park, but today it has grown into a tourist mecca that has many tour operators, restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds. The town is conveniently situated near both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in eastern Utah. The landscape in the area makes it the perfect base for the many activities that adventurous spirits enjoy.

Do you have one or two days to visit Moab? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Moab?

Unfortunately, one day is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to enjoy the scenery and nature of Moab. Most vacationers schedule two to five days to fully experience the scenic town. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit, which includes Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.

How to spend a day in Moab

When visiting Moab, you absolutely can't miss Delicate Arch in Arches National Park as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

Moab is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour ($191)
  • Sunset - Dead Horse Point E-bike Mountain Bike Tour ($220)

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Moab?

A weekend is usually not enough time to see everything in Moab such as Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, the food, and the many shops. Because of everything to see and experience, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your adventure in this town.

Sunset at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah Sunset at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah

How to spend 2 days in Moab

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Moab, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Moab sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Onion Creek 4x4 Jeep Adventure With Slot Canyon Hike ($175)
  • Moab's Slot Canyon Hike: Refreshingly Cool Summer Creek Adventure ($199)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Moab, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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