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+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip
+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip
Utah

Moab

Arches National Park, Utah
Dead Horse State Park, Utah
Moab, Utah
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Moab, Utah

Why Visit Moab

Moab is the ultimate base for exploring the wild heart of Utah’s red rock country. Surrounded by two national parks – Arches and Canyonlands – as well as the lesser-known Dead Horse Point State Park, it offers a thrilling mix of scenery, adventure and solitude.

Arches National Park is a surreal landscape of natural stone arches, spires and balanced rocks – best explored at dawn or dusk when the sandstone glows. Canyonlands, by contrast, is vast and untamed, with dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Island in the Sky district offers panoramic viewpoints, while the Needles region invites deeper, quieter exploration.

But Moab is more than its parks. It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts – from world-class mountain-biking on the Slickrock Trail to rafting the Colorado River or hiking hidden canyons. There’s also excellent rock climbing, canyoneering, and 4WD adventures across rugged backcountry trails.

The town itself has a laid-back charm, with independent cafes, art galleries and gear shops. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

We recommend combining Moab with Monument Valley or Bryce Canyon for a journey through some of the American Southwest’s most cinematic and varied landscapes.

Prehistoric Land

Arches National Park sits on ancient desert land where dinosaurs once roamed. You can still see preserved dinosaur tracks just outside the park, offering a glimpse into its prehistoric past.

Let's Keep Going...

The iconic final scene of Thelma & Louise, often mistaken for the Grand Canyon, was actually filmed near Dead Horse Point in Canyonlands National Park. With its dramatic cliffs and sweeping red rock vistas, it provided the perfect cinematic backdrop. Today, the viewpoint remains one of the park’s most striking spots, popular with film fans and photographers alike.

Moab, Utah

Highlights of Moab and the National Parks

  • Arches National Park – Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this surreal landscape is best explored at sunrise or sunset, when the rocks seem to glow from within.

  • Canyonlands National Park – Vast and varied, with dramatic viewpoints, winding rivers and remote hiking in areas like the Needles and the Maze. Much quieter than neighbouring Arches.

  • Dead Horse Point State Park – One of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints, with panoramic views over a dramatic bend in the Colorado River – especially striking in the golden hour.

  • Colorado River Rafting – Paddle or float through scenic red rock canyons just outside town – from family-friendly day trips to multi-day wilderness adventures.

  • Slickrock Trail – A legendary mountain-biking route across smooth, undulating sandstone – technical, challenging and a rite of passage for serious riders.

  • Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs – Explore ancient rock art and preserved dinosaur footprints at sites like Potash Road and Mill Canyon – a window into the region’s prehistoric past.

Where to stay

Best properties in Moab

Due to the outdoor nature of most visitors to Moab, many of the properties are on the simple side, however, we have found a handful of options that make for a fantastic base from which to explore the spectacular surroundings.

Luxury Hotel

Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton

Full Details

Good to know

Getting to Moab

Moab may feel remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The closest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), just 18 miles (30km) north of town, with limited regional flights (usually via Salt Lake City or Denver).

For most travellers, the easiest option is to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – around 235 miles (380km) away – and enjoy a 4–5 hour scenic drive through eastern Utah’s shifting landscapes. Alternatively, Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado is just 110 miles (180km) away – roughly a 2-hour drive – and can be a convenient gateway if travelling from the East Coast.

Moab itself is best explored by car. We recommend hiring a 4WD vehicle to comfortably navigate unpaved backroads and access remote viewpoints and trailheads.

For those on a longer road trip, Moab is a natural stop between Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Colorado Rockies – forming part of a classic American Southwest circuit.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The autumnal colours in October are so spectacular here with the colours of the rocks and trees blending to create an astounding landscape.

INSPIRATION

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UK: +44 207 384 2332
US: +1 800 409 4233
Caroline Maber
Wilder 230 CTA
Wilder McNutt
Rhian Williams