Are you thinking about visiting Moab, Utah? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Moab worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for two to five days. During our first trip to Moab in 2006, we fell in love with its striking beauty, particularly at sunset when the lighting is dramatic. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. 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.
Sunset at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah
Reasons to Visit Moab
Hiking
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.
Food
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.
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.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Moab
Museums: Moab isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. 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.
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Moab with a lively nightlife scene. 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.
Lots of Tourists
Moab sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Moab might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Moab here or see if Moab is expensive here.
Related
What is Moab most famous for?
Moab is most famous for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. And many visitors also come to this town for its food and shopping. It is often described as adventurous, active, and scenic.
What is the most famous sight in Moab?
The most popular sight in Moab is Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Moab on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Moab? Is it a popular town to visit?
Moab is a very touristy town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Sunset ATV Tour and Trail Experience in Hell's Revenge: $254
- Private Half-Day Canyoneering Tour in Moab: $162
- Hells Revenge 4X4 Tour: $150
- Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $189
- U-Drive Hells Revenge 4x4 Tour- Half Day 4.5 HR: $279
- Private 5-7 Hour Canyoneering Day Tour in Moab: $269
- Electric Dirt Bike Tour, Shafer Trail, Canyonlands, Deadhorse: $250
- Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour: $252
How long should I spend in Moab?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Moab is two to five days. Since Moab has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Moab?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Moab?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Moab?.
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.