If you’re going on a vacation, Moab Utah is one of the destinations you must consider. It serves as an entryway to Arches National Park’s enormous red rock formations. Mesas and buttes, as well as Native American rock art, can be seen in the southwest Canyonlands National Park.
1. An Introduction To Moab, Utah:
You can find dinosaur footprints at places like Copper Ridge and Bull Canyon Overlook. The Museum of Moab in the city has a collection that includes both dinosaur bones and historical artifacts.
All kinds of outdoor adventurers come to Moab Utah. While visiting Moab you have to do these things like Rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking a mountain bike is all quite popular in this area, and experts say it boasts some of the best trails in the world. And the location, with its stunning red cliffs, is unrivaled.
2. The Best Places to Visit And Things To Do In Moab Utah:
2.1. Arches National Park:
One of the most beautiful places in the national parks system is Arches National Park. More than 2,000 natural arches can be found there, but one is so well-known that it appears on almost all Moab Utah travel guides and license plates.
Along with one of the darkest night skies in the United States, you’ll also witness various rock formations like fins, monoliths, pinnacles, and enormous balancing rocks.
While many of the park’s most well-known attractions are viewable from its Scenic Drive, Arches National Park service will reward those who aren’t scared of a little physical effort with incredible and unforgettable payoffs on each of its trails.
2.1.1. How to Reach Arches National Park:
Near the town of Moab, one of the nation’s most renowned outdoor recreation destinations, if not the entire globe, is where you’ll find Arches National park in southeast Utah. Most guests drive four hours to the parks after arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) by plane.
Arches national park is roughly a two-hour drive from Colorado’s Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), which is served by several airlines. Despite having its airport (CNY), Moab has very few flights, sometimes just one per day, to and from Denver.
Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion are four other national parks that the state of Moab Utah is fortunate to have.
A visit to Arches national park is frequently combined with a visit to one or more of these breathtaking locations. It is also feasible to briefly enter Arizona to explore the Grand Canyon National Parks north rim.
2.2. Canyonlands National Park:
While visiting Moab, Deciding where to begin an expedition in Utah’s Canyonlands National Parks with its 527 miles of untamed terrain can be challenging.
The Green and Colorado River help you narrow things down by dividing the parks into three distinct parts. The lack of development makes it even smaller by only giving a few roads that lead into the park’s boundaries.
Such paved access routes open up a door to the red rock wilderness, where the landscape is constantly adorned with vibrant Southwest sunsets that give way to soft gloomy skies and spectacular starry nights night after night. It is a location to write home about.
The Island of the Sky area is the closest of the three districts to the nearby Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains, as well as to the expanding desert town of Moab, which serves as a launching point into Canyonlands National parks.
While driving the paved park loop road alongside the canyons on the high mesa provides easy access to stops along the road at archaeological sites, as well as at trailheads that lead to easy-to-moderate hiking trails into your private wilderness, Island of the Sky is where you can get your 101 briefing of the area.
Visitors are invited to end their day of discovery with the magic of sunset skies at picturesque vistas in the evening. This well-liked region is not only perfect for day trippers but also a paradise for off-road enthusiasts and mountain bikers who want to drive 4WD vehicles onto the fabled 100-mile White Rim Road for a close encounter with the interior canyons.
2.3. Dead Horse Point State Park:
One of Moab Utah’s most breathtaking state parks, Dead Horse Point State Park is located 32.5 miles (51.5 kilometers) from Moab. One of the most popular picturesque panoramas in the world is the view from Dead Horse Point.
The viewpoint rises 2,000 feet above the Colorado Rivers and offers a spectacular view of Canyonlands’ carved pinnacles and buttes.
The breathtaking views that can be found at Dead Horse Point State Park are the result of millions of years of geologic action. The rock layers of canyon country were formed by the sedimentation of ancient oceans, freshwater lakes, streams, and wind-blown dunes.
The tall mountains that rise from the desert below like cold blue islands were created by igneous activity. According to local lore, Dead Horse Point served as a corral for wild mustangs that roamed the mesa top in the late 1800s. They were herded onto the point by cowboys after being forced across a small strait.
Then the neck was surrounded by bushes and tree branches. Once, for an unknown cause, horses were corralled on a dry point where they eventually died of thirst while being able to see the Colorado River, which is 2,000 feet below.
The park has miles of built pet-friendly hiking routes, including a paved trail that makes reaching some of the most beautiful viewpoints simple. The new Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point is fantastic for mountain bikers.
The Intrepid Trail System gives you a wonderful idea of Moab mountain biking with its Slickrock bike trail, looping single-track, sandy washes, and stunning scenery. This journey is ideal for families and provides breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River.
2.4. Corona Arch Trails:
A fantastic 3-mile journey to one of the biggest and most impressive arches close to Moab is the Corona Arch Trail. Your ultimate stop is Corona Arch, commonly known as Little Rainbow Bridge, but the trail also passes Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch along a route. Although it does pass some large stretches of Slickrock pavement, the route is simple to follow.
Cairns, however, are used to clearly define these areas. Metal cables that can be used as railings and a ladder on one steep step are also present in a few Slickrock spots. It is best to halt after the first cable to see the arch if you are afraid of heights or have unstable feet.
Start your hike at the trailhead, which is to the right of the parking lot. The trail soon ascends a talus slope of rocks and comes to a BLM register box at 0.1 miles, immediately before train tracks. Cross the tracks after signing in.
The largest potash deposit in North America and the Potash Mine are both served by trains. Solution mining is used to recover potash, which is subsequently processed and transported by truck and railroad for use as a fertilizer and water softener.
2.5. Potash Road:
You will learn that it is difficult to drive along the Colorado River if you are on a road trip and intend to see the parks of the West.
There are plenty of possibilities to view it from above at a distance, but it can be challenging to choose a route that is both simple to navigate and provides the thrilling experience of driving alongside the most illustrious river in the West.
Well, three beautiful routes let you accomplish that in the vicinity of Moab, Utah. Kane Creek Road and SR-279, also known as Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway, are other popular routes. SR-128 (also known as Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway) is the most well-known (or just Potash Road).
I’ll also tell you about the remaining 18 miles on a dirt road that travels through red rock formations and goes directly to the most remote locations, including National Park and Island in the Sky (one of the districts in Canyonlands), and climbs the sides of the canyon along the Shafer Trail, a route that may be difficult for solitary travelers.
2.6. Wilson Arch Trails:
On BLM property, Wilson Arch is a beautiful sandstone structure that is located south of Moab along Highway 191. The trailhead is indicated, and it’s less than a mile south of La Sal Junction.
There are crowds, prices, and traffic surrounding many of Moab Utah’s famous arches, spires, and fins that are found outside of the national park.
Not so with Wilson Arch, a beautiful sandstone structure located on BLM territory south of Moab along Highway 191. The pull-out is marked and is situated less than a mile south of La Sal Junction.
The short, five-minute hike to Wilson Arch is worthwhile due to its simplicity and beauty. It’s free, which increases its attractiveness. Visits should be made by families, climbers, and anyone who enjoys the scenery of southeastern Utah.
However, you will be richly rewarded if you choose to climb the hill. The elliptical-shaped and delicate arch is an excellent place for a lunchtime picnic or a picturesque seat to take in the fins and forms of the amazing environment.
However, we wouldn’t say the arch itself is elliptical-shaped. Sitting beneath the arch provides a wonderful perspective of the massive rock structure’s exquisite lines, which have been shaped by wind, water, and time.
2.7. The Grandstaff Trails:
The Grandstaff Trail is a thrilling and well-liked half-day hike in the Moab region, named for an African-American prospector by the name of William Grandstaff who grazed animals here in the late 19th century.
It’s not too difficult to get to this little desert canyon, and most people easily make the four miles round way. A crystal-clear stream that flows continuously may be found along the walk, along with the gorgeous Morning Glory Natural Bridge.
Follow the route into the canyon on the left side of the stream as you leave the parking area on SR128. Soon enough, you’ll be meandering through dense stands of willow trees.
You could even spot frogs lazing by the stream. After 1.5 miles, the trail passes a stream and begins a brief ascent into Grandstaff’s second side canyon.
The sixth-longest natural rock span in the United States, Morning Glory Natural Bridge, is about half a mile from where you crossed the stream. The greatest way to see the bridge is to pass underneath it because of how near to the rocky amphitheater it is situated.
Take a break in the canyon’s shade beneath the cottonwoods on the way back. It’s the ideal location for a picnic or just to take a moment to relax and take in the sounds of the trickling water, singing frogs, and desert breeze. It’s even possible to watch individuals rappelling from Morning Glory Natural Bridge’s peak.
2.8. Castle Valley:
Just 20 miles north of the busy town of Moab sits the calm sanctuary of Castle Valley, Utah. In the midst of some of Utah’s most magnificent landscapes, this is the place you want to be if you want to unwind. Castle Rock Peak, or Castleton Tower as it is known locally, casts a shadow across Castle Valley.
The Colorado River, red rock towers, and the La Sal Mountains may all be seen on the horizon with this castle-like turret. It is possible to hike across Castle Valley, although most people use the area to recover their energies after a full day of sightseeing and other activities. Visit and explore this serene haven.
Castle Valley has beautiful views, but few amenities. As is evident in many of the neighboring tourist towns, Castle Valley is highly wary of expansion that happens too quickly. Instead, they provide a haven from such disorder.
Many of Utah’s most well-known national parks are conveniently close to Castle Valley and are only a short drive away. Go rafting along the Colorado River or rock climbing on Castle Rock. For some of Utah’s most renowned mountain biking, take Highway 128 up to Porcupine Rim.
You may also enjoy some fantastic hiking at Porcupine Rim, Adobe Mesa, and Round Rock, which rewards your efforts with breathtaking vistas of the valley below.
2.9. Balanced Rock:
One of the park’s most recognizable attractions, Balanced Rock art, is towering 128 feet (39 meters) tall. It might look like this formation is doing some spectacular balancing feat, but it isn’t.
Entrada Sandstone’s slippery rock boulder is affixed to an eroding pedestal made of Dewey Bridge Mudstone. These two rock strata layers being exposed are perfect for the development of balanced rocks and arches.
Gravity is defied by Balanced Rock, but this won’t always be the case. As erosion continues to sculpt the landscape, the 3,600 tones (nearly 4 million lb.) boulder will eventually come tumbling down.
There is no better proof than the collapse of Balanced Rock’s smaller twin “Chip-Off-the-Old-Block” in the winter of 1975–1976 (see photographs from the past and present).
A fun-filled day in the park can be concluded at Balanced Rock, which is soaked in a deep red-orange at sunset. Additionally, this is a great location for night photography and stargazing. Its location offers quirky granite spires in the foreground and is just far enough away from Moab, Utah’s city lights.
2.10. The La Sal Mountains Loop:
This backroad is an adventure, passing through the sandstone pinnacles of Castle Rock and the alpine slopes of the La Sal mountains. Drive past steep laccolithic peaks that are frequently utilized as the backdrop in images of the renowned Delicate Arch, as well as mesas and buttes that have been used in movies.
This 60-mile, paved road departs from US-191, about 8 miles south of Moab, and circles through the mountains, passing Castle Valley and SR 128 before returning to Moab along the Colorado River.
This drive takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete. Large RVs or trailers cannot travel on the winding, narrow road, which is appropriate for vehicles.
After traveling about 8 miles south on US 191 from Moab, turn left at the Ken’s Lake/La Sal Mountain Loop Road sign. At the T-intersection, turn right and proceed up the La Sal Mountain Loop Road into the mountains.
Switchbacks are used when the route descends the highlands and enters Castle Valley. To reach Castle Valley, turn left at the fork in Forest Road 207 and continue for another ten kilometers. To go back to Moab, turn left again at the crossroads with Highway 128.
2.11. Utah Scenic Byway 279:
Visit Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites to see ancient stone carvings that date back thousands of years. Ancient drawings depicting hunting and childbirth scenes reveal details about the lives of the continent’s first inhabitants.
Over a 38-meter-long panel, these ancient depictions of people, animals, and abstract shapes were painted or embossed (125 ft).
A wonderful collection of ancient Native American rock arts can be found along the imposing rock walls on the western side of Utah Scenic Byway 279 in the state of Utah.
Beautiful Highway 279 leads travelers along a picturesque section of the Colorado River and through numerous campgrounds and hiking trails. Climbers love these massive red rock cliffs, and you’ll probably see a lot of them close to where the rock art is.
Archaeologists claim that the majority of the rock arts in this area were produced between the Fremont (450–1300 A.D.) and Archaic (6,000–1,000 B.C.) culture eras. Here, we see examples of petroglyphs and pictographs, two distinct styles of artwork.
2.12. Moab Giants Dinosaur Parks:
It is not only located in some of the most stunning landscapes in the world in Moab, Utah, but it is also a one-of-a-kind event for the ages. Make your way around the land they called home alongside our modern, life-size dinosaurs.
The best place to learn about the past using cutting-edge technology that feels like the future is at Moab Giants! There are several educational and entertaining attractions at this dinosaur park.
The virtual 5D Paleo Aquarium transports you to a deep-sea research facility where ancient marine life can be examined and genetic information exposed.
On the outdoor track with more than 100 life-size dinosaurs, you may also explore the desert. In the 3D Theater at the Moab Giant, get up and personal with The Big Bang Theory.
Last but not least, visit the Tracks Museum, which is packed with aesthetically amazing displays that captivate and educate as well as interactive learning touch screens, games, and more.
This virtual journey places you underwater with some of the largest, most unusual, and deadliest animals on the planet. You won’t want to miss this adrenaline thrill, which includes a close encounter with a Megalodon and friendly sea turtles.
2.13. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trails:
Near the Moab area, is there a dinosaur outdoor museum? Yes, but don’t anticipate seeing many big bones or tracks. A great number of dinosaur fossils can be found in the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, a valley to the northwest of the Moab area. The fossils come from a time 150 million years ago when the climate was tropical and enormous creatures could survive.
The Morrison Formation rock stratum, which has through time been made more visible, is where the petrified remains of the ancient animals were found. This is a quick roadside attraction that kids and fossil enthusiasts will probably adore.
Dinosaur skeptics will likely be dissatisfied and prefer to pass on this one. A well-marked walk leads along a cliff band with 15 places of interest from the trailhead.
This is a quick roadside attraction that kids and fossil enthusiasts will probably adore. The majority of the fossils are tiny and blend in with the sandstone. Dinosaur skeptics will likely be dissatisfied and prefer to pass on this one. A well-marked walk leads along a cliff band with 15 places of interest from the trailhead.
2.14. Colorado River way Recreation Area:
The vast Colorado Riverway Recreation Area in Moab includes a sizable portion of the city’s public land along the Colorado Riverway. Visitors to this region will have the choice to select to discover places that are tucked away along Highway 128 and run from Dewey Bridge to Highway 191.
Additionally included in the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area are the regions that reach Highway 279 to Potash and from Moab Valley to just south of Hunter Canyon.
Anywhere you go, staying close to the river will provide you with the best view of moab national parks area. The Bureau of Land Management is in charge of overseeing the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area. Unquestionably, this is among the top Moab attractions!
If you are visiting the goblin valley state park don’t forget to visit the downtown moab for a bite. While you can get the lunch at the moab food truck park nearby but if you are not going for a hiking trails or some river rafting trips, then the food truck park wont do you any good.
The abundance of ways you can have fun while you’re here is what makes touring the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area so beautiful. Although scenic drives offer a thorough overview of the region.
Although swimming in the Colorado River isn’t recommended, strong swimmers who decide to do so can do so while wearing a life jacket. When you decide to visit moab the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area during your next vacation to Moab Utah.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
